MacBook Pro Reviews

Apple MacBook Pro Deals - Tips For Obtaining the Best Ones

2011-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

The best times to get some of the best Apple MacBook Pro Deals are the holiday seasons. This is because Apple offers discounts on their products from MacBook computers to iPods. The company makes a list of the products that they have on offer and a fan of MacBook Pro computers can have the best season ever when he or she decides to purchase during the holiday seasons. One way to take advantage of MacBook Pro deals is to obtain Apple discount coupons which are available online.

There are also educational discounts for these computers for students and teachers. The Apple website has a link where students, staff and faculty can purchase their products. This link is called "savings for staff, faculty and students". People who take advantage of these educational discounts are able to obtain discounts of up to 15% on computer products including the MacBook Pros.

Apple has been known to sell refurbished products which are very effective in their performance and very affordable to the customer. There is a red tag written "sale" on the Apple website where all the refurbished computer products are listed. Here a user can have up to 40% off the original price of a this Apple computer. When a person has saved all the discount coupons of MacBook Pro, he or she will have a good deal on the Apple store because the savings can amount to a very big reduction in the original price of a new 13", 15" or 17" MacBook Pro.

During thanksgiving week, Apple discounts all their computer products. This is done a day past Thanksgiving and it lasts an entire day. This offer is particularly good for shoppers because it does not discriminate between online and retail shoppers. While some deals and discounts are only available for online shopping, the Thanksgiving offer is open to all. The Thanksgiving discount is Apple's way of spreading cheer and thanking its global clientele.

It doesn't matter where a ture Pro fan is located geographically because Apple has retail shops all over the world and the global growth of internet services has enabled people to purchase online. In case a person wants computer components, he or she can also check out other sites apart from Apple's online store. There are many sites which offer good discounts on hard drives, memory or even optical drives that can be inserted into a MacBook Pro.

If you want a cheap but effective MacBook computer, you only have to wait for the holiday seasons, read reviews and get the best Apple MacBook Pro deals.

About the author:

Nadav Snir operates a website which includes coupons and discounts to the best electronics stores on the web. To get those discounts, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Electronics/index.html

Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A Laptop Review - Editor's Choice

2011-06-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

Like most die-hard Apple Macintosh fans, I was thoroughly skeptical of the switch to Intel processors and had been holding on upgrading my trusty MacBook in part because I was afraid to test out the Intel Chips. But soon, my old MacBook just was not cutting it anymore and I decided to bite the bullet and take the plunge. That's how the Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A ended up in my hands.

I have to say from the outset that I'm extremely happy with the decision as nerve-wrecking as it was. The main reason for my joy is the speed and responsiveness the Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A gives. I believe that the leap in performance is due to both the Intel i5 dual-core chip as well as the new OS X v 10.6 Snow Leopard Operating System that comes with the MacBook Pro. The adjustments that Apple have made are simply stunning AND I can also run Windows on the notebook either through a dual-boot system or a Virtual Machine (VM) program. Eat your heart out PC fans!

The Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A also comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics chip with 256 dedicated DDR3 graphics memory. This means that rendering videos, playing games and most other graphics/video intensive applications are a breeze on this machine. Oh and there's an integrated Intel Graphics card too if you need to save battery juice. Just tell the computer and it will switch over for you. Yes, it almost has a mind of its own! A great graphics card is nothing without an exceptional screen and the Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A shows off a stunning 1440 X 900, 15.6 inch gorgeous display. I love watching ANYTHING on this screen. Even the wallpaper looks more attractive on my new MacBook Pro!

My only gripe so far has been the weight of this notebook - 10 lbs. But seriously, everything else more than makes up for it.

There's the multi-touch track-pad, the uni-body aluminum enclosure that is made out of a single piece of solid aluminum, the integrated iSight camera for video conferencing (loving Skype on this baby!) the back-lit keyboard that is an absolute joy to type on and the fantastic battery life at about 8 hours with normal usage and wifi on. Standard ports are all there (USB 2.0, Gigabit LAN, MiniDisplay Port, FireWire 800 and an SD Card slot too).

Ok, I've officially taken too long to write this out. I have to get back to more useful activities on my new found love, I mean my MacBook Pro.

For more reviews and product info, visit MacBook Pro MC371LL/A. For reviews and info on other laptop models, visit http://www.honest-laptop-reviews.com

The New 15-Inch Macbook Pro - Two Month Impression

2011-06-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've owned my own unibody Macbook Pro for about two months now, and it's time to sit back and look at it objectively, now that the hormones have subsided a little. Here are some thoughts...

I've come to realize that in terms of actual hardware capability, this new Macbook Pro isn't much different from the old one, with the exception of the 9600M GT for games. Since I have three consoles to play games on, the only game I tried was Microsoft's Flight Simulator X. Being an avid flight sim geek, I knew that FSX is extremely CPU-bound, and that it prefers Nvidia cards over ATi, sorry, AMD ones. From benchmarks at Tom's Hardware, I also knew that the 9600 GT (desktop version) was one of the best-performing graphics cards (for FSX), so you could say my curiosity was piqued. As it turned out, FSX ran like a fat kid in phys. ed. class due to the relatively slow CPU, so I suppose gaming won't be happening for me on this laptop. That doesn't mean the CPU is slow, that's just the case for FSX (it can struggle to display 30 fps on an overclocked Core i7). A 2.4 GHz Penryn is pretty decent for a laptop.

I also pondered upon the value of this Macbook Pro. I've defended my Apple computers to naysayers by pointing out the build quality, tactile feel and virtues of the OS X operating system, but after the heartbreak that was FSX, I was questioning my decision to drop two large on this laptop. After all, I could have gotten an amazing Windows laptop that had a faster CPU, more RAM, a Blu-Ray drive, more HDD space, better graphics and a better screen for the same or less moolah. After giving it some thought, I realized that, as a writer, I needed a reliable computer, one that wouldn't be affected by viruses and other issues. Having struggled through university with a constantly vulnerable PC, I've become quite complacent now that I'm using Macs. I can download freely from Limewire, for example, knowing well that most files are viruses. All they do is not open, so I can just delete them and move on. I never need to format and reinstall, so my files are always safe; no more family photographs lost. This comfort comes at a cost, that is the premium associated with Apple computers.

I have dabbled in running OS X on PCs quite a bit, and while that was a good interim solution and an introduction to OS X, it's not how I would choose to run my computer, wondering if the next update will break my install. All things considered, I've come to terms paying the premium for the OS X operating system... it is worth it. You simply can't believe how much of a relief it is to be able to just use the computer without having to worry about malware, viruses, broken installs and other issues.

The complaints I have aren't all that great in number, but are niggles nonetheless. The battery was reduced in capacity... as an Indian associate of mine says, "senses not making." With the LED display, low-powered graphics card and 45 nm CPU, instead of getting the same battery life as the old model, this one could have had 20% better life. There are laptops out there that get 6+ hours on a single charge, but none of Apple's laptops come even close. The hinge, while having a delectably smooth operation, is not strong enough. I've seen complaints on Apple's forums where they think this is blasphemy and that Apple should compensate for their losses. While the problem isn't that big (they think you should be able to tilt the laptop 90 degrees so that the keyboard is like a wall, and not have the display tilt at all), it certainly deserves some attention. Heat, that eternal issue plaguing Apple laptops hasn't loosened its grip even slightly, and the MBP does get pretty hot, pretty fast. If only the underdeveloped world could afford Macbooks, birth rates could be controlled (it's a conspiracy, cue X-Files theme). The eject button for the DVD drive is software-based, not hardware. It wouldn't have killed anyone at Apple (I think) to have it hardwired as well. It would make using Windows less complicated (as having software do something as vanilla as eject a DVD can have unpredictable results in the world of Bill), and while we're on the subject, trackpad usage in Windows needs help. It doesn't register all the fancy new moves all the time, which to say the least, makes you very, very frustrated. Even when in OS X, the trackpad's detection needs a bit of help. An update was released a couple of days ago, but I don't notice anything different. I was also expecting a bit of a boost with the DDR3, but in real-world usage and benchmarks, there is no difference. While we're on the subject, a $2000 laptop should definitely have 4 GB of RAM, especially with an Apple laptop where people are bound to be running Parallels, VMware or any of the other professional apps that Macbook Pro users love. I will be upgrading to 4 GB very soon, the slow speeds of Parallels just has me down in the dumps.

I haven't outgrown the looks of this beautiful laptop, even if I've grown out of the gaga stage the beginning. I'm a sucker for anything well-built, and I notice minute differences in things, such as the solidity of the Japan-made PSP versus the relatively cheap feel of the Chinese-made one. One of the best things about the new MBP is how solid it is. This unibody thing Apple touts is more than a gimmick or simple selling point, it actually makes a big difference in a product that is portable. Unlike a desktop computer where your interaction is limited to the mouse and keyboard, you'll immediately notice the build quality of a laptop that you open, close and adjust frequently. And since the keyboard and trackpad are integrated into the computer, you'll notice if it creaks or feels cheap, but thankfully, this laptop does none of that. The older Macbook Pros had a bit of a design flaw in that over time, the area to the right of the trackpad, where you'd normally place your right palm, would deform under the weight of your hand and change the shape of the DVD drive opening. In some cases, getting DVDs in and out would not be possible after this happened. It looks like Apple has learned from this, and I can find zero issues of this type. In fact, I was very impressed with the quality of machining... all the cuts and openings are positively jewel-like and the overall finish looks speckled, for lack of a better term. Aluminum is just a wonderful material to work with, it's light, attractive, strong (when anodized) and won't wear like plastic. The trackpad is now glass, but you wouldn't know it if someone didn't tell you, and even then, you might not believe them. At first, I was skeptical, but I appreciate the fact that it is no longer plastic, and I'll tell you why. Any Macbook's trackpad, be it black, white or aluminum, would show wear within just a few months. What happens is that the oil from your skin along with the grooves that make up your fingerprints sand the area that you normally use. In the beginning you can only see it from an angle, but as time goes on, it becomes increasingly noticeable. I've noticed nothing of the sort with this new glass trackpad, so that by itself will add to the longevity, as least aesthetically. Finally, the writer's instrument, the keyboard. It is the best keyboard I've seen on a laptop, along with the Macbook Air's. I was a disbeliever in laptop keyboards until I tried these! They have short, positive travel, and allow me to deliver my fastest typing speeds. Months of hard, fast typing hasn't changed them at all (not on the Macbook Pro, nor my aluminum keyboard for the iMac). These are a vast improvement over the previous mushy, Cadbury Dairy Milk-looking keys on the last Macbook Pro. Did I mention I love the backlighting? I like it so much I can't see myself ever buying a laptop without this feature.

I'm glad to see that the laptop is holding up well, and true to my experience with OS X, has given me no issues at all so far. I can just use the laptop for whatever I want without worry, which is why I got it in the first place. I think that Macbooks and Macbook Pros are great for anyone that values reliability over gaming, the only area where Windows laptops have an advantage. The only thing is, you'd have to cough up a little extra cash to get them, but at least you know they'll run OS X well for a few years to come, as even the oldest Intel Macs can run the latest version of OS X well. And if you're in the market for an Apple laptop, you can save yourself about $100, and wait till within a week of Snow Leopard's release. That way, you'll get a coupon to get it for free, or get it in the box itself. I welcome your thoughts!

Read about electric razors for women [http://electricrazorsforwomen.org] and HP external hard drive [http://hpexternalharddrive.com] reviews!

by Loy Bond

Broken Hinge on MacBook Pro Laptop

2011-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

Laptop screen hinges are one of the most delicate parts (besides your LCD screen) on your MacBook. Older MacBook Pro systems are especially vulnerable to hinge damage due to the very thin aluminum that surrounds the LCD screen to keep it in place. First of all, let's discuss a few ways to avoid having your hinges get damaged in the first place.

Rule Number One:

ALWAYS use both hands when opening your screen. If you obey this one simple rule, your screen hinges and screen support assembly will last much longer. It sounds so simple, and yes, we forget about this important rule all the time, but when you grab your laptop and flip open the screen with one hand, you are flexing your screen in ways that it was not meant to be. Place your hands on either side of the screen and open slowly. It's easy. Just take a breath and relax before you flip the lid. If you own an older MacBook, be sure the latch on the front is released BEFORE you try and open your screen. It is very easy to bend your screen housing, or worse, break your MacBook Pro screen.

Rule Number Two:

Keep your laptop away from the edge! The edge of the table, the edge of the seat of your car, the edge of your desk...you get the idea. It's just another simple rule that can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs or parts replacement. Most hinge and screen frame damage is caused by drops - many of which could have been avoided if we all simply keep our MacBook Pro away from the edge of whatever we set it on.

Rule Number Three:

If your MacBook Pro is "parked" most of the time, you can probably skip this one - but, if you carry your laptop around a lot, get yourself a "sleeve" made of silicon, leather or other material that will help keep your MacBook Pro from slipping out of your butter fingers. Yeah, like we've never dropped our laptop before. Trust us. You want a sleeve.

Rule Number Four:

Get a good carrying case - one with a decent suspension. And no, we're not talking about your cars suspension. Get a case with a back that has a suspended inner section for your MacBook Pro if possible. This will keep your laptop from coming into contact with the ground, since we know you like to toss your bag around at the end of the day.

OK, so you followed all these rules and it still happened - your MacBook Pro screen is all bent up, or out of alignment with the rest of the computer. Or, maybe you can't even open the screen up.

First thing...STOP - do not pass go, do not attempt to open up your screen. There are all kinds of wonderful cables and such that are housed right around your MacBook Pro hinge assembly. These delicate cables can get ripped apart easily, increasing the cost of the repair you are going to get done so you can use your MacBook Pro again. Go borrow someone else's computer to Google fora Mac laptop repair service. In other words, don't risk opening up your screen and doing more damage.

When scheduling your laptop repair service you want to be sure to ask these questions:

Do you use Apple certified repair technicians? (YES)

How long of a warranty do you offer? (AT LEAST 1-YEAR)

Do you offer free shipping for repairs? (YES)

How long will the repair take? (24-HOURS)

Are you working out of your garage? (NO)

Do you offer toll-free customer support where I can speak to a human being? (YES)

We hope these tips help to keep your MacBook Pro running safe and strong. If you do wind up with a defective hinge or screen that needs replacement, you'll at least know some important questions to ask when scheduling your repair.

Shannon Jean

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn) Review

2011-05-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

1. Overview

The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop is a great looking machine. Encased in a standard good looking Apple chassis, it has a load of features beneath that pretty exterior. The machine also runs the latest 2.6-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 processor (also called Penryn). You also get the Mac OS X operating system installed and that opens up all the Mac based programs you need.

2. Design

Speaking of design, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch comes with a weight of 5.3 pounds. I find it amazing that the designers managed to fit all that computing power in that light weight, less then an inch thick body. You'll definitely find that this Apple MacBook Pro is one of the sexier laptops out there.

3. Display

One of the nice features of the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch is the LED backlight. Yeah, this backlight is really cool coz it lights up the machine when the ambient surroundings gets too dark. If you crave large, gorgeous displays to play your movies and games, then the 1440 x 900 resolution of this machine, displayed on that 15.1 inch scren will definitely not disappoint.

4. Keyboard and Other Controls

Ok, what about the keyboard and other controls? The keyboard is really comfortable to type with, but that is not the most outstanding control of this machine. The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch has a solid feature called the gesture-based touchpad. This really cool feature allows you to pinch and navigate using your finger movements. This feature is also found in the iPhone and MacBook Air. So if you like cool, sexy navigation features, this MacBook is for you.

5. Ports and Connections

The Apple MacBook Pro boasts 802.11n wireless connectivity (which incidentally is the latest in wireless technology for laptops, the older ones being 802.11a and 802.11g). There are also ample USB ports for you to connect any external devices required.

6. Battery Life

The batter life of this MacBook Proc is pretty amazing, at about 3 hours 56 minutes. This is probably due to the Penryn process from Intel, which runs more efficiently than older types of processors.

7. Shortcomings

Right, what are the shortcomings of the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch? Well, to be frank with you - nothing much. Perhaps the only downside is the price tag. But in my opinion, the extra price is worth it for all the features you get, especially that gesture-based touchpad.

Conclusion

On the whole, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch based on the Penryn processor provides top-of-the-line performance combined with a sleek, sexy design. If you are looking for a cool machine that has better computing power than the MacBook Air, then the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch might just be for you. So do check it out, and until next time - happy computing!

Gary Hendricks runs a website about laptops. Visit his website at Best-Laptop-Guide.com to learn more about selecting the best laptops and accessories to suit your needs.

Investing In A Refurbished Macbook Pro 13: Massive Functionality Means Massive Financial Savings

2011-05-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

When considering investing in a refurbished Macbook Pro 13, this is what each potential consumer should be aware of. First things first. The Apple company creates a fantastic product point blank! Whether or not new or perhaps refurbished, this particular Mac is a powerful mobile computer. In this post, we will speak about the features and also benefits associated with Apple's potent portable along with ways you can get the best bargain on buying a refurbished Macbook Pro 13.

Let us start out with what's altered in the latest models. The Apple company has offered us together with latest features that have a whole lot available for most people. The Mac Pro 13 boasts a fresh generation of Intel centered processors, lengthy battery life, powerful graphics for nice display, any FireWire 800 Slot and a most anticipated SD-card position for shifting pictures and also videos. Most of these recent revisions for the The year of 2010 model assure to meet perhaps the most extremely hungry user's appetite.

Fresh Intel Core 2 Duo processors execute all the hard work in your refurbished Mac Pro 13. This kind of powerful computer chip increases the 2010 product up to 80% over the previous technology. Better velocity means getting more successful quicker.

The particular model can hold approximately a couple of gigabytes (Gigabytes) of memory space for 2010 and also 4 gb (GB) of memory regarding 2011. For your non-techie user which means the increase inside RAM will assist you to multi-task until your heart will be content. Look at the possibilities. Taking care of multiple jobs concurrently would have been a cinch.

Whether or not acquiring fresh or a refurbished Macbook Pro 13, you're guaranteeing yourself a reliable portable notebook computer. The battery on the 13 inch Pro lasts around 10 hours on a single charge. In comparison to the Fifteen and Seventeen inch designs, this battery power lasts about Two hours more time. Pretty neat for your little person in the bunch. This characteristic is useful for anybody that's a mobile warrior.

For the first time, Apple has graced this particular low-end Macbook Pro 13 using a powerful NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor together with 256 MB regarding shared memory space (2010 product). For several years, some other manufacturers boasted their potent spec sheets with top end graphics cards staying at the top of in which list. The Apple company has ultimately leveled the particular playing field. This kind of bump inside graphics efficiency allows abundant displays and satisfaction during intensive video use (i.e. playing games, loading HD online video, etc.).

Faster processors, a lot more capacity for memory space, bigger life of the battery, and abundant video exhibit make Apple's Mac Pro 13 an important challenger in the competing mobile computing industry. When exploring computer products prior to a obtain, these are on the list of top characteristics that you will be considering. To learn more about getting the best deal on a refurbished Macbook Pro 13, be sure to check out the information in the author resource box below.

I love Macbooks and enjoy writing about them. Purchasing a good refurbished Macbook Pro 13 is something that many Apple enthusiasts seek. Be sure to visit http://MacBookProCheap.com to get some of the best information and details about acquiring inexpensive Macbook Pros from someone that loves the subject.

Macbook Vs Macbook Pro - Which Laptop Is Best for You?

2011-05-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Apple Macbook has earned a reputation for making a laptop that performs really well. The Macbook Pro is the next generation with all the same features of the standard Mac plus advanced processing and graphics capabilities. Is the pro version necessary? Is it worth the extra money? Keep reading to discover the differences between the Macbook vs. Macbook Pro.

When comparing the two side by side you have to evaluate what your personal goals are with your laptop. Are you planning on working your laptop hard with a lot of business applications, gaming and downloads or are you more of a casual user that sends emails to friends and surfs the web from time to time? You may or may not need to spend the extra money for the benefits of the pro version and the only way to figure that out is to evaluate what you need in a laptop.

Capabilities of the Macbook vs Macbook Pro

Processing Speed- The difference in processing speed between the Macbook vs Macbook Pro is not very significant. The Mac Pro is just slightly faster at loading and processing than the standard Macbook. A faster machine is ideal, but if you do not have a problem with waiting a few extra seconds for screens to fully upload you can save yourself some money and stick with the standard Mac.

Macbook vs Macbook Pro Memory- As far as RAM is concerned the Macbook Pro has much more memory hands down. The reason is that the Mac Pro has separate memory for the processor and the core system. The Macbook draws all it's memory from the main system, while the pro has 2 separate memory banks. This makes the Macbook Pro ideal if you are a serious gamer, frequently use high end graphics software or download a lot.

Display Screen- Both the Mac and Mac Pro have a vibrant display. As far as advanced graphics are concerned, like for games with high graphics demands or advanced photo shop, the pro version is much better. The graphics card was upgraded specifically to have better resolution to make gaming and photo shop more crisp and colorful without draining the core system of much needed memory. All graphics use the core memory for the Macbook vs Macbook Pro which draws memory from the processor.

When discussing the Macbook vs Macbook Pro the real difference between the two is an upgraded system. The pro has all the same features and more. So when considering which mac is right for you it comes down to how you use it. Are you a casual user or do you rely heavily on your laptop for business or even pleasure?

Casual users will do fine with the standard Macbook vs. Macbook Pro which is geared toward serious users. If you use a lot of photo shop or play high end games a lot it would be well worth the extra money to buy a mac Pro. If all you do is check your email and casually surf the web save yourself the money and go with the Macbook.

Still Unsure Which is Right for You?

For a more in depth look at these laptops check out my lens Macbook vs Macbook Pro to see which is right for you. Be sure to scroll down to watch the video demonstration and side-by-side comparison.

Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop - A Complete Review

2011-05-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Apple's MacBook line of laptops has met a dramatic overhaul, moving on to aluminum construction, edge-to-edge glass over LED displays, and oversize multi-touch track-pads. The latest updates have offered more fine-tuning and tweaking including some much-sought-after features.

The 13-inch aluminum uni-body of the Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A has been promoted to join the MacBook Pro family. To complete the move, the 13-inch Pro regains its missing FireWire port as well as an SD card slot making things a lot easier in general. The backlit keyboard has also been retained along with a non-removable battery similar to those already found on the MacBook Air and 17-inch Pro. However, Apple promises even better battery life with up to a 40 percent improvement.

Specification-wise the Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A offers a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 2GB worth of 1066MHz DDR2 memory. The hard disk drive is a standard 160GB version running at 5,400rpm while the chipset is the NVIDIA MCP79. The graphics are the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M for good overall visuals. The laptop is powered by the OS X Leopard 10.5.7 operating system. While the Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A weighs in at 4.5 pounds without the AC adapter this thin and light laptop is more or less the same size as any other 13.3-inch display laptop albeit lighter and thinner than your average non-Apple variation. The design and construction of the system remains the same as last year's model, with its casing carved from a block a aluminum. It's both lighter and sturdier than the older plastic versions of the 13-inch MacBook.

The new Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A also retains the same oversize track pad, where the entire surface depresses like a button, although you can also tap like a PC laptop once you turn that option on in the settings menu. The two, three and four-finger multi-touch gestures are also available. Once you get used to this, going back to a regular touch pad is difficult.

According to Apple, the new display offers a wider color gamut, and the screen certainly looks bright and colorful. The 13.3-inch wide-screen LCD offers a 1280x800-pixel native resolution, which is standard for screens this size. The LED screen means a thinner lid and better battery life through more efficient energy usage while the corner-to-corner glass covering the whole display reflects lights easily, making the glossy screen hard to see in some lighting conditions.

Connection-wise the Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A offers a Mini-DisplayPort, VGA, mini-HDMI, or Mini-DVI port for displays as well as the standard Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks, Stereo speakers and headphone/microphone jacks for audio. The laptop also offers USB2.0 ports, Mini-FireWire 800 ports and an SD card reader as well an ExpressCard/54 slot for expansion. The laptop connects via standard Ethernet LAN, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional WWAN. The laptop offers a DVD burner as well.

The Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A performed as expected, with the 2.26GHz GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU roughly on par with the 2.4GHz processor in the late-2008 version of the 13-inch MacBook. This allows it to handle Web surfing, working on office documents, multimedia playback with ease. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400 graphics delivered nearly 60 frames per second in Quake IV at 1024x768-pixel resolution that is respectable in itself. This means that you should at least be able to play World of Warcraft and other 3D MMORPGs with ease.

For more product info and customer reviews, visit Apple MacBook MB990LL/A. For reviews on other laptop models, visit http://laptops.treeso.com/reviews.html

MacBook Pro Review

2011-05-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

First impressions

The previous MacBook Pros were very good indeed. They delivered consistently professional quality and great features. Reviewing next generation MacBook Pros is therefore something of a treat.

An initial glance at the latest models shows nothing new. This isn't disappointing: the sturdy casings and the smart design are exactly what you want from a superior laptop. The keyboard appears tidier - the result of some minor changes - but apart from that, everything looks as impressive as it always has.

This might suggest that any internal changes are also minor. Not so. When you fire up the MacBook Pros and start putting each model through its paces, you soon realise you're working with machines that excel expectations.

Technology

To begin with, the processors are Intel 45 nanometer Penryns. These are noticeably faster than the 65 nanometer Meroms installed in the older MacBook Pros, and easily beat the Meroms in all benchmark tests.

The standard processors for the two 15 inch MacBook Pros are 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duos. The 17 inch has the 2.5GHz. Allied to these are enhanced hard drives of 200GB for the 15 inch 2.4GHz, and 250GB for the 15 inch and 17 inch 2.5 GHz.

Of particular interest to the multimedia user is the doubling of the video memory on all three MacBook Pros. The 15 inch 2.4GHz has a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB, and the 15 inch 2.5GHz and 17 inch 2.5GHz have the same graphics processor but with 512MB.

2GB of RAM supports the above technology across the range. The overall results are laptops that cope easily with advanced graphics and audio applications.

HardwareEach of the three MacBook Pros comes with standard hardware, such as:

slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive
iSight camera
AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth® wireless connections
stereo speakers
FireWire 400 and 800 ports
USB 2.0 ports (two on the 15 inch models; three on the 17 inch)
DVI port
Audio ports
Gigabit Ethernet port
ExpressCard/34 slot

There are also hardware "extras" that help the MacBook Pro stand out from the crowd. These include a powerful lithium-polymer battery; an ambient light sensor that illuminates the keyboard in dark conditions; and an energy-saving LED backlit screen.

These screens are mercury-free and anti-glare, and have resolutions of 1,440 x 900 pixels for the 15 inch models and 1,680 x 1,050 pixels for the 17 inch. With both you have bright, natural and pin sharp images.

Perhaps the best hardware extra of all, though, is the new MacBook Pro trackpad. This now has the multi-touch functions that have proved so popular on the iPhone. By pinching, swiping and rotating your fingers on the trackpad, you have remarkably fast and positive control over the features of the MacBook Pro's creative software.

Multi-touch does give rise to a slight problem: the size of the trackpad may feel a little small for someone learning the appropriate gestures. That said, once you're familiar with multi-touch, it's not difficult to work within the trackpad's boundaries.

Software

As with all new Macs, the MacBook Pro comes with the best operating system around, the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard. If you've never used Leopard before, its proficiency will delight you. If you're already a Mac user, you still have something to please you because the new MacBook Pros boost the speed of Leopard and the applications that run off it.

Among these applications is Apple's latest version of the world's fastest browser, Safari. This comes with the usual batch of updated Apple software such as Boot Camp, Mail, iChat, iTunes, DVD Player, iPhoto and iLife '08.

Performance

Experienced MacBook Pro users can load their preferred applications on these latest models and immediately notice the improvements in speed. For example, you can set up Photoshop CS3 in approximately eight seconds on the 15 inch 2.5GHz. You'll then go on to discover Photoshop runs 20 - 25% faster than a 2007 2.6 GHz MacBook Pro.

Compared to a 2006 MacBook Pro, the differences are even greater. Overall, you can experience speed increases of around 50% across a range of applications. This is good news for all those who want maximum performance from a laptop.

Options

With any laptops designed for professional use, it's always worth looking at the manufacturer's options because some people will need a buffer zone of extra speed and power for specific applications.

The configuration options of the MacBook Pro are unlikely to let you down. To give you extra power, you can request a 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor upgrade for either the 2.5 GHz 15 inch or 17 inch models. As for RAM, you can upgrade any of the three MacBook Pros to 4GB.

On the 17 inch MacBook Pro, you might want to increase the hard drive to 300GB to provide additional room for space-stealing graphics applications. Similarly, you can ensure the perfect clarity of your images by asking for a 1,920 x 1,200 pixel screen for the same model.

Finally, if you prefer a glossy rather than anti-glare matt screen, you can request this when you place your order.

Value

With all these upgrades packed into the same shells as the previous MacBook Pro models, you might anticipate a rise in prices. If you do, you'd be wrong. The new MacBook Pros are unquestionably better machines but the prices across the range haven't changed. The old MacBook Pros were good value, but the latest incarnations are simply excellent for the price.

Conclusion

Want the best laptops from a great manufacturer? Look no further.

Pros

Speedier than the previous generation of MacBook Pros
Double the video memory
Smooth, multi-touch features on the trackpad
Improved battery life
Excellent configuration options
More for your money: no price increase compared to the older MacBook Pro equivalents

Cons

Trackpad may be a little small for novice users

MacBook Pro
Mac Computers

The MacBook Pro From Apple

2011-05-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

The latest version of the Apple MacBook Pro is distinguished by its unibody casing that is machined from a single piece of aluminium metal. The new styling brought about by this manufacturing process closely follows that of the iMac and the MacBook Air. The MacBook Pro is now slightly slimmer than its plastic bodied predecessor and has a glass coated LED backlit screen that provides a brighter, clearer image coupled with much improved contrast performance thanks to the LED technology used. The only issue here might be with reflections, but a non-glass option is offered on some models.

Other updates to the range include the peripheral ports being moved to the left side of the casing and an SD card slot being added for the first time on a Mac laptop. Please note that the 17-inch machine features an ExpressCard slot instead of the SD reader. The optical drive has been moved to the right and the DVI port has been replaced with a Mini DisplayPort connection. The FireWire 400 port is now deleted, although the FireWire 800 port is still present. The wireless technology is unchanged with built in wire free MacBook Pro internet access.

In terms of usability, the trackpad has been enlarged with the buttons being incorporated into the pad giving the user more room for scrolling and multi-touch gestures which now imitate those that can be used on the iPhone touch-screen. The keyboard is the standard Apple affair with separated backlit keys.

MacBook Pro models

The MacBook Pro model range is based around three screen sizes of 13-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch. Each of the models can be tailored with varying specifications of processor speed, memory size and hard drive capacity. A high performance solid state hard drive (SSD) can also be specified as an extra. For those not liking the reflective nature of the glass screen, an anti-glare matte screen can be specified on the 15" and 17" models.

MacBook Battery Life

All MacBook Pro models employ a non-user serviceable sealed in battery that uses lithium-ion polymer cell technology. This innovation has allowed Apple to use batteries with non-rounded cells that can use all the free space inside the MacBook Pro chassis. The downside of this is that it prevents the user removing and replacing the battery in the event of failure. The use of this technology provides the range with superb battery life with the 13-inch and 15-inch models giving up to seven hours on a single charge. The larger body of the 17-inch mac allows a massive eight hours to be squeezed out of a single charge.

The batteries in MacBook Pro models are claimed to last for around 1000 charge cycles whist still retaining 80 percent of their capacity. This would provide a lifespan of about five years for an average user.

MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air

Whether a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is the better laptop depends on the users specific requirements. Both are very stylish machines and the Pro model isn't exactly large or heavy, especially if you go for the smallest 13" version. A business user needing long battery life and a full range of features such as a DVD drive, multiple USB ports and a FireWire connection would be better off choosing a Pro model. One further consideration is that the Air is only available with the 13" screen size, so if you need any bigger, then the Pro is the only one to go for.

A user wanting a stylish machine for occasional use may prefer a free MacBook Air. You sacrifice luxuries such as a CD drive and card reader but get one of the thinnest, most stylish notebooks on the market.

We hope this MacBook Pro review has made your choice a little easier. Make sure you search for the best price before buying, although from our experience there are rarely any good deals around. If price is an issue then consider a free MacBook Pro from Gadgets-4-Free. There are no costs, and for a little bit of work getting your friends involved you could have the latest MacBook Pro, all for free.

MacBook Air V MacBook Pro

2011-05-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Which one? The agony of choice! One thing is for sure they both look great with the beautiful aluminium design. The operating system is the same for both computers which is of course great and one of the reasons so many people are buying mac's. They designed the operating system based on Unix, the operating system birthed in the sixties.

So the question is which one do you go for? The lightweight and portability of the MacBook air or the superior performance of the MacBook pro. It's a tough choice, the air does come with Solid state drives as standard now which gives it a noticeable performance boost, when you launch programs.

The pro on the other hand while it comes with ordinary hard drives as standard, can be upgraded to use solid state, but it has other features not found in the MacBook air - more usb ports, firewire, a DVD drive, better screen resolution, graphics processing, and the most important a better processor.

Personally I am a more heavy user and so the pro suits my needs and requirements better. For a start the firewire port, but also the processing power. If you are the type of user that just surfs the web, checks emails and especially travels a lot then the Air is probably the choice for you. Perhaps it's a good idea to take a trip to an apple store and check out both. There of course many excellent articles online and advice to be found. One things for sure I don't think you will regret either choices.

Now just recently there has been a new entry or update into the MacBook pro models by Apple. They have updated the whole range with five new models. Two thirteen inch, two fifteen, and one seventeen. Though really it is actually six because you can upgrade the processor of the top level fifteen inch model. The thirteen inch models have got fairly spectacular updates in their processing power moving from Intel core two duos to an i5 and i7 respectively. So now we have a powerhouse and reasonably portable little laptop. Strangely the current MacBook Air has better screen resolution available than the thirteen inch pro models.

So I think this is going to make the choice a little bit more difficult. Anyone who is looking for a bit of a punch in their computer is going to be very tempted by the I5 and i7's.

Robert Wilson thinks a good reference for comparing MacBook Pro & MacBook Air is: MacBook Pro v MacBook Air and for MacBook Pro Keyboard covers Keyboard covers for MacBook Pro

Improvements and Innovations of the Next Generation 15 Inch MacBook Pro

2011-05-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Unibody

The MacBook Pro boasts Apple's new design concept: the unibody. The unibody is a laptop casing manufactured with incredible precision from a block of aluminium. The result is not only a laptop that looks fantastic with its brushed finish and smooth edges; it's also more than capable of absorbing the rough and tumble of life on the move.

Furthermore, the unibody has enabled Apple to make the MacBook Pro lighter and thinner. This powerful, feature-packed laptop now weighs just 2.49 kg (5.5 pounds), and at its thickest point is 2.41 cm (0.95 inch).

The monitor

The MacBook Pro's 15.4 inch monitor is still an LED backlit glossy widescreen with 1,440 x 900 pixel resolution. The fact that these specs haven't changed is certainly no cause for concern because the quality is first-rate. Apple has managed to enhance it, however, with a glass front that stretches across the whole of the interior surface and does away with a metal frame. The glass looks better, is tougher and lasts longer. It's also free from arsenic, a toxin released when glass is recycled.

Multi-Touch trackpad

Another striking feature of the MacBook Pro is the larger, more versatile trackpad. The smooth etched glass of the trackpad now has a surface area 39% greater than before. This gives you plenty of room for your fingers to make every trackpad signal.

These signals have also developed, and now incorporate some useful extras. Apple has introduced a four finger swipe, for example, that takes full advantage of the trackpad's size increase. Swipe four fingers to the right or left, and you trigger Application Switcher. This allows you to view all your open applications. Swipe four fingers up or down, and you prompt Exposé to show desktop or all your open windows.

If you're more used to right-hand clicking, the trackpad gives you the chance to do this by tapping with two fingers. It's also possible to arrange for the trackpad to give you a specific right-hand click zone.

Current Mac owners will spot the lack of a button lying along the bottom of the trackpad. Apple has replaced this by simply turning the whole trackpad into a button. In other words, you can click the trackpad anywhere on its surface.

Mini DisplayPort

The new Mini DisplayPort connector on the MacBook Pro is a tenth of the size of a normal DVI port. It provides a fast, no-nonsense method of connecting the 24 inch Apple Cinema Display, or peripherals such as projection systems. Various Mini DisplayPort adaptors also enable you to connect VGA, DVI, and dual-link DVI monitors.

Cinema Display

Apple's 24 inch LED backlit Cinema Display is the perfect complement to the new MacBook Pro. It's just what you need if you're making a presentation, or you just want the advantages conferred by a larger screen. Apple has also designed the Cinema Display so that you can connect and use the MacBook Pro as simply as possible. Similarly, you can disconnect with ease and walk away with the MacBook Pro at short notice.

The Cinema Display's cable, for instance, branches into three connectors. One of these goes into the new MacBook Pro's Mini DisplayPort; another plugs into a USB port; and the third is a MagSafe that you connect to the MacBook Pro's Power Port. In other words, you can display your images on both the MacBook Pro and the Cinema Display; use the Cinema Display's iSight camera, microphone, and speakers; and charge the MacBook Pro via an adaptor built into the Cinema Display.

NVIDIA graphics

Apple has teamed up with NVIDIA to produce an integrated graphics processor that's ideal for professional applications and advanced games. The NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor comes with dual-link DVI support and, for the 2.4GHz 15 inch MacBook Pro, has 256MB of GDDR3 memory. The memory capacity doubles to 512MB on the 2.53GHz and 2.8GHz MacBook Pro models.

This isn't the only graphics processor in the new MacBook Pro, however. Recognising that users will sometimes require less intensive power, Apple also installs the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with the main memory. This means you can save battery power by opting for the 9400M whenever you're working on your day-to-day applications.

Storage

Storage on the new MacBook Pro has increased to 250GB on the 2.4GHz model, and 320GB on the 2.53GHz. Both of these hard drives run at 5,400 rpm, but you can opt to increase the speed to 7,200 rpm if you choose. There's also a 128GB solid-state drive available.

The environment

Apple's innovations continue with the MacBook Pro's environmental credentials. Traditionally, laptop manufacturers have used brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in logic boards; PVC in cables; arsenic in glass components; and mercury in the CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights of LCD monitors. Apple has successfully eliminated these toxins from the new MacBook Pro.

Apple has also worked hard to ensure every aspect of the design and manufacturing process considers environmental impact. As a result, the new MacBook Pro reaches the gold standard of EPEAT (electronic product environmental assessment tool). EPEAT measures the way in which a product affects the environment; the amount of energy it consumes; and the ability to recycle its parts. A gold rating is proof of Apple's ecological commitment.

The new MacBook Pro also meets the exacting standards required to give it Energy Star status. In fact, the MacBook Pro uses just 33% of the electricity needed for one light bulb.

A high calibre product

The new 15 inch MacBook Pro has a range of exceptional features as well as industry-leading improvements in technology and green standards. With the unibody, it also has a remarkable design concept. Put all these innovations together, and you have a truly superior laptop.

Ben T Wilson writes about Mac computers including the MacBook Pro.

Macbook Pro 2011 15 Inch Review

2011-05-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

The rumor mill ran wild following the highly anticipated Macbook pro refresh. Liquid metal, standard SSDs, higher-res, updated design were among the false reports. What has changed however are the internals. Questions like: is this model worth upgrading to, or should I wait for the new model, will be answered in this article. Let's start with the changes.

Hardware

The model under the microscope is the high-end 15" model, which contains a 2.2ghz Sandy Bride quad core i7 processor, 4gb ram and a 6750m from AMD. That's a big upgrade from the previous generation. I've also opted for the high-res screen, which is a given in my (mac!)book. *pun intended*

Apart from the high-end 15" Macbook pro, Apple also offers two 13" models and a single 17" machine. Across the board each model enjoys a faster processor, faster ram and thunderbolt.

The latter is very interesting and a first for any laptop on the market! I'm actually not going into too much detail about it but basically it's Intel's answer to USB. The connection is capable of transferring video, audio and data, all simultaneously at very high speeds. That means that a DVD movie will transfer to external storage in about 6 seconds once supported hardware comes out.

When deciding between models realize that the 13" models all share an Intel HD 3000 graphics as sole provider. This is a source of frustration for gamers out there because the chip is pretty weak for modern games. The smaller models also use the gaps between the keys as speaker holes and lack a subwoofer; expect a slightly more tin sound.

The 17" model has a 1920?1200 display and similar specs to the 15" Macbook pro. This is both a good and bad thing. The good thing is that you'll have slightly more screen real estate but gaming on native resolution will definitely struggle.

Body

As noted Apple has retained its famous unibody design for this generation of Macbooks. I don't consider this a bad thing. Built from a single piece of aluminum, this laptop is very scratch resistant and clean looking. My previous Macbook Pro (same design) definitely withstood the test of time. (not a single scratch!)

In my view this is the best looking laptop apart from the Macbook Air. Its design is very symmetrical. Everything is exactly where you'd expect it to be. Like how the speaker holes match the vertical space used by the keyboard keys. The width of the hinge also perfectly matches the horizontal keyboard space. Using a combination of black and silver, Apple managed to create something very aesthetically pleasing. However I'd have loved to see some Macbook Air elements take over. The battery indicator for one seems unnecessary to me and the DVD super drive is bound to disappear. Guess we can expect those changes in a redesign later on.

Still the Macbook Pro 2011 is among the sturdiest and best looking laptops out there, a real winner!

Display

The 15" model comes standard with a resolution of 1440?900. This can be upgraded to 1680?1050, something everyone should do. Apple uses a high-end TN display, so still no IPS unfortunately.

The viewing angles are decent. It's possible to read text and distinguish details at any angle. However, inevitably, the screen washes out from the sides, especially grays become yellowish; notice the app store panel lines. I also noticed that the screen has a weak-spot for lower and upper angles. Even at a small degree colors started to fade. This is why we want IPS panels, they're just noticeably better at this. Still the Macbook Pro has one of the better screens out there. Colors really pop and the pixel density feels just right. People looking for ultra-realistic color reproductions will have to look at production screens, what else is new?

For the first time ever Apple managed to jam a HD facetime camera into the glossy display. This is a logical step in the evolution of video calling between Apple devices. To test this I called my laptop using the iPhone 4 and configured the facetime app.

Calling is easy and direct. Simply click a phone number or e-mail in your contacts and the system will attempt to set up a facetime call. This process can sometimes take a little longer depending on the network, but after the initial process it's usually a smooth ride. The image is crisp and pleasing; but without being overwhelming. The image is still soft, and comparable to Logitech solutions at best. Still for such a small camera that's a solid achievement.

Benchmarks

Now it's time to put the internals to the test. This is Apple's fastest notebook offering so my expectations were sky high. First thing I wanted to have a look at is the battery. Apple advertises 7 hours of battery for every Macbook Pro model it offers. That's down from 8-10 hours for the previous generation. Most of this is probably due to the faster processor and a new way of testing that supposedly better represents real world results.

I fully charged the laptop and left the settings at default. The brightness sensor was turned on for more realistic results. During the test I used everyday apps like Microsoft words and Safari. To mix things up some light 3D work was thrown into the mix.

6 hours battery recorded

Very decent results. It's still not at the point of an entire workday but does very well especially considering it has a thirsty quad-core working at all time. Macbook Air is king in the battery department.

Geekbench

This popular mac-benchmarking tool is often used as standard to calculate hardware speed. Unfortunately the free version only runs in 32bit, so the ultimate speed should be a bit faster even. Mind you: the other macs also ran in 32bit mode.

2010 model: 5395

2011 model: 9981

So for the people still in doubt whether this speed bump is considerable; here's your answer. It's almost twice as fast!

Xbench

This free benchmarking tool is a great way to get a clear picture of the machine. Not only does it give a score, it also compares the strength and weaknesses of each mac. To prevent incidental scores, this test was run three times and averaged out the following score.

2010 model: 228 - 218 - 486

2011 model: 387 - 248 - 758

The Macbook Pro outperformed its predecessor easily. The cpu score increase may not look like much, but the i7 was already a screamer and to make a 30 point jump over that is a lot. Also considering that the dual core → i7 gap is equally large.

Application test

The time it takes to launch an app is essential for a proper user experience. The Air does really well at this so I used it as the benchmark. The Macbook Pro comes with a new generation of 750gb 5400rpm drives. The extra data density and latest Seagate technologies should give it the edge over previous Pro-models. But how close can it get to its SSD speedy thinner sister?

Both machines woke from a cold boot when they put down these scores. It looks like the Macbook Air is 2-3x faster. Now some smaller applications:

Macbook Air:

iTunes: 2 sec

iPhoto '11: 4 sec

Words '11: 4 sec (8 sec incl template)

Macbook pro:

iTunes: 4 sec

iPhoto '11: 9 sec

Words '11: 7 sec (17 sec incl template)

Quite a difference and it's noticeable. Having used both machines sometimes the Pro feels slower. I should note that once applications have been opened, speeds do improve a lot. Opening up Photoshop for a second time only takes 4 seconds. But from a cold boot the Air conquers all. Luckily users are free to upgrade the RAM and Storage later on as SSD prices continue to drop. I can't wait!

700mb video conversion

Now this one is a biggie. Let's see how Intel's Sandy Bridge fairs in a pure processor intensive task; converting a movie to the iPhone format. To test this I installed a video converter from iSkysoft and loaded up a 700mb.avi movie. Settings were left at default and the target file was set to "iPhone 4, mp4", with 640?480 pixels.

Macbook Air: 50 minutes (time to complete)

Macbook Pro: 10 minutes

Now mind you the Macbook Air has a 1.86ghz dual core processor compared to the Sandy Bridge quad core i7 2.2ghz from the Pro model. That's two generations behind and lacking two extra cores; it shows. This is the strength of the current Macbook Pro generation; it really is a portable workhorse. It should also be shared that the Macbook Pro's processor kept a 20 ~ 25% margin at all time, whereas the Air kept pushing its limits.

Gaming

This particular model comes equipped with a Radeon 6750m 1gb GPU. That's up from the Nvidia 330m 512mb present in previous Macbooks. Now it's time to see how much difference a year makes. Games were either tested in Mac natively or under Bootcamp (windows 7, 64bit).

Crysis

Released in 2007, Crytek had set the bar for hardware for many years now. And still new products struggle to run the game at anything beyond 1920?1080 res. I first attempted a run at 1024x 768 pixels, comparing it to last year's outing.

Macbook Pro 2010: 41fps (medium)

Macbook pro 2011: 57fps (medium)

That's pretty good and I actually got a little daring. So I upped the resolution to 1670?1050 (native, BTO), and ran the same tests.

Macbook Pro 2011 (native resolution, high): 23

Using the native resolution some gamers may want to divert to medium settings. Still for a laptop these are really decent scores!

Company of heroes

Games like COH have turned out to be real classics. Playing skirmish is still a blast and because the game is from 2007, high settings should be on the cards. I turned every dial to maximum and held my breath.

Minimum: 1.8fps

Average: 65fps

Maximum: 132

For no apparent reason, Company of Heroes can be run at full and the game still looks terrific. The minimum was 1.8fps, but upon further investigation this only happened once for a split second. So seemingly the system was doing something in the background which caused some momentarily instability.

F1 2010

Codemasters' latest racer. I used the latest 1.01 patch (DX11) and the internal benchmarking tool, which includes a full grid lap around the Silverstone circuit. Remember that DX11 settings are only used in the ultra range.

1680x1050 2xAA

high: 42fps average

ultra: 20fps average

The game performance is really good for a midsized laptop. It should be said though that the fan speed went pretty wild during some of the peak moments. In fact sometimes they sometimes hit 2500+rpm for seemingly no reason. Here are the temp and decibels produced, according to internal readings and an iPhone decibel app.

Temps, fans, noise

To get a good reading I played Civilization 5 (mac native, though lazy port) for a few hours and kept steady track of the db throughout. The ambient was dead silent apart from some occasional cars/talks etc. I cut those out and calculated the average.

38db - 46.3db. With an average of 42.6db. This may or may not ring any bells, but in human language; the fans were audible but stayed in check. They would be too loud for a dramatic scene in a movie, but gameplay wise it's fine.

The fans didn't start kicking in until about 20 minutes into the game, after which they remained steady at about 2700rpm each. Temps clocked at the following:

Intel CPU: 67 degrees Celsius (idle: 46) | or 153 Fahrenheit (idle: 115)

AMD GPU: 65 degrees Celsius (idle: 45) | or 149 Fahrenheit (idle: 113)

This again may or may not tell a lot but in any case the Macbook wasn't complaining and the case felt warm at best. Note though that it's early spring now and things could be different mid-June. But from experience I think everything's just fine.

Conclusions

The Macbook Pro 2011 is a great upgrade over the previous models. Most changes are internal and it shows. The speed increase is pretty dramatic, making this the first real portable "Mac pro". It comes at a price though. The fantastic unibody design sometimes struggles to keep the hardware at bay. It should also be noted that they're still very expensive and that users with shallow pockets could be forced into using Intel graphics. Not a great thing for a $1200+ laptop. This particular model however is as good as it gets; despite, in Apple world, now looking like the run of the mill.

Now to answer your questions. For me 2010 Macbook pro owners shouldn't feel rushed to upgrade, in fact 13-inch gamers shouldn't at all. And yeah you could wait for a redesign, it's always possible. But deciding to wait at the beginning of a product cycle seems like a silly thing to me. It's like saying: yeah I'll wait for the next model 'cuz it will have everything I could wish for. The thing is; that may or may not be the case but consider this: the model after that will be even better. So buy it now (just launched) if you want/need it.

score 4.5/5

Macbook Pro review

I'm Robin Chung. In my spare time I like to write articles and stories. My ultimate dream is to write a life altering story for a lot of readers. Feel free to visit my website and learn more!

Robin Chung

Are MacBook Pros About to Get a Refresh?

2011-05-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

Whenever a rumour reaches a fever pitch in the Apple community, it's all but assured that something big, new, or redesigned is about to be unveiled in Cupertino and take the world by storm. The latest product to be a subject of these rumours is the Apple MacBook Pro line, which was last refreshed in April of 2010.

The most consistent rumour revolves around Intel's brand new "Sandy Bridge" processor, a multi-core processor that improves on the speed and performance of its predecessors. Apple is known to be rather consistent in updating their machines to the latest Intel technology as quickly as possible, so one would expect this part of the rumour to be true. While delivery of these processors was delayed by Intel due to a few hardware issues, it is believed that it would only delay new MacBook Pro models by a week or two at most. This would still give Apple plenty of time to update their MacBook and MacBook Pro lines in March.

Other rumours have gotten a bit more daring and adventurous. For example, some are expecting an all-new MacBook Pro design, perhaps one that sheds the traditional aluminium casing for one made of carbon fibre. These rumours note that carbon fibre is lighter, more durable, and would be in line with Apple's trend setting designs of iterations past.

Failing a redesign or a changed casing, other rumours point to the exclusion of an optical drive in the newest MacBook Pro models; at the very least, many people expect it to be an optional feature. This would help make the new MacBook Pro line the thinnest professional-grade laptops Apple has ever sold, perhaps transforming the line into a creative professional's MacBook Air -- all the thinness without compromising valuable screen real estate. Like the MacBook Air, many Apple insiders are hoping for a transition to solid-state hard drives in all MacBook Pro models, a change that would speed up boot times and increase durability significantly.

And the MacBook Air itself is not left out of rumours for a big update to the MacBook line. Apple observers widely expect both the 11-inch and 13-inch models to be updated with Intel's Sandy Bridge processor as well, making them an attractive option for consumers and professionals alike. Observers also question whether or not Apple might introduce a larger, 15-inch model to cater to those who like more screen real estate in addition to the thinnest form factor on the market.

Overall, the rumours surrounding Apple MacBook models are numerous and at times conflicting. Will we see a 15-inch MacBook Air? Or will Apple introduce a 15-inch MacBook Pro model without an optical drive, making it thin and desirable for professionals? Will MacBooks look the same or come packaged in an exciting new design? Only time will tell, and according to Apple observers and insiders alike, Apple will reveal those answers in the coming month.

Steve is a fan of apple mac. Whether you're looking for an apple macbook or the latest macbook pro; Steve's the man!

Apple Unibody Macbook Pro - New Or Refurbished

2011-05-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Many of us have seen the new Macbooks that were announced by Steve Jobs on October 14, 2008. They've been all over the news and on TV. These new Macbooks are indeed a thing of beauty with their "unibody" aluminum enclosures and their LED backlit displays. These new innovative features are cool and all but one question I've been struggling with is whether or not these new Macbooks are worth the purchase, given the expensive price tag that come with them. Let me share my insights with you as I make a short argument for holding off on these premium items until they either drop in price or go refurbished. Actually, now that this thought has rolled out of my head, I'm going to go ahead and push forward a promotion for the old Macbooks; more specifically the previous generation of Macbook Pros. I think refurbished units of these models holds the greatest value for those interested in purchasing a Macbook. There's no denying how chic and innovative Apple's new Macbooks are. They just scream out sexy and me wants. However, before I go into all that, you have to know that the new Macbook Pros come with heavy price tags. Let's take a standard 15-inch Macbook Pro with a 2.4 GHz Intel processor and the basic configurations that accompany the default model. This will run you $1999.00. That's damn pricey.

Now what do you get for that besides the "unibody" chassis and LED display which I've mentioned before? Well, you get a new chipset and two Nvidia gpus powering the computer. This is certainly nice to have. Now you can play games or do graphic intensive work. You get a cool chicklet keyboard and a glass, single button multi-touchpad; two very eye pleasing components. You also loose your FireWire 400 connectivity in place of FireWire 800 and switched in is a new mini DisplayPort in place of the DVI port. Don't know if I like these last two changes, but ok I'll keep roll with it. You also loose your Apple Remote, which came included in older models. So that's pretty much all that's new and at least important to take note of. Now let me bring out the old 15-inch Macbook Pro with similar hardware configurations. I'm going to focus on the refurbished model for the greatest savings, and I'll make my point for going the refurbished route after I describe what comes with the notebook first. Of course you're not going to get all the new features I just described in the paragraph before. But you still get a great computer. The same Macbook Pro with an identical setup of Intel processor, memory, hard drive, and SuperDrive will cost you $1099. That's an absurd $900 in savings. Heck, you can buy another computer with that! Or bump up your RAM or even get a bigger hard drive. Whatever you do, examine for yourself whether or not the "unibody" case, the LED display, and the dual gpus are worth that much to you. Because almost everything else is the same. You even get similar factory installed software. I don't know. I've thought about it. How about you think about it too? The refurbished nature of the Macbook Pro is probably what gives the item its most cost savings. Let me address this part as I'm aware that there's a negative stigma to everything that's refurbished. Apple Certified Refurbished products are fully functional units.

Apple puts them through a stringent refurbishment process where it inspects, tests, restores, and repackages these products. They also carry the same 1 year limited warranty the new products have. So a refurbished Macbook Pro is essentially a new Macbook Pro. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Apple's a big and well reputable company. I'm sure there won't be any funny business going on behind the scenes. Apple's always put out quality products and I'm sure this would apply to their refurbished units as well. Given that the differences between the new Macbook Pros and the old refurbished ones aren't that significant to me, I'm more inclined to purchase and even recommend others to go with a refurbished Macbook Pro. Perhaps down the road when the new Macbook Pros drop in price will I consider purchasing one of these new play toys. You can pocket quite a large amount of money, $900 worth of savings simply by going refurbished. Why not consider it today?

Did You Purchase the New Apple MacBook Pro You Always Had Wanted for So Long?

2011-05-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Did you purchase the new Apple MacBook Pro you always had wanted for so long? It is an expensive laptop, so even if you had to spend some time saving money - or you bought it on a credit card, you are now the proud owner of one of the best computers, the Apple MacBook Pro

When you buy this cute little machine, it already come equipped with several wonderful accessories that are built in and added on. Apple usually has this amazing policy of building tons of features into the base models themselves.

When you would bring it home and start using it, you would be able to truly evaluate what the machine is capable of. Then you might like to go for something more to make it a perfect machine for your use.

There are numerous websites in UK and around the world, from where you can buy many different kind of add-ons for Mac machines, at an affordable rates. Some of the add-ons that you might like for your Apple MacBook Pro are:

Hard drive MacBook pro

? 500Gb 2.5" Hard Disk Drive Apple MacBook/Pro/Mini: This 500Gb hard drive is compatible with MacBook, MacBook pro, and Mac Mini Intel. It weighs around 100g and gives a data transfer rate of upto 300MBps.

? 750Gb 2.5" Hard Disk Drive Apple MacBook/Pro/Mini: This is a 750Gb hard drive and is compatible with MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini Intel. It also weighs around 100g, and data transfer speed is 150MBps.

? 320Gb 2.5" Hard Disk Drive Apple MacBook/Pro/Mini: A 320Gb hard drive compatible with MacBook, MacBook pro, and Mac Mini Intel, weighs around 100g and gives data transfer speed of 150MBps.

? 250Gb 2.5" Hard Disk Drive Apple MacBook/Pro/Mini: A 250Gb hard drive compatible with MacBook, MacBook pro, and Mac Mini Intel, weighs around 100g and gives data transfer speed of 150MBps.

Superdrive MacBook Pro and Superdrive mac g5

? Apple Mac External SUPERDRIVE Firewire 8x DVD Lightscribe: this external superdrive is very small in size and is double Layer DVD+/-RW; it is almost a size of DVD and easily fits in your pocket! With USB 2.0 & FireWire interface. For MAC USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 OS X 10.1, OS X 10.2, OS X 10. 3, MAC OS X 10.4, MAC OS X 10.5.

? Apple Mac External SUPERDRIVE USB 2.0 LightScribe: this external superdrive is also very small in size and is double Layer DVD+/-RW; For MAC USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 OS X 10.1, OS X 10.2, OS X 10. 3, MAC OS X 10.4, MAC OS X 10.5.

? Dual Layer Superdrive Lightscribe MAC G3 G4 G5: this is a new dual layer 20x DVD ? RW With Lightscribe. Compatible with Mac OS 9, OS X 10 to 10.5 Leopard.

Battery for MacBook

? Rechargeable Apple PowerBook G3 battery: this battery is a high quality rechargeable replacement Apple laptop battery which is 100% compatible with the OEM battery. This battery is compatible with APPLE PowerBook G3 (1999 models), (2000 models) / PowerBook G3 12.1-inch, G3 13.3-inch, G3 14.1-inch, G3 Series.

? Apple Rechargeable Battery For 13- inch MacBook Black: This Apple MacBook Battery is designed strictly with original circuit technology, and is compatible with Apple MacBook 13" inch.

? Battery for APPLE iBook 12 inch: This battery is compatible with all APPLE iBook - 12" LCD Series and is designed strictly with original circuit technology and contains no harmful substances like lead, mercury etc.

You can have all of these and more at http://www.bluescale.co.uk, at amazing prices.

The Cool Features Of The Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A

2011-05-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

At first glance, there is really nothing new that you will find with the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A that is so different from the older generations of this series. There are many features that are similar to the other models of the MacBook Pro, from the aluminum casing to the fact that it is an extremely light computer. However, there is a new feature in it that will allow you to work at much faster speeds than you would have with the older generation computers.

The Processor

The first thing that you will need to know about the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A is the fact that it has got an Intel Dual Core i5 processor that enables the computer to be able to multitask while at the same time ensure that there is minimum power consumption. Unlike processors of the older generation MacBook Pros, the new models employ what is referred to as the Sandy Bridge technology that makes sure that the computer is able to run at speeds that twice that of the older generation MacBook Pros.

Display and Keyboard

In addition to the new feature in the processor, it is also very important for me to point out the fact that the newly launched Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A has a 13.3 monitor. This monitor enables people to work very comfortable with the machine, although those people who work with jobs that require a lot of screen size might feel shortchanged if they happen to buy it. If you are working in an environment where there is little or no light, then you do not have to worry about working on your laptop. The reason why I am saying that is simply the fact that it has a backlit keyboard that enables you to see and work on the keys without having to rely on some external light.

Thunderbolt Technology

In addition to the fact that the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A has a got a backlit keyboard and a string processor, it is also extremely important to point out the fact that the computer employs the thunderbolt technology. This technology is extremely instrumental in ensuring that the computer is able to work at very high speeds without any problems.

Whether you would like to lay your hands on the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A because of the fact that it employs thunderbolt technology, or because it has got a backlit keyboard, you need to keep in mind that at the end of the day, it has to serve you. For this reason, you should always make sure to check out what your needs are before settling on it.

For practical reasons, it is quite difficult for anyone to write everything about this machine in a short Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A review. However, if you would like to get the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A I would advise you to lay your hands on it as soon as it is possible.

About the author:

Nadav Snir operates a website which includes coupons and discounts to the best electronics stores on the web. To get those discounts, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Electronics/macmall.html

Bird Screen Protect Cover, Black for MacBook Pro 15"

2011-05-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

This handy adapter lets you connect your Apple iMac, MacBook or 12" PowerBook G4 notebook to an external VGA monitor or projector, so you can enjoy a larger display at home, or give outstanding presentations at work.

# Fits Apple iMac, MacBook and 12" PowerBook G4 notebooks
# Allows you to connect your notebook to a VGA monitor or projector
# Usable in both video-mirroring and extended-desktop modes

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Cheap Apple MacBook Pro For All Users

2011-05-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Creative artists, writers, students, teachers and other heavy computer users, regardless of their geographical location, can take advantage of cheap Apple MacBook Pro offers, which enable them to obtain quality computers at pocket-friendly prices.

One place where Apple discounts are available is the Apple online store. There are many other sites but the one that stands out is MacBookMart.com which specializes in offering cheap MacBooks. The site has a reputation for product availability and variety and it is well worth researching when you are getting ready to make a purchase.

Cheap Apple MacBooks can also be obtained using gifts cards. A gift card is especially great because it allows for savings of up to 50% on some Apple products. This is certainly music to the ears of creative artists and graphic designers who would like to obtain a pricey product such as the 17" MacBook Pro but are financially challenged.

A customer who collects this Apple's pro computer coupons will also have the chance of buying a MacBook at a very cheap price. When shopping for your MacBook Pro, you need to know when and where to purchase it. Online Apple shops have seasons when they sell their products at discounted prices and there are stores that cover shipping costs for customers who live anywhere in the world.

Students, teachers and staff of an educational institution have an added advantage when purchasing those Pro computers. This is because Apple gives educational institutions discounts when one has a school ID and the institution is on the list of schools on the Apple online stores all over the world.

Prices of MacBook Pro, like those of any other product, change with the market conditions or whenever the products are upgraded. While an upgrade requires additional money to purchase, always remember that you are obtaining a superior product which has improved features. Quality always comes at a price.

Reviews on cheap MacBook Pro computers are all over the internet for people who wish to purchase cheap but efficient computers. These reviews are a must read for those intending to buy. Apple's promotions and discounts on its MacBook Pro computers are meant to keep the customers not only happy but also to build loyalty. In all the online stores, Apple has been known to offer the most reasonable prices to its customers and each MacBook Pro computer from Apple also has a warranty.

Expect cheap Apple MacBook Pro computers for your various projects because there are also refurbished products from Apple.

About the author:

Nadav Snir operates a website which includes coupons and discounts to the best electronics stores on the web. To get those discounts, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Electronics/index.html

The New MacBook Pro

2011-05-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

The brand new MacBook Pro is one of the most popular brand new computers ever, and it has a lot of things to adore. You can now put to bed any reservations about using a Mac. The following are four good reasons we are very enthusiastic about the latest Mac.

It's Turbo Quick

The fifteen and seventeen inch designs include the fastest dual-core CPUs available. Apple's assessments demonstrated the latest Mac is an astonishing 50% faster compared to its' predecessor. As a result of Apple's unique Turbo Boost function, the speed of a single, or even both, cores may be accelerated from the fast 2.66GHz to an astonishing 3.33GHz.

It Offers Extraordinary Graphics

If you love the idea of experiencing every one of your photos and videos come alive, or if you like watching films or television shows using your laptop, you will find it hard to tear your self off of MacBook Pro's LED backlit display. Both the fifteen as well as seventeen inch versions include the brand new NVIDIA graphics chip, which is super fast. Add NVIDIA with Turbo Boost, and you've got a thing that is utterly amazing.

Amazingly Long Battery Life and an Exceptional Efficiency Score

With an efficiency rating that beats the previous MacBook by 30%, MacBook Pro is truly a part of the green movement.

Moreover, the newest Pro is able to travel wherever, since the battery runs for ten hours on a single charge. I had been fortunate to get a half-dozen hours from what I had before, and really often discovered I could not get through a single day without looking for a power supply somewhere. Consider what you are able achieve with a 10 hour battery! This must be one of the Pro's most attractive functions.

Besides keeping a charge for an incredible amount of time, MacBook Pro includes a battery that can last for five years. By the time the battery is just about to be replaced, I'll probably have a new computer - forget about paying $100 and up on a fresh battery every couple of years! The only disadvantage to the new battery design is that if you ever have to replace it, you are going to need to get a specialist to do it right for you. Do not attempt to do it yourself.

MacBook Pro is Extremely Slender and Lightweight

The newest MacBook Pro may be a world champion in regard to time to get the job done, but it is very lightweight. The thirteen inch design weighs just 4.5 pounds, though the 15 and 17 inch versions are not significantly heavier. One particular source of the Pro's reduced weight is actually battery weight - the brand new lithium polymer MacBook Pro battery is actually lighter in weight versus the older lithium ion batteries all of us once depended on.

All three MacBook Pros are a tad under an inch thick, in case you can recall your very first mobile computer, that is an unbelievable size decrease. So, in case you're at all like me, you'll appreciate how much less difficult it is to carry your job along with you - no matter where you go.

Since you are going to pay more to get a brand new MacBook Pro than you will spend on a number of other comparably sized laptops on the market, you will discover that the features and benefits overshadow the price - particularly if you depend on a laptop to perform the bulk of your work.

Finally, if you are interested in MacBook Pro review articles, and the best deals on MacBook Pro and accessories, please check out MacBook Pro Review at http://www.macbookproreview.net/.

Xantrex Technologies 851-0178 XPower 175-Watt Micro Inverter

2011-05-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Xantrex Technologies XPower Micro 175-watt inverter transforms your vehicle's electricity so you can power your electronic devices while on the road. Compact and lightweight, it simply plugs into the 12-volt DC outlet in your vehicle to power cell phones, camcorders, small portable stereos, laptop computers, 13-inch TVs, portable work lights, and more. It includes an automatic shutdown feature to protect against overload, over-heating, and high/low battery condition. This durable plastic unit is just 1.9-by-2.9-by-4.8 inches in size and weighs 0.38 pounds. It is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Price: $44.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Reasons to Buy New MacBook Pro 2011

2011-05-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

No more waiting for the new MacBook Pro in 2011, Because It was release on Thursday, February 24. According to some the biggest stores give us some detail of them, which contains a new code along with details on the different versions as follows.

MC700LL/A $1199 - 13 inch

MC724LL/A $1499 - 13 inch

MC721LL/A $1799 - 15 inch

MC723LL/A $2199 - 15 inch

MC725LL/A $2499 - 17 inch

New Apple MacBook Pro was integrated with a faster processor Intel Sandy Bridge, which is the Intel chip that implies the incredible power. MacBook Pro is still in the best ever.

In addition, many Apple Store Online around the world began to change the delivery time from the original MacBook Pro family can deliver in 24 hours is 2-4 business days, it should implies something such as Such as the old Apple MacBook Pro model was not produce anymore.

I will conclude something

? Apple is going to change their shipping date of MacBook Pro of Apple Online Store Web from 24 hours to 1-5 days instead.

? The new switch to a processor Sandy Bridge.

? It looks more similar to the MacBook Air.

? It was replaced the Aluminum with the Liquid Metal plus with, battery with more capacity.

? It is more thinner lighter and cheaper.

Let's look close up to each model

MC700LL/A - 13 inch

? 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor

? 320 GB Hard Drive

? 4 GB DDR3 RAM

? 13.3 inch LED-backlit display

? 1280-by-800 resolution

? Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

MC724LL/A - 13 inch

? 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor

? 500 GB Hard Drive

? 4 GB DDR3 RAM

? 13.3 inch LED-backlit display

? 1280-by-800 resolution

? Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

MC721LL/A - 15 inch

? 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor

? 500 GB Hard Drive

? 4 GB DDR3 RAM

? 15.4 inch LED-backlit display

? 1440-by-900 resolution

? AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory

MC723LL/A $2199 - 15 inch

? 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor

? 750 GB Hard Drive

? 4 GB DDR3 RAM

? 15.4 inch LED-backlit display

? 1440-by-900 resolution

? AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory

MC725LL/A $2499 - 17 inch

? 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor

? 750 GB Hard Drive

? 4 GB DDR3 RAM

? 17 inch LED-backlit display

? 1920-by-1200 resolution

? AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory

Every model use the same High Speed Thunderbolt Port, FaceTime HD Camera, Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard.

From overall detail, we can conclude that the new MacBook Pro is dramatically faster in terms of processor performance and also worth for your money every way. Because of its processor, weight, design, battery life and price. If you are a big fan of Apple MacBook, you shouldn't miss this. Check this one out today.

You can find more information about MacBook Pro and See more new Laptop Reviews at Laptop Reviews.

Stanley PC1A09 100 Watt Power Inverter with USB Power Outlet

2011-05-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

- Stanley automotive 100 watt power converter- Converts vehicle's outlet into household outlet- Silent running- No installation required- 3 Position plug for versatility- AC outlet - low battery shutdown prevents total battery drain- USB outlet - easy to installSTAPC1A09

Price: $24.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

DBTech 175 Watt Portable Micro Power Inverter With USB Port - 12v AC to 110v DC Car Plug Converter For Your Ipod, iPad, iPhone, Tablet, PSP, DVD Players Laptops Netbooks And cellphones

2011-05-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Polar IrDA USB Adapter Interface

2011-05-23T01:05:00.000-07:00

Transfer your training data quickly and easily with the Polar IR USB 2.0 adapter. You'll be able to download data from your HRM wirelessly to your PC via infrared signal so you can take an in-depth look at your stats. Store and analyze critical performance data and maintain a detailed training log. The IR interface works with the Polar F55, AXN500, AXN700, RS400, RS800, S610i, S710i,S720i S810i, S625X, S725, and S725X.
About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.
Price: $59.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Beam N Read EXTRA BOLD, Large Print Keyboard Stickers, 4 High Contrast Color Combinations for PC & Mac

2011-05-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

From the makers of Beam N Read Lights, our KBV 109 Keyboard Stickers were designed by one of our founders when he began having trouble seeing his keyboard. Drawing on his past experience as a printing industry executive, he designed the stickers with large, extra bold san serif fonts. Understanding different vision needs, the stickers have four specially selected high contrast color combinations each on a separate sheet: Bold White letters on Black background, Bold Yellow letters on Black background, Bold Black letters on White background, and Bold Black letters on Yellow background. With 109 stickers on each sheet, they include stickers for both PCs and Macintosh and work with desktop, notebook, laptop, and netbook keyboards. In addition to seniors and those who need vision aids, they are great for very young children just starting to use a keyboard who will often benefit from larger type than found on most keyboards. They are used to extend the life of worn out keyboards in schools, libraries, and other places with high use keyboards where the original letters are wearing off. The Beam N Read family of products also includes Beam n Read Hands Free Lights, and Notebook Computer Lights. Search Beam N Read in the Amazon search box for All Departments to find these products.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Flexi Freeze Refreezable Ice Sheets 3 pack

2011-05-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Flexi Freeze Ice Sheets are the convinient and economical replacment for soggy bags of ice. Flexi Freeze can be cut to just the right size and is flexible when frozen. Store Flexi Freeze Ice Sheets in your freezer and it's ready to use whenever you need it. Forget the trip to the local convenience store for bags of ice that leave your cooler a soggy mess. Flexi Freeze Ice is made from 100% pure water and can be frozen over and over again.

Price: $14.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

GTMax Aluminum Unibody Apple MacBook / Pro / Air Silicone Keyboard Skin Cover...

2011-05-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Brand new GTMax keyboard cover.
Soft durable rubbery silicone material.
Perfect fit for your MacBook keyboard.
Protect keyboard against dust, dirt & liquid.
Reduce wear and tear on keyboard.
Color: Black
UPC Code:088515715183
Does not fit older generation MacBook / MacBook Air / MacBook Pro (released before June 2009).

Compatibility

Aluminum Unibody Apple MacBook - 13.3" Display
Aluminum Unibody Apple MacBook Air - 13.3" Display
Aluminum Unibody Apple MacBook Pro - 15.4" Display

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Dynex DX-AP110 - Video adapter - mini-DVI (M) - HD-15 (F)

2011-05-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

# Fits Apple iMac, MacBook and 12" PowerBook G4 notebooks
# Allows you to connect your notebook to a VGA monitor or projector
# Usable in both video-mirroring and extended-desktop modes

Price: $24.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Duracell 813-0291-07 175 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Source Inverter

2011-05-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

Pocket-sized unit converts 12V DC power from vehicle battery into 120V AC power, so you can charge or operate laptops, cell phones, iPod , BlackBerry , video cameras and other mobile electronics. Power Supply: 12V, Continuous Watts: 175, AC Outlets (qty.): 1, USB Ports (qty.): 1, LED Indicators: Yes, Low Battery Protection: Yes, High Temperature Protection: Yes, Overload Protection: Yes, Low Voltage Protection: Yes, Cables Included: DC cable with vehicle adapter

Price: $34.99

Click here to buy from Amazon