News for Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Apple has released two software updates:
- Airport Utility Software Update 2009-001:

This update includes general fixes and compatibility updates for the following applications: AirPort Utility and AirPort Base Station Agent, including AirPort Disk Utility for Tiger.

- AirPort Client Update 2009-001:

This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.5.6. It addresses issues with roaming and network selection in dual-band environments.

The second is mostly for those who purchase a new Airport Extreme or Time Capsule.

Here's some news which will certainly upset some. The new iMacs come with a wired keyboard with now numeric keypad (like the Bluetooth model). Fortunately, it is possible to change it when purchasing through the Apple Store with no additional cost.
Unfortunately, this will not be possible at traditional retailers.

We have now learned that it will no longer be possible to change the Mac mini processors, as we have often done in the past. For economical and probably spatial reasons, Apple has decided to directly solder the processor to the motherboard, as they already do with portables.
We'll admit that this news saddens us, even though the Mac mini is not any less tempting.

Just before the launch of new models from Apple, NVidia announced that new chips are now associated with the GeForce 9400M. The graphical part is slightly faster but it features a dedicated RAM modules which should boost performance.
We will update this information as soon as we get additional information on this subject.

Apple made the Radeon HD 4870 available as a retail product from its apple Store. Its price: 315€. The good news: it is compatible with the new Mac Pro but also with the previous models of Mac Pro released in 2008. It sports a mini DisplayPort as well as a mini DVI.
Radeon 4870 @ Apple Store

Along with the new iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro, Apple also launched new version of its Time Capsule and Airport Extreme N. As we were reporting it this morning, it now supports simultaneous usage for both frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
New Time Capsule and Airport Extreme N @ Apple Store

Apple also launched its new Mac Pro featuring the new Intel Xeon Nehalem. Clock-speeds range from 2.26 to 2.93 GHz. The entry-level model is equipped with only one Quad Core Xeon, while other models feature 2 Quad Core Xeons. Dual CPU models are shipping with 6 GB of RAM and it can accept up to 32 GB. The entry level graphic card is a GeForce 120 GT while the high-end model gets the Radeon HD 4870.
Prices range from 2229€ for the entry-level to 5399€ for the high-end model. To be noticed, every graphics card feature a Mini DisplayPort and dual-link DVI port. Apple has redesigned the interior while making expansion an easier task too.
Your new Mac Pro @ Apple Store

Apple Store is back online with new iMac and Mac mini:
iMac

- IMAC 20" 2.66 GHz/2GB/320GB/ GeForce 9400M for 1099€
- IMAC 24" 2.66 GHz/4GB/640GB/ GeForce 9400M for 1399€
- IMAC 24" 2.93 GHz/4GB/640GB/ GeForce GT120 256 MB for 1699 €
- IMAC 24" 3.06 GHz/4GB/1TB/ GeForce GT120 512 MB for 2099€
All models are now equipped with SuperDrive while preserving their FireWire port.


Mac mini

- Mac mini 2 GHz/1GB/120GB Superdrive for 599€
- Mac mini 2 GHz/2GB/320GB Superdrive for 799€
Both models are now featuring a powerful graphical chipset, aka GeForce 9400M and use DDR3 RAM modules as the new iMac.

As usual if you want to help us to continue delivering Mac and IT-related information, please use the following link if you plan to purchase a computer: @ Apple Store

Something is cooking at the Appel Store, and as we reveiled it yesterday it should be related to the Mac mini, iMac and potentially the Mac Pro according to Macrumors. couple of minutes before the answer:

Link to the Apple Store near you.

According to Macurmors new references for Mac Pro are already in Apple database:
Hereafter are the iMac specifications to be announced today:
MB417LL/A - IMAC 20" 2.66/2GB/320GB/SD/MSE/KB-USA
MB418LL/A - IMAC 24" 2.66/4GB/640/SD/MSE/KB-USA
MB419LL/A - IMAC 24" 2.93/4GB/640/256/SD/MSE/KB-USA
MB420LL/A - IMAC 24" 3.06/4GB/1TB/512/SD/MSE/KB-USA
Then the Mac mini:
MB463LL/A - MAC MINI 2.0/1X1G/120/SD/AP/BT-USA
MB464LL/A - MAC MINI 2.0/2X1G/320/SD/AP/BT-USA
And potentially two new references for Mac Pro:
MAC PRO 2.26_8CX/6X1G/640/GT120/SD-USA
MAC PRO 2.66QCX/3X1GB/640/GT120/SD-USA
So, let’s analyze this final information :
- The first model with cPU cloceked at 2.26 GHz might be the entry-level model for a Octo Core hardware, while the other model clocked at 2.66 GHz would only feature four cores.
- It would be Mac Pro powered by Xeon Nehalem as defined by the memory modules allocation, 3 modules for the Quad Core model, and 6 modules for the Octo Core model
- The GeForce 120 is not a incredible graphic card, as it is the rebranded GeForce 9500, but the AM/ATI Radeon HD 4870 will be available as a BTO.
- Faster Octo Core models will most likely be available as BTO
So, Apple might be willing to offer a low price entry point for hte Mac Pro line, while giving power crunching users the ability to get the top of the line via CPU BTO.

After one year of unsuccessful discussion, Microsoft decided to launch a legal action against TomTom based on patient infringement claims. The details are not provided, but it seems to be related to the navigation tools and technologies that Microsoft already licensed to TomTom's competitors. The latest seems to have decided to pay a license rather than investigate if Microsoft really deserves a licensing fee for such technology.
It will of course take some time before we get more detailed information about this law suite, but as usual it will end up in a financial agreement or a legal decision.

In order to boost its sales and empty its stocks in a economically difficult period, AMD might prepare a massive price cut for its Radeon models. The Radeon HD 4870 with 512 MB of VRAM might be 50 USD cheaper, with an expected price of 149 USD, while the lower end model the HD 4850 512 MB should cost 129 USD.
If one considers that NVidia has been renaming its previous graphic card models without bringing really new features, it seems than the current economic crisis is slowing down innovations for both GPU designers. They seem to have opted for a strategy based on a "no change" policy, no release of new architecture, only release products for which R&D cost have already been covered and product productions entirely controlled. There is no reason for launching new, and expensive, products as the current economic environment will force them to reduce their margins.
the current policy might make it possible for Apple to release those cheaper Radeon for the forthcoming Mac Pro and the previous models, current Mac Pro owners will be delighted to get improvement of their graphic performance at such a low price.

Intel is already working on the future version of ATOM, its low power consumption-low cost CPU as the current economic slow down make it a rather popular component.
The future generation expected for Q4 2009 should bring new features. First, Intel will apply the same strategy than being deployed on its higher-end CPU: adding memory controller and graphic chipset directly on the same die. Pc manufacturers and integrators will only need 2 chips on the motherboard to offer a complete solution. The size of those chips will be shrunk by 70% while power consumption should decrease as much as 50%. Dual Core version of this new ATOM should arrive by the end of the year, while cheaper models sporting a single core should be available early 2010.
By including a graphical chipset into the CPU, Intel is aiming to compete with the NVidia GF 9400M solution.

Apple just made available from the software update panel or directly, an update aiming to improve compatibility with RAW format for Leopard as well as supporting new DSLR models, among them the fabulous Nikon D3x.

This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto '08, and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:
Nikon D3X
Epson R-D1x
It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

Engadget found in the pages of the FFC, who validate electronic devices, two new references that seem to speak about new Airport Extremes and Time Capsules. Although the products do not change their dimensions, the modifications are certainly significant. In addition to the adoption of larger disks for the Time Capsules, these new products will be able to simultaneously manage the 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as wifi stations of their competitors do right now.
The idea is tempting and effective. When one is able, one can connect using 802.11n (802.11a 5 GHz). The data flow is then maximum and can reach the 10 MG/s. If one moves further away, one swaps over to 802.11n (802.11g 2,4 GHz) that has a higher range but a lower maximum data flow.
This is not a revolution, but rather an interesting evolution. One can even hope that one day all our hardware will be able to manage the two wavebands and maybe even cumulate the data flow.

Apple offers via the software update an update that improves the ability of MacBook batteries to maintain a charge if you shut the system down and do not use it for an extended period of time.
It is intended for the batteries having a serial number containing ASMB016 or ASMB013 with a batch code of 002 and the revision firmware 0110.
To know more:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421)