[GADGET : notebook] NEW APPLE NOTEBOOK AND THEN SOME...

Apple has today announced new notebooks for the MacBook (13-inch) and MacBook Pro (15-inch) line, as well as an update for the MacBook Air. Important feature highlights include:

MACBOOK AND MACBOOK PRO

MacBook Pro
- USD1,999.00 (15.4" Glossy Display, 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA 9400M + 9600M, 250GB HD)
- USD2,499.00 (15.4" Glossy Display, 2.53GHz, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA 9400M + 9600M, 320GB HD)

MacBook
- USD1,299.00 (13.3" Glossy Display, 2.0GHz, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, 160GB HD)
- USD1,499.00 (13.3" Glossy Display, 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, 250GB HD)

1. Unibody Aluminum Enclosure - From a single block of Aluminum, Apple brings to us an all-metal enclosure not only for the MacBook Pro but also down to the more affordable MacBook series.

A unibody design and construction means lesser moving parts and enables a stiffer product which in this case is the enclosure. [Apple has released an interesting video regarding the design and manufacturing process of the new MacBooks which can be seen here: MacBook video.]

2. Nvidia GeForce 9400M and 9600GT. Faster graphics processor. Compared to the previously included integrated Intel graphics chip, Apple has stated this to be 5x faster.

The GeForce 9400M graphics processor now comes in all new MacBook models including the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

The GeForce 9600GT graphics processor is included together with the GeForce 9400M on the MacBook Pro line. This means they operate on a Hybrid SLI mode and enables better use of the processing power versus battery run-time.

3. GLASS LCD GLOSSY DISPLAY. In order to create a thinner enclosure especially for the lid, a great compromise with greater design aesthetics is the use of glass as the cover (just like those seen in the current iMac or iPhone products). This enables support for the thinner aluminum lid, but still maintaining great structural rigidity.


4. MULTI-TOUCH GLASS TRACK PAD. Once again Apple is at the fore-front of experimenting with a different technology by dropping the button and incorporating it into the trackpad itself. The result is a 39% bigger surface area for the trackpad. This further enables the use of shortcuts by use of multiple finger gestures.

5. LED BACKLIT DISPLAY. Results of which enable an even thinner lid since LED is, well a diode rather than a bulb. This means longer life-span (a very long one) versus traditional Flourescent bulbs than burn out and fade in brightness in time. Furthermore the LEDs produce an instant-on picture versus having a warm-up time for old-style Cold Cathode Flourescent Bulb. Finally, LEDs are more energy-efficient and obviously results to better battery run-time. Savings like these enable Apple to produce a more capable computer while still maintaining or even improving battery life.

6. REMOVABLE HARD DRIVE. Personally, this is great news and a very sensible approach that benefits both user and manufacturer. No more fiddling with internals and risk bending, breaking or cracking parts just to access the hard drive for want of bigger space, faster drive or the use of an affordable SSD. You just remove the compartment where the battery is located and you will find the hard drive beside it as well.

MACBOOK AIR

MacBook Air does not go untouched by these new changes. It also comes with a redesigned enclosure which again is milled from a single solid aluminum block versus the previous aluminum and plastic construction. These also include the GeForce 9400M graphics versus the previous Intel GMS X3100 equipped in older models.

24" LED CINEMA DISPLAY

The newly released display looks like the display from an iMac line with it's black border and a glass screen.
It gets a built-in iSight camera, microphone and stereo speakers. Of course LED blacklighting technology does not escape this monitor as well bringing better energy savings to their products.

They have done away with a FireWire connector and instead equips it with a 3-port USB 2.0 hub. (The only reason I used the FireWire port on my 23" Cinema Display is for the external iSight anyway). Equally fascinating is the use of a MagSafe power connector which is great just in case someone decides to trip over the power cord and doesn't bring along the whole monitor as well.

What should be interesting is how Apple will be dealing with the other Cinema Displays down the road. Will each of them be equipped with an iSight as well? If so, by utilizing two display monitors side by side for and having both equipped with built-in iSights, mic and stereo speakers - how will this be overcome? Will I get stereo vision? Can I chat with two different people using the same iChat or even different software altogether. How about dual stereo? It won't be long until someone attempts to connect two monitors at the same time and a patch will be released to address issues that may arise.

I hope they also introduce LED Cinema Displays with no built-in iSight, mic and speakers at a cheaper price in case others have decided to use a better quality external camera and studio monitors rather than tiny speakers.

The price is just USD899.00. Hey, that's the current price of my Apple Cinema HD 23-display. Wonder what will happen to that as well...

Oh, and no introduction for Blu-Ray drives. At least for now.