In perhaps what is the only polycarbonate model remaining among the various Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops in the market today, the the $999 white MacBook 2GHz is perhaps entirely better than the other all-around system out int he market today.

The new 2GHz model is identical to its predecessor externally, with the same number of peripheral connections (a pair of USB 2.0 ports and a single FireWire 400 port) and the same mini-DVI port as before. Similarly it retains the same glossy, 1280-by-800-pixel display and the same 120GB Serial ATA hard drive. Like the previous version, it weighs in at 5 pounds.

Under the hood, however, the new model provides a few significant improvements. Most notable is the nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics subsystem, a major upgrade over the Intel GMA X3100 used previously. Like the X3100, the 9400M is an integrated graphics chip that shares its memory with main memory; but the 9400M uses 256MB of memory, versus the X3100’s 144MB.

The second big change is a doubling of system RAM: The entry-level MacBook now ships with 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 RAM. The latest white MacBook has a much faster front-side bus, too, at 1066MHz instead of the old 800MHz. Bucking the general trend, though, the new processor runs at 2GHz, whereas the previous version’s processor came in at 2.1GHz.

Though its slightly slower processor didn’t help its performance, this new white MacBook is a solid entry-level product. And if you need a Mac portable with FireWire, it’s your most affordable choice, since the cheapest MacBook Pro costs twice as much.

(Source) PC World

Tags: Apple, apple macbook, FireWire, graphics chip, graphics subsystem, Laptops, new model, nvidia geforce, serial ata hard drive, world apple

This week brought in the new MacBooks and MacBooks Pro. We’ve covered the event and we talked about each of them in particular. We’ve seen the new building procedure, the new NVIDIA GPUs, and basically, we’ve confirmed most of the rumors prior to the event.

But the mobs are gathering. No one is completely happy with Apple’s decision of leaving out FireWire ports out of the new MacBooks. Logical forum threads have been popping up on Apple’s forums. And it looks like Apple isn’t happy with people that aren’t happy with the lack of FireWire support. In fact most of these threads are being deleted since they are filled with complaints rather than questions.

Apple’s decision is surprising and disturbing. As long as there are products, and especially cameras that use FireWire connection, why remove the port? And why not let people talk about it? It’s not like the angry mobs will stop buying Apple computers right?

via Gizmodo

Tags: Apple, FireWire, Laptops, MacBook, MacBook Air, Portable Devices

The company OWC (Other World Computing) has announced the new addition to their Mercury-On-The-Go portable storage solution line — the 320GB 5400RPM storage device which is 28% more than their erstwhile biggest storage capacity. Mercury-on-the-go offers all FireWire 400 and 800, eSATA and USB options. The Mercury On-The-Go 320GB 5400RPM is a palm-sized and bus-powered storage which is compatible with all types of computers, both Mac and PC. You can even use it directly with camcorders and digital cameras. It runs on OS X Leopard and is available right now via MacSales with prices ranging from USD$249.99 to USD$299.99.

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Tags: eSATA, FireWire, Portable Devices, portable storage, usb