General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in Mac News Review. iPad, iPod, iPhone, and
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News & Opinion
Rumor Roundup
Apple Updates (in today's Mac News Review)
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Living Without a DVD Drive in Your MacBook
AppStorm's Bill Morefield observes that while the CD data disk was
revolutionary when it arrived, a vast improvement on 3.5" floppy disks
that held only 1.4 MB, and the DVD that soon followed even more so,
increasing the amount of data on a single disk to 4.7 GB and beyond
with dual-layer DVDs.
However, he observes that software delivery is now most often via
electronic download, whether from the Mac App Store or the vendor's
website, and the internal DVD drive adds bulk and weight that more and
more users deem unnecessary. Apple is busily about redesigning its
computers without internal optical drives. The MacBook Air has never had one, and
the new MacBook
Retina is also sans DVD drive, with the trend line clear that Apple
considers optical drive capability unimportant, something best provided
by an external drive in the rare times its needed.
However, Morefield notes that computer users can't quite completely
ignore the CD and DVD yet, since most boxed software - mainly large
suites like Microsoft Office or Creative Suite - still comes on a DVD
or CD, many of us have DVD or Blu-ray movie collections and even CD
music collections that we'd like to bring with us to the digital world.
He takes a look at a few programs either included with your Mac or
freely available that will help you deal with those physical disks
still lying around, allowing you to get anything you have on those
disks onto your Mac.
Link: Living Without a
DVD Drive in Your MacBook
iPad Cannibalizing PC Sales, Has Less Impact on Mac
Sales
Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt reports that although Mac shipments
grew faster than the overall PC market in calendar Q3 for the 25th
quarter in a row, Needham's Charlie Wolf perceives some cause for
concern in latest data, noting that the difference between Mac and
PC
growth rates is smaller than in previous quarters: Mac shipments to
education fell, albeit by a minuscule 0.1%, but the first definitive
evidence, according to Wolf that the iPad is cannibalizing US PC sales.
Elmer-DeWitt notes Apple sold nearly a million iPads to US schools in
the quarter.
More troubling for Apple is that while overall PC shipments to
consumer customers increased 1.1% worldwide in Q3, while Mac shipments
to that demographic fell 4.6%, although paradoxically the Mac continues
to thrive in the business market, with Macs shipped to domestic
enterprise customers growing 56.6% as overall PC sales fell 8.8%, and
globally Mac business shipments increased 22.1% in contrast to a 4.5%
decline in overall business PC sales.
Link: Apple's iPad Is
Clearly Cannibalizing PC Sales
Rumor Roundup
13" Retina MacBook Pro Anticipated to Retail at
$1,299; No Retina Display for iMac
AppleInsider Staff report that Apple's iMac will reportedly receive
a hardware redesign before the end of the year, but it won't get a
high-resolution Retina Display, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of
KGI Securities, who has a strong track record in making Apple product
predictions, and believes a new 21.5" iMac will debut with a "brand new
design" in September, with a larger 27" iMac is expected to follow in
late October.
However, Kuo does predict that the new iMacs displays will be
improved with a new "full-lamination process," integrating the display
panel with the protective cover glass.
While he's at it, Kuo also anticipates that a new 13" MacBook Pro
with Retina display will be priced aggressively at under $1,300.
Link: Apple's New iMac
Expected to Be Redesigned without Retina Display
Tech Trends
Lenovo Unveils New Affordable Thin and Light S
Series Laptops
PR: At the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Lenovo
announced the expansion its ultraportable IdeaPad product line with the
IdeaPad S300, S400, and S405 laptops. These affordable thin and light
laptops strike a balance between portability and performance for
consumers who want more computing power than a netbook and longer
battery life than a traditional laptop, without the premium price of an
Ultrabook.
Measuring 21.9mm thin (less than one inch) and weighing 1.8kg (less
than four lb.), the S Series features a sleek exterior design with a
stylish metallic finish powered by either 3rd generation Intel Core or
AMD A-Series processors.
"As a global leader in the PC market, Lenovo's success rests on our
ability to deliver consumer-centric innovations in products that
deliver a blend of mobility, performance and price," says Bai Peng,
vice president and general manager, IdeaPad Business Unit, Lenovo.
"Customers don't just want a functional product, though; they also want
one that speaks to their sense of style and individuality. The new
Lenovo IdeaPad S Series laptops give everyday consumers exactly what
they need by matching small size and light weight with the power needed
for everything from Web browsing to productivity tasks, all in an
affordable package."
The Lenovo IdeaPad S300 and S400 laptops are available with Intel's
3rd generation Core i3 or i5 processors, while the IdeaPad S405 is
equipped with up to AMD A8 quad-core processors. Up to 500 GB hard disk
storage capacity (up to 1 TB HDD in the S405) offers plenty of
space to store music, movies, and documents, and an optional 32 GB
solid state drive on the S400 and S405 can help speed boot time and
application responsiveness. In addition, intelligent energy management
features not only increase time spent between charges - up to 5 hours -
but also protect the long-term durability of the battery.
All of the new S Series laptops offer Microsoft Windows 7 Home
Professional and will be eligible for the Microsoft Windows 8 upgrade
program. Designed for Windows 8, the updated S Series intelligent
touchpad gives users a more controlled experience when scrolling and
zooming, while the AccuType keyboard with individual rounded keys
provides a platform for comfortable and accurate typing.
Users can also take advantage of innovative ease-of-use features
such as Lenovo Quick Start instant on functionality to get online in
seconds. Even data protection is made easy with Lenovo's OneKey Rescue
System, which offers an amazingly simple and quick way to back up and
restore data, recover corrupted system files and run a complete virus
scan.
Less than an inch at their thickest point and weighing under four
pounds, Lenovo's new consumer laptops are offered in a selection of
tactile metallic finishes and colors including crimson red, silver grey
and cotton-candy pink. With up to a 14" HD widescreen display, HDMI
output, stereo speakers and Dolby Advanced Audio v2 certification, the
new S Series laptops offer premium features for immersive entertainment
and multimedia activities.
The Lenovo IdeaPad S300, S400, and S405 will be available starting
immediately through Lenovo sales representatives and business partners
in the US starting at $499.
Link: Lenovo
Products & Services
WD Portable Hard Drives for Mac Rev Up on USB 3.0
Speed and Larger Capacity While Keeping Compact Design
PR: WD has added the USB 3.0 interface to its line of My
Passport for Mac portable hard drives and increased capacity for Mac
computer users up to 2 TB. Popular among students and other Mac users
who take their digital content everywhere, 
the My Passport for Mac with USB 3.0 allows users
to quickly and conveniently take advantage of the faster transfer
speeds USB 3.0 provides when connecting the drive to their MacBook
computer or MacBook Air computer with that interface.
While continuing to provide a sleek and slim design, the My Passport
drive also has been a favorite among consumers and professionals who
have safety and security at the top of the list of requirements for
portable drives, which is why the My Passport for Mac includes password
protection and hardware encryption features to protect content from
unauthorized use or access. The My Passport for Mac drive is also
compatible out of the box with Apple Time Machine for easy backup to
further protect valuable files.
"Today's mobile consumers are looking for fast, safe, compact and
reliable ways to access and transport their digital files," explains
Ralf San Jose, director of product marketing for WD's consumer storage
products group. "My Passport for Mac with USB 3.0 adds the convenience
of a very fast USB connection that includes added security
features that mobile consumers need 
when away from home. Adding all these benefits with
an unmatched industry capacity of 2 TB provides the perfect solution
for the demanding Mac customer."
My Passport for Mac drives remain a favorite among Mac users whose
environments also include extensive travel or outdoor and adventure
locations. Additionally, when action and adventure are on the schedule,
My Passport for Mac drives will fit nicely inside WD's Nomad (My
Passport for Mac 2 TB does not fit into the WD Nomad rugged case)
rugged case for protection against dirt, dust, moisture, and sudden
impacts.
My Passport for Mac comes with a 3-year limited warranty and is
available on the WD store and at select retailers and distributors. My
Passport for Mac drives has Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices
(MSRP) of $99.99 for the 500 GB, $129.99 for the 1 TB, and $199.99 for
the 2 TB.
Link: My Passport for
Mac (available from Amazon.com
with free Super Saver shipping, also in 320 GB, 750 GB, and 1.5 TB
capacities and multiple colors)
WD Introduces VelociRaptor Duo, Fastest My Book
External Hard Drive System Ever
PR: WD has combined two high-speed technologies to produce
one of the fastest and most robust dual-storage systems ever offered.
Supported by the Mac OS X operating system, the new My Book
VelociRaptor Duo dual-drive storage system becomes the ultimate storage
drive for performance hungry Mac computer users and creative
professionals.
My Book VelociRaptor
Duo provides bleeding edge speed and performance with two 1 TB, 10,000
RPM, WD VelociRaptor drives along with two Thunderbolt ports. The
2 TB dual-drive storage system is ideal for editing high
resolution video, 3D rendering, graphic design, and other demanding
digital media applications. This boost in performance delivers solid
state drive (SSD)-like data transfer rates of up to 400 MB/s for
greater workflow productivity. The dual-drive storage system offers
RAID 0 for performance or RAID 1 for protection; and the twin
Thunderbolt ports offer daisy-chaining multiple My Book VelociRaptor
Duo drives and other high performance peripherals without impacting
data transfer speeds or performance. The My Book VelociRaptor Duo also
comes complete with a Thunderbolt cable in the box and is
user-serviceable.
Photographers, graphic designers and post-production professionals
can conduct several high intensity tasks such as video editing and 3D
rendering, while completing other graphics-intensive projects. My Book
VelociRaptor Duo customers will now have the ability to transfer 22 GB
full-length HD movies in less than 65 seconds, 2,000 5 MB pictures
in less than 33 seconds, and over 500 5 MB songs in less than 8
seconds.
"The My Book
VelociRaptor Duo is the fastest and most reliable high performance
consumer storage device on the market today," explains Jody Bradshaw,
senior director of WD's consumer storage solutions group. "Creative
professionals now have access to a supercharged storage drive that will
keep pace with even the most demanding projects. Daisy-chaining
multiple My Book VelociRaptor Duo devices together offers even greater
speed, more capacity and flexibility."
While RAID 0 maximizes the drive's speed and capacity, RAID 1
support allows users to create a second copy of their digital content
on the drive for added protection, security, and peace of mind. The
drive also provides a JBOD (just a bunch of disks) option for users
running a Windows operating system on a Mac.
Additional features found on the My Book VelociRaptor Duo dual-drive
storage system include out-of-the-box compatibility with Apple Time
Machine and HFS + Journaled for Mac computers; capability for
multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.
The My Book VelociRaptor Duo dual-drive storage system is currently
available at select US retailers and online starting at $899.99
MSRP.
Link: My Book
VelociRaptor Duo (available from Amazon.com
with free Super Saver shipping)
Safeguard Back-to-School Electronics with
WaterField's Protective, Stylish Cases
PR: Students everywhere head back to school with laptops,
iPads and other electronics in need of protection. WaterField Designs,
a San Francisco manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags and cases
for digital gear, offers custom-fitted laptop and tablet sleeves for
any laptop or tablet on the market, plus a bevy of iPad cases and
wireless keyboard sleeves, ready for today's digitally connected,
on-the-go student.
"Laptops and iPads are integral gear for students headed back to
school. Running around campus, they need a reliable way to carry and
protect their laptop, iPad and other too-expensive-to-damage
electronics," notes WaterField Designs owner, Gary Waterfield.
"WaterField offers options so that students can find a case to meet
their functionality and protection needs and still match their own
personal style."
Laptop SleeveCase
- Custom-sizing available for any Mac or PC laptop on the
market.
- Black ballistic nylon envelopes 6mm of high-grade neoprene for
rugged protection.
- Slanted back pocket holds a file or notebook.
- Bottom loop helps ease laptop into and out of the SleeveCase.
- Choices: checkered Indium or brown leather trim; vertical or
horizontal sleeve orientation
- Optional add-ons: Flap for extra protection; D-rings and strap to
transform the sleeve into a shoulder bag; removable Piggyback pouch to
store accessories.
Tablet Ultimate SleeveCase
All SleeveCase materials, functionality and options, plus:
- Impact-resistant insert to protect tablet screen
- Ultrasuede lining on screen side to help keep screen free of
smudges
- Extra flap protection included as standard
iPad Cases and Bags
- Five sleeve-style iPad case options for various needs and levels of
protectionUltimate SleeveCase, EXO SleeveCase, Smart Case, Slip Case
and Suede Jacket.
- Two minimalist iPad + keyboard + accessory options available with
or without shoulder strapsiPad Travel Express and iPad Wallet.
- Three vertical messenger bags designed specifically to carry iPad +
accessories; two in leather, one in waxed canvasThe Indy, Muzetto
Leather and Muzetto Outback.
Keyboard Cases
Three Apple Wireless Keyboard Sleeve choices offer a range in
protection, style and price - the Keyboard Socket, Slip, and
Sleeve.
Two Keyboard + accessories cases include the Keyboard Travel Case
and the Keyboard Travel Express.
Pricing & Availability
- Laptop SleeveCase: Price: $49. Add-on options: brown leather
trim: $10; padded Flap: $15; D-rings: $5; D-rings and Simple Shoulder
Strap: $12; D-rings and Suspension Shoulder Strap: $22; Piggyback
accessory pouch: $25 to $27.
- Tablet Ultimate SleeveCase: Price: $59. Add-on options:
brown leather trim: $6; D-rings: $5; D-rings and Simple Shoulder Strap:
$12; D-rings and Suspension Shoulder Strap: $22.
- iPad Cases and BagsPrice for sleeves: $19 to $65 (+
options); iPad Travel Express and Wallet: $69 to $79; iPad vertical
messenger bags: $159 to $199.
- Keyboard CasesPrice for sleeves: $15 to $39. Keyboard Travel
Express and Keyboard Travel Case: $49 to $69.
Link: Laptop
SleeveCases
Link: Tablet
Ultimate SleeveCase
Link: iPad Cases and
Bags
Link: Keyboard
Cases
Bargain 'Books
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
