New MacBooks, More Joyful Phone Calls
They’ve finally updated the less-expensive model, and just before the holidays:
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Apple Updates MacBook Line.
Apple has updated the MacBook line of notebook computers. New features include Intel Core 2 Duo processors at 2.0GHz or 2.2GHz, an 800MHz frontside bus, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 graphics, 4MB of shared L2 cache, support for up to 4GB of main memory, and a larger 250GB CTO hard drive option. MacBook is now lighter (5.0 lbs) with a new keyboard layout, and it supports one high-powered USB port.
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I find this to be very interesting, because this newest upgrade makes the low-end laptops nearly perfectly equivalent to the more-expensive current MacBook Pro’s. This is a VERY attractive upgrade, for the same cost as the older laptops.
I’m predicting that the new, high-end MacBook Pro’s will be out shortly, if only to justify their extra cost. It had better be a major upgrade, in order to cost so much more, frankly - These new MacBooks are looking better and better as I look through the specs. The only, only significant current difference that I can find between the two price-ranges is that the MacBook Pro supports 30-inch external displays, versus “only” up to 24″ monitors on the MacBook. That’s NOT worth an extra $1,200!
In the meantime, if you’ve been waiting on my advice before buying a new laptop, then your time has come. I’d be plumb grateful if you’d use my personal link when shopping for your new Macs. It keeps me in Apple’s good graces, and it makes me smile!
Make SURE that you specify the largest internal hard drive that your budget affords when you order your Mac. There’s no cost penalty for doing so (versus other sources for hard drives), and I’ve seen a lot of people fill up their internal hard drives almost immediately. This causes drive directory damage that I have to fix, shortly thereafter.
Also, don’t skimp - Since all new Macs are shipping with Leopard, get a large external hard drive, too. Get the biggest one that you can afford. Yeah, yeah, yeah - I know that I’m harping waaay too much on backups using Leopard’s new Time Machine function (be sure to watch the video demo), but try to understand my biases:I’VE been the guy on the other end of hundreds and hundreds of panicked support-calls, with folks begging me tearfully to help them get their precious data back. Now, with Leopard and an external hard drive, you have the possibility of NEVER LOSING ANY MORE DATA FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Now, isn’t that worth spending the extra bucks, cheapskate?
I’d make less money from fixing horrifying tragedies, but I’d be a lot less stressed, too. After nearly 27 years in the biz, my nerves are SHOT, baby! I want happy, joyful calls, if given a choice.
