New MacBook Pro Versions Likely to Use Intel’s New i5 and i7 Processors

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Source: DeviceMag.com

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Intel have announced their intentions to expand their line of Arrandale processors with three new additions, and the release date has been stated to be January 3rd. The processors will use the high-end Nehalem architecture, which is already being used in some of Mac’s desktop computers, released earlier this year. The new processors, titled the Core i5 and Core i7, are reported to have a significant performance gain over the Core 2 Duo, which is currently used in the MacBook Pro.

Clock speeds will range between 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz, and the processors will be offered at a competitive price for large orders – 1000 units will cost between $225 and $332 a piece. The processor’s cooling requirements seem to fit with the current design of the MacBook Pro, and it’s also expected that a low-voltage version will be released to be used in the MacBook Air, famous for being extremely thin and light.

Apple have made it quite apparent that they’re switching over to Intel processors, ever since the Power PC G5’s huge cooling problems. This can only spell a good future for both the company and its customers, as Intel processors are becoming more and more efficient.

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Apple MacBook Out Does It's Recent Predecessors

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Apple MacBook Out Does It's Recent Predecessors
By Kristi Ambrose

One of their newest creations is the MacBook. This product specifically was made to replace the iBook G4 series, that was released in 2006.

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Apple is constantly coming out with the newest technology including media players, mp3 players, and smart phones. One of their newest creations is the MacBook. This product specifically was made to replace the iBook G4 series, and was released in 2006. Since then there have been several revisions to the MacBook as well as several different "generations." This laptop is made especially for mac users obviously, but there are other people that have been PC users their entire lives and have bought into the Mac family. I'm not sure I would buy a mac only because I'm a PC girl at heart, but I just might reconsider it after all the hype Apple has received! The MacBook family comprises of several different versions. Thus far the newest and most updated MacBook was released in 2008 and uses a GM965 chip with Intel's x3100 graphics.

The following MacBooks are the different versions available to the consumers:

MacBook -
Consumer Notebook
13.3" screen with polycarbonate casings

MacBook Air -
13.3" wide screen LED display

Ultralight Notebook -
13.3" screen with aluminum casings

Professional Level Notebook -
15.4" or 17" screens with aluminum casings

Several different "options" are included with the Macs including iTunes, iWork, Customizations, iCal, iChat, etc. These products must be expensive if they offer all this right? Wrong! In fact, truth be told, if you go ahead and buy any of the Macs off Apple, then yes you will pay full price. But if you're like every other person, you will want to find the best price even if it doesn't come straight from the company that makes them. The best thing you can do is try places like EBay and Amazon. Hey listen, just because it's from EBay or Amazon or some other auction site, doesn't mean you are going to receive a cheap item. All this means is you will be saving yourself hundreds of dollars, and who doesn't LOVE to save money?!?

Looking at the MacBook on Apple and then comparing it to one found on EBay (which is brand new, in the box, everything included) the price is quite different. MacBook on Apple is about $1,099 and on Ebay the lowest price is around $500. Now that is something you absolutely cannot beat. Again, just because you buy it on Ebay doesn't mean its used. Now if you want to get it even cheaper, go ahead, buy it used or refurbished on Ebay. But if you are worrisome about the quality then get the "new still in box" one. Either way, your saving yourself a ton of money!

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This author is a huge fan of Cheap Apple MacBook

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Ambrose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Apple-MacBook-Out-Does-Its-Recent-Predecessors&id=1420352

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MacBook Air Vs ThinkPad X300

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By Mike T Martin

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Apple's MacBook Air introduced the world to the thinnest notebook to date. Released in January of 2008, it is known as "ultrathin, ultraportable, and ultra unlike anything else." With the recent announcement of the new ThinkPad X300 from Lenovo, analysts are predicting that the ThinkPad will give Apple a run for it's money. The following is a brief review of each.

MacBook Air

The new Apple MacBook Air comes in a bit thinner than the Lenovo ThinkPad X300, measuring only 0.16 inches at its thinnest point. Steve Jobs actually introduced the new laptop to a crowd of onlookers at the Macworld Conference in San Francisco, by pulling the ultra thin notebook out of an office envelope. With a price tag of just under $2000, this notebook is a bargain in a class of laptops that are usually a bit more pricey.

Because the MacBook Air is so thin, the battery must be built in. Early tests are reporting about two to three hour battery life between charges. Other drawbacks include no built in GPRS/Edge etc, no optical drive, one USB port, and no choice of pointing device. Though it was designed for an SSD flash drive, it can also be purchased with an iPod drive, and Apple is expected to upgrade the drive by the end of the year. Despite some of these early drawbacks regarding features, overall this is a beautiful looking and very durable laptop, which Apple should improve upon over the upcoming year.

ThinkPad X300

Though not as sexy as the MacBook Air, the ThinkPad is built with the business user in mind. While the MacBook air is a consumer machine, this laptop is built more to be a business tool. The ThinkPad has a replaceable battery, replaceable optical drive, and three USB ports, compared to only one on the MacBook Air. The ThinkPad keyboard includes both Touchpoint and Touchpad pointing devices, a very durable / industrial strength built frame, a full set of management tools, and a more advanced flash drive. The ThinkPad also complies with EPEAT Gold, meaning it is one of the most "green", eco-friendly laptops on the market.

Which one is better?

Along with all of the executive minded features of the ThinkPad, comes an executive level price tag. The ThinkPad X300 will be initially made available for around $2,799. So if cost if your main bargaining point, then the sub $2000 MacBook Air is your best bet. Otherwise, your decision should be based on needs. The ThinkPad is designed for the top executive that is always on the run. ThnkPads have never really been known for being "sexy" products, but they have always been thin, while still being reliable. But if you are looking for something ultra thin and ultra cool, at a great price, and you don't need all of the high end business type features of the ThinkPad, then the MacBook Air may be your best bet.

Only time will tell which one comes out on top, but these are both great, innovative products that should spur the ultra thin laptop market for years to come.

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Mike Martin is a computer programmer and website designer. http://www.flatlaptops.com/ Purchase discount laptops, including the MacBook Air and new ThinkPad X300.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_T_Martin
http://EzineArticles.com/?MacBook-Air-Vs-ThinkPad-X300&id=1019240

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