News for Tuesday, 5 June 2007

The Apple Store is now open and the expected new Macbook Pro are there:

Entry level - 15" : 1899€b
2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 resolution
2GB memory
120GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM
Mid-range - 15" : 2399€
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 resolution
2GB memory
160GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM

High-end - 17" : 2699€
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1680 x 1050 pixels
2GB memory
160GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM

We are still collecting information to know if such models are indeed based on santa-Rosa platform.
[update]
-It seems to be the expected Santa-Rosa-based mdoels as it now supprts up to 4GB of RAM. The 17" model can be equipepd with a 1920x1200 display, making it the first Apple-branded-HD video ready notebook (still HDMI/HDCP for external playback).
- If Apple seems not to be using the Robson technology integrated in Santa-Rosa platform, as it is not mention in any current information
- Even if Apple does not write it down, the current frequency of the Core 2 Duo CPUs as well as the support for 4GB RAM indicate that thsoe MB Pro are indeed based on Santa-Rosa.
- The MB Pro 15" models feature a LED-backlited LCD display:

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is better for the environment, thanks to its new mercury-free display. Backlit by light emitting diodes (LEDs), the display weighs less and is more power efficient than the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) which most notebooks employ, and provides full brightness immediately after the system is turned on.

As expected, the Apple Store is closed, and being updated.
We learned that all MB Pro models are EOL, so the new models to be introduced will most likely be the Santa Rosa-based models, and not only limited to a larger HD and small CPU bump as it was the case for the MacBook models 2 weeks ago. We should know more in about an hour.

Flash memory manufacturers are racing to be the first to deliver the fastest and largest SSD currently possible to be designed and produced. Today, after its 1.8" 32GB SSD, SanDisk introduces a new model featuring 64GB of solid-state storage space.

Available in 1.8 and 2.5" format, those SSDs offer a MTBF of 2 million hours, with an average access speed of 0.11 milliseconds, and read speeds of 67MB/sec, specifications similar to the 1.8" 32GB SSD model announced in February. Production of both models should start by the end of the year, paving the way for a massive introduction of SSD in our notebook in 2008.
Indeed, 1.8" and 2.5" SSD will rapidly attract users thanks to their impressive access time and low power consumption. Increasing the storage space of SSD will only depend on thickness flash memory engraving and piling, and will not be affected by rotation speed or number of plates as in standard notebook HDs.
By the end of the decade, the last mechanical parts in our notebook might be the optical drive, if any one remains.

If Western Digital became really famous with its high-performance HD model, Raptors, it failed to upgrade its offer for large storage space 3.5" HD (bigger than 500GB). Well up to yesterday, as the Caviar SE16 750GB was introduced. This SATAII drive features 16MB of cache and spins at 7200rpm

This new HD will face a strong competition, with Seagate and Hitachi already there for weeks with similar offers, and even 1TB HD units being available in shops. Western Digital will probably have to cut the price of this new model if it aims to capture a significant piece of the large storage space HD market (over US$225 it would have no chance). Performance wise, the Caviar SE16 750GB should benefit from WD experience, and demanding users will probably consider it as soon as it hits the shelves.

MaxUpgrade offer a fan-based kit supposed to enhance cooling of Mac Pro memory modules.

Composed of 3 fans (1 large model and 2 smaller ones), it will bring temperature down by 20 degrees and will cost you 79$.
We did not test this kit, and no one can certify that it will boost performance or improve reliability of RAM modules, but there is a simpler alternative.
One simply need to install the application SMC Fan Controls, then increase the rotation speed of the CPU level.

By moving it from 600 to 800 or 900 rpm will not really modify the silent behavior of the computer, but it will immediately bring the temperature of the memory modules down.

For once, all Mac-related rumor websites seem to agree for an update of today’s MacBook Pro offer. We have learned that the entry-level MB Pro 15" is end of life.
It would be nice to revive the enthusiasm concerning hardware models, the last MacBook update being a really minor one. Apple needs to update its MB Pro offer as sales have surged due to expectation of upcoming models to be introduced at the AADC.
It would also be a perfect timing for adopting the new mobile Santa-Rosa platform already released by Intel weeks ago. If the performance level should not be dramatically changed, it will help Apple-branded notebooks to be better ranked against competitors.
So, the Apple Stores should be upgraded around European lunchtime.

Engadget has obtained information related to a Dell-branded ultra-portable model.


Specifications are almost identical to those expected by many Mac users, and described in our previous related news:
- 13.3" LED-based LCD display
- integrated webcam
- Core 2 Duo up to 2.4GHz.
- 4GB RAM
- 250 HD or 32GB SSD
- GeForce 8400M (option)
- GSM modem (option)
- HDMI output ...
So if Dell can do it, for sure Apple is able to find component suppliers for designing a MacBook-based ultra portable (probably with Intel Core 2 Duo ULV to increase battery lifetime).

In February, SONY announced its goal to launch the BDP-S300, a standalone 1080p Blu-ray player, with a target price of 599$.


Because the price of components dropped significantly, the BDP-S300 will be cheaper and should be found in your favorite shop at 499$. In the meantime, HD-DVD players have also seen their respective prices dropping, and the cheapest model is 300$.
The competition between both formats has quickly cut prices of players, making them affordable earlier than expected for most consumers. If the price curve tendency remains as such, BD or HD-DVD players might be a popular idea for Christmas present.
The BDP-S300 should be available soon

If Apple does not really communicate around its Server-related activities, the transition to Intel CPU allowed Apple servers to be directly compare with competitors. Apple appeared in the top-ten server brands for Q1 2007, with 8700 units shipped worldwide. Apple captured the tenth position thanks to a 73% increase of its on-quarter shipments growth. The ninth position is currently held by Hitachi with only 300 units. It seems that the use of Dual Core Xeon in Xserve is part of the success of Apple-branded server models. Apple will have to confirm in the future and could be pushed to adopt the Quad Core Xeon in its servers to preserve its positions in the top-ten server brands.