A dream for an heir to the Air

If we are allowed to have a dream for the successor to the crown holder of the thinnest laptop in the world: The MacBook Air (MBA), then what it'll look like in your imagination? Does it look like the picture above?

What you see up there is not the new MacBook 2009 with glossy dark-colored screen, it is alledgedly the upcoming new "MacBook Mini", well that is according to a 9to5Mac reader (via Gizmodo) from Russia. There's no confirmation whether this is an actual product from Apple, we have to expect this could be just a(nother) photoshop-ed picture made by a hardcore Apple fan. It may be called as "MacBook Mini", maybe to fit it into the long heard rumors about Mac netbook version, but the side view of the device looks exactly the same as MBA.

Although looking at the picture, everything looks to be in the right place. It has the same keyboard design like the MBA's, and it's only natural to assume that Apple will also put the glossy dark-colored screen used in MacBook line-ups onto the MBA. And here's the list of the specs:

• 10.4" WXGA 1280x768 pixels, LED backlighting
• 267x195x4
• 19.4 mm
• 1.03 (of something?)
• NVidia MCP79, 533 MHz
• Intel Atom Z740, 1.83 Ghz, 1MB L2 cache
• 2GB DDR3-800
• NVidia GeForce 9400M
• 64GB SSD
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n
• 1 USB, 1 mini display port
• 5100 mA Li-Ion battery

I can't find the price of this purpotedly Air-like MacBook at the 9to5Mac post, but Gizmodo says it will come sometime in 2009 for $899. Head on there to see more pictures, and prepare a drool bucket just in case you fall in and starts believing. I know I will, I wanted to... because all these time I've been dreaming for a cheaper version of MBA to come out. If just this rumor doesn't came out in Russian... ~LOL~

A MacNetbook runs Windows/Linux? Definetely a knock-off!

As if we're not being teased enough with the rumors of a cheaper version of MacBook, here's another one that's definetely fall into the knock-off category. A China-based computer company called Top Crown is offering its WF188 netbook with a flipped Apple logo on the top cover, making potential (yet foolish) buyers blindly believe they're buying "MacNetbook". *chuckles*

Here's the list of this alledgedly "MacNetbook" specification if you still interested and haven't jump to the next post already:

• Via Nano 1.3GHz processor
• Up to 2GB DDR 2 RAM
• Via Chrome 9 HC3 integrated graphics card
• 160GB 2.5" SATA HDD or 64GB SSD
• 10-inch screen with 1024x576 resolution
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, 3G/HSDPA connectivity
• Three USB ports, VGA-out, SDHC/MMC card reader and ExpressCard slot
• Windows XP or Linux OS

If any of you are planning to go to Hong Kong or Shenzhen in near future, perhaps you can pick one of this "MacNetbook" for me cuz I've been dying to own a MacBook Air since like forever, and because of one or two things that are currently happening then I guess this will do just fine. ~LOL~

Sources are from CNet & Gizmodo.

Fake MacBook Nano as real as it gets

An overgrown love for Apple logo mixed with restless effort to find/make the perfect netbook, if put together into the hands of a dedicated laptop modder; can result in a steering device to turn everybody's head.

And so it seems, there's one obsessed modder who managed to pull off a fake Apple's netbook; fake nevertheless but looks real close enough. As you can see in the pictures above, the particular Apple's netbook is named "MacBook Nano". The netbook used is actually MSI Wind, which runs both Windows XP & Mac OS X Leopard.

'Nuff said, head on directly to Flickr page (found via Gizmodo) to see the whole bunch of pictures of this fake "MacBook Nano". If just it is for sale, I might reconsider getting this netbook instead of the much pricier MacBook Air that I never able to buy. ;-p

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

The REAL reason why the new MacBooks use glass display

I'm speechless... and I laughed so hard that I think I spit out on my Treo's screen. ;-p

The image and the lines right next to it, explain everything about the mystery of why Apple decided to use glass display for its MacBook 2008 line-up. And I have to admit it, it does sound right and spot on. ~LOL~

Found it via Macenstein, or you can click on this link for the bigger image.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

MacBooks 2008 new line-up: resistance is futile

I am underwhelmed. And I pretty much sure, that you are too.

First, was because of the bountiful coverage of the leaked photo shots and rumors about Apple’s new “Brick” laptop, now known as the MacBook 2008 line-up. They were bleeding everywhere around the blogosphere, no matter how often I plugged the hole from leaking, I kept seeing them being covered at least once in every tech blogs I visited.

Second, soon after the official announcement of the MacBooks 2008 line-up, those new laptops are reviewed immediately by many major tech blogs and news sites. It’s like those reviewers were breaking into Steve Jobs’ personal vault, while he’s on stage on the announcement event, and snatched the new laptops for themselves. ~LOL~

I can’t blame them, though. It’s been in a long line of computer history, that Apple products always invite so much attention from everyone. Eye-catchy, that’s the proverb if I’m not mistaken. For one example, I always admire HP’s 2133 Mini-Note physical design. The combination of aluminum colors on its body, is in contrast with the glossy black colored screen. Just exactly what Apple has done for the new MacBook design.

Update: It seems our own Sammy also loves the new MacBooks, is that a live photo shot of Sammy’s new MacBook 2008? ;-)

And that’s the same of what Michael J. Miller from one of PC Mag’s Blogs said in his blog: “And we know the company (Apple) can make anything seem special (case in point: with Time Machine, Apple made a backup program seem sexy).”

But it’s indifferent for my brother, a sarcastic 32-years-old programmer skilled with C# and SQL Server language plus a web site designer, which makes him a totally PC (read: Microsoft) devoted users. Him and I had a little conversation about the new MacBooks 2008, and after throwing arguments into the mix about the pro and cons for having a Mac system; he eventually reluctant to admit that Apple’s products are indeed eye-catchy. He quickly added “only” in front of the mentioned proverb.

Is it? With all of those new things thrown in by Apple to the new MacBook 2008 such as the “unibody” aluminum process, glossy screen, glass multi-touch trackpad, faster and more power-packing graphic processor; is it still “only” good looking rather than the beast inside that matters?

For those who are not Mac die-hard fans or simply neutral computer enthusiasts, the answer would like Dan Costa’s answer (from PC Mag) on the new Macs: "So what?"

It’s not just him who is disappointed by the minor changes inside MacBooks 2008 specifications, but also Lance Ulanoff (also from PC Mag) and many other bloggers out there. Again, they who are not fanatic for Apple’s products. Lance Ulanoff’s comment on the new Macs: “…but it looks like Apple's running out of truly big ideas. I look forward to January's MacWorld (2009) event, but with even more diminished expectations."

These both guys from PC Mag are more underlying the MacBooks 2008’s price tags, Apple’s cheapest new MacBook is now priced at $999 and that’s still too expensive for most of mainstream users. Instead of releasing a “me-too” netbook variant (quoted from Dan Costa’s saying) within the newly introduced MacBooks 2008 line-up, Apple still believe to enjoy a fat-juicy profitable margin returns from sales of such an expensive piece of technology.

The mainstream buyers and the Mac wannabes, are both screaming for lower Macs line-up. That includes me, I’m a dreamer & I’ve dreamt of getting a MacBook Air since it first came out, but never able to fill up the cash needed in my piggy safe. ;-p We’re all acting like today protesters, who are screaming to bureaucrats for lower fuel price and cheaper living cost.

The ongoing epic of MacBook line-ups can be related to the upcoming and most watched U.S. Presidential 2008 election (Obama vs. McCain), which is now being over shadowed by fear of déjà vu on what has happened to Tom Bradley; an African-American who was one of the California governor candidates back in 1982. The reaction from computer & mobile users are almost similar to that.

A quick flash back: Bradley lost the election only by slight numbers, but it shocked many analysts and those who were following the election news. Because Bradley managed to stay on top of many polls, that alone means people never stay true to their principles, we easily switch it at the end. *snap* Just like that.

Back to the topic, those who’ve been complaining of MacBooks hefty price tags; will they soon change their screaming into spending their cash to buy the coveted eye-catchy device? Will the reviewers who have bad-mouthed about MacBooks 2008 specs change their statements too?

Because they say only true Mac believers, who have owned or use the previous version of MacBooks, to feel and appreciate the “unseen” greatness in the new MacBooks 2008 line-up. Essentially, the appreciation can only be felt when using the device. Just like what Gizmodo says in its review: “Not visible with the naked eye, you can feel the lineage of these systems, evidence that Apple has not forgotten its history or the taste of its various demographics."

For you, who is a PC or not a Mac lover; then it’s an easy passage for you to move on with your digital life. But it’ll be the opposite for you, Apple/Mac die-hard fans; it’ll feels like when you’re being confronted by those nasty Borgs from Star Trek, who always say these words while stare at you with their cold-robotic eyes: “Resistance is futile… it's time to buy the new MacBook!” ~LOL~

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Early look of the new MacBook Pro codenamed "Brick"

We've reached the final stage of leaked photo shots, just several more hours before the official announcement of MacBook "Brick" Pro. After yesterday they, those mean-meany teasers, gave us only the live shots of the cases then this time is the whole laptop in all of its glorious blurry image.

Engadget got the tip that the upcoming "Brick" will hosts two NVDIA GPUs, not one but two. If this is true, than Steve Jobs can, and will most probably is gonna say the new MacBook Pro as the "powerest" ever. ~LOL~ (if you don't get why I use such gross grammar, please refer to this post)

The images and the rumors, can be true or not. It's like the saying goes: "I'ts not over until the fat lady sing", which in this case it's not over until Steve Jobs unveils the drape later at Apple's October 14 event. But for me, that blurry image up there is good enough to ease my anxiety for few more hours. ;-)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

A feast of the new MacBook Pro live photo shots for your eyes

Two more days, it's just two more days before Steve Jobs took the stage at Apple'sTown Hall on October 14th. Where he'll officially introduced the rumored "Brick" MacBook we've been hearing it all the time on the net. And so here we are, with another shot of the "Brick" leaked live photos.

Judging from the live photo shots, these may be the real deal and not a fake photos before. The pics are in rhyme with the previous leaked blurry images, which create a solid pattern of what we'll be expecting on the October 14th event tomorrow. Head on to BGR page, or directly to the source for more detailed live photo shots. Enjoy while these teasers last..! ;-)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

The upcoming new Macbook Pro gets a close mock-up

Hey, don’t blame the Apple fans & designers for making a close to realistic mock-up of the upcoming new MacBook Pro, which is teased by Apple itself. With leaked live photo shots are bleeding everywhere on the net, and plenty early speculations of what to be expected in the new MacBook line-ups; we can almost taste (read: imagine) the real device.

So, just few more days to go before the unveiling of the rumored MacBook “Brick”, we once again have a teaser coming out from a designer named Miguel Suárez. He has visioned a 17" MacBook Pro mock-up image, pictured above.

Iphone Savior, who has found this says: “Suárez was responsible for designing an amazing iPod nano mock-up that was dangerously close to Apple's design, making his work credible if not perfectly accurate.”

Further more, I agree with what iPhone Savior has to say about the mock-up: “…(it) looks spot on.” Indeed it is, what do you think? ;-D

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

All eyes will be on Apple's October 14th event

Oooh...., Apple sure is know how to tease us with image like what you see on the left. Yes, you know it. The rumor and leaked images of MacBook "Brick" is real after all, and Apple has sent invitation to media for a special media event on Apple's campus for October 14 at the Apple Town Hall on the company's Cupertino, Calif.-based campus. The announcement will be held 10:00 AM Pacific time, you better write these down so you won't miss a beat when it's happening. ;-p

Apple doesn't say much about what they'll unveil on the event, but no one is asking no more because the picture of black colored MacBook, plus with line on it that reads: "The spotlight turns to notebooks" have pretty much say for what we'll expect to come. Although at first seeing the invitation's line there, I wish it reads 'netbook' instead...

More confirmation of new MacBook can be seen based on the history of such event, like what Apple Insider has pointed out: "Apple has used the Town Hall venue in recent years as a more intimate setting for its Mac-related product announcements ... Last July, the company used the Town Hall to introduce aluminum iMacs and showcase new versions of iWork and iLife."

But please, o God please; don't let Steve Jobs say the new MacBook is going to be the "funnest" ever. ~LOL~

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

MacNetbook, if just this is for real...

If just Apple decided to make their own cheap version (and smallest) "MacNetbook", then I'll definetely gonna get one. The glowing Apple logo on the front cover is the catch, everybody will want one too. ;-p

The picture on the left is said to be a live photo shot from a German hacker Florian, which according to Wired: All it took was a Dremel, six white LEDs and a very steady hand. Inside is a little less tidy, with tape and aluminum foil holding things in place and bouncing back a little extra light.

Florian even took the time to make a spoof ad in the style of the MacBook Air spot (the pictures in the linnk are broken), featuring his diminutive machine emerging from a tiny envelope.

Gawsh, if just this "MacNetbook" is for real...

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Could this be the "funner-iest" new MacBook Pro?

Still in the atmosphere of G1 Android marketing campaign, and the after effect release of iPod Touch slogan ad, could this be funner-est... uuuh, funnerist... ummm, funner-iest of the most rumored about upcoming MacBook Pro?? ;-p

Whenever Apple is about to roll out new product line-ups, even if they're only refreshed models, the blogosphere is filled with rumors and speculations of what could be the next ones look like. After the announcement of new iPod Touch (2nd gen), and colorful new line-ups of iPod Nano, it's most likely MacBook line-up is next.

The excitement of new products often come from teasers, and fan made images which usually are only results from photoshoped of old pictures. And so is this rumor, it comes from ModMyI who got a tipster from someone called Techno Minds. Right or not, or if it is just merely photoshoped pictures, it's fun to be teased with good images like these.

The tipster says grabbed these pictures/images of the new Macbook Pro from a claimed Apple Employee working on Apple's design team. According to the source the below pictures are the new Macbook Pro grabbed with a camera phone, and the above image is a mockup of a Macbook Pro ad designed for the Apple website. Some interesting details about the Pro were also included:

• The 'Touchpad Dock' rumor is false
• A new magnetic opening/closing system is in place
• The top of the 'shell' is gloss, similar to the iPhone and the bottom is aluminum
• The iSight is hidden nicely in the glossy frame
• The keyboard is similar to the MacBook Air keyboard

Good or bad, you're the one who decide. Let's just enjoy these while they last, they're teasers after all. ;-D

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

A rumor & an update for MacBook Air

Don't think that your slender MacBook Air (MBA) won't get any rumors or updates, because you're getting both of them just at this end of the week. First one let's get to the rumor: new Intel Core 2 Duo S processor for the next gen of MBA.

It's actually more kinda like a prediction than a rumor, really. Cuz at the latest Intel Developer Forum (IDF) held on San Fransisco; Intel announced the new small packaged Core 2 Duo that Apple has used in MBA. That new processor will be called Core 2 Duo S, there are two clock speeds available: 1.6GHz & 1.8GHz.

You may say those clock speeds are the same with your MBA right now, you damn right they are. But the new "S" processors will have better FSB: 1.06GHz, cache memory: 6MB L2, and consume less energy: 17W.

That would mean you'll get a tiny bit more performance boost with a new price tag, remember; new gizmo means it'll be pricier than the old one. But let's face it, you'll get it right? Cuz with less power hungry processor means you can turn on the back-light of MBA's cool keyboard more often & longer, you like that don't ya? ;-)

Next one is a new important update for MBA that can fix the processor idling bug, which reportedly by MBA users; one of the Core 2 Duo processors would shut down when MBA is too hot. The update also to fix problems with video playback on MBA. This update can be considered very late after the issues first known, but nevertheless Apple has finally released an official update to fix them.

Before you grab the update and start installing it into your MBA, Apple has warn that third-party utilities used to adjust the clock speed and voltage of the processor may create problems and should be uninstalled before applying the update.

Sources are from:

• Next-gen MacBook Air CPU; Apple's SoHo neighbors complain (AppleInsider)
• Apple releases MacBook Air Update (Macworld)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

New MacBooks on the horizon

What other surprises can we expect from Apple after the introduction and official launch of iPhone 3G? Well, of course it must be back to Apple's core sales point: MacBook.

Yes, this is still a rumor. But proofs have began to piling-up as days pass by, first is the rumor reported by AppleInsider about next-gen MacBook Pro casing design revealed. And then there's an article came from Digitimes, which was originally a translation of a chinese article from The Commercial Times, it reported that Apple has increased its orders of printed-circuit boards for notebooks by 20 percent compared to last quarter.

Furthermore, Apple has been enjoying special treatment from Intel on new processors line-ups available before shipped to other competitors. Thus with the new Intel's Centrino 2 platform has been launched last week, it's most probably that Apple will refresh its MacBooks with the newest platform & processors.

So my advice for you who are planning to buy a new laptop or MacBook, please hold your purse a little tighter before making any purchase. Cause even if you buy today most powerful MacBook, it'll become obselete when a newer one comes out just few weeks later... Now, we don't want that don't we? ;-)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Orbino, exclusive hard-leather case for MacBook Air

Exclusive is what come in mind whenever people see Apple's thinnest laptop: MacBook Air (MBA), aside from its hefty price; the MBA also only sports minimum specifications for modern laptop. Thus making it one of the elusive product in the market today.

So to protect your fragile thin MBA, you're now can choose from various of protecting cases & bags. From not so expensive one to most exclusive, like these cases from Orbino. The "Aria" case line-up seeks to complement its beauty with brawn, made from both premium leather and "sculpted anodized aluminum frame."

It's got a spring-loaded latching mechanism, removable leather shoulder strap, and a padded "alcantara" exterior. It keeps its Air-matching shape by having all your accessories (read: power brick) in a removable external pocket, which is a little clunky but not too bad. It's made entirely by hand, machined from a single block of aluminum, and it's in premium hand-stretched leather (with exotic skins available on special order.)

It's not the Aria case itself that's so excluvie, to bring one home you must pay a premium price too. Starting at $529 each! Sources are from Gizmodo & Crave.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Cozy Sleeping Bag case for MacBook Air & Eee PC

Some love their pet more than anything, and give the coziest cushion for their loveable animal. And for geeks who love their gizmos, and want to give cushion protection for the fragile gadget let's say such as the thin MacBook Air or the tiny little Eee PC; you might want to try this Sleeping Bag case made by Furryrobo.

Like you can see at the thumbnail picture on the left (click to enlarge it), the Sleeping Bag is designed to fit for MacBook Air and 7" UMPC. Each bag features a waterproof nylon surface combined with shock-absorbent quilted 5mm PE foam and leather trim.

You can choose between white or black color, which both priced at $49 Singapore dollars. And Furryrobo also provide the smaller size for UMPC, with less expensive tag price at $28.

Looks quite stylish and yet protective, just don't mistaken it as your pillow when you're going to bed. ;-p ~LOL~

Sources are from Furryrobo, via Gizmodo.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Cool and exclusive leather case for MacBook Air

Ooops, I almost forgot to keep on supplying you guys with new shiny gizmos and accessories. So far I've been informing you with 'not-so-expensive' things, and now here's something a bit different that guarentee exclusivity for those who love leathers.

Vaja has released another remarkable leather protection line-ups for your precious MacBook Air, but its first edition; the one that has mesh vents sewn into it is one of top of the line amongst others. Like you can see it on the picture details at the left (click on it to enlarge it), this i-Volution Leather Suit type meant to be always attached to the MacBook Air. So it can offer all-time protection, while keep you stay stylish all the time.

There are others amazing leather suit line-ups that can be seen on Vaja's web page, enough to make you drool over a bucket and haunt your dreams to come. A little bit of warning before you head on there. ;-p

All of Vaja's leather protection for MacBook Air are hand-made thus you can order from around 1,000 colors available, starting at $280 a piece. There are many other leather for your gadgets and gizmos, and of course for our Palms.