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#1 |
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Kasper's Automated Slave
Join Date: Nov 1997
Posts: 6,151
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Notes of interest from Apple's MacBook event
With multiple product updates all arriving at once, many might have been overwhelmed by Apple's MacBook launch to overlook potentially important features and limitations -- including the need to log out to switch graphics chips and the multiple party tricks of the new 24-inch Cinema Display.
MacBook and MacBook Pro While Apple's new MacBook Pro potentially delivers longer battery life by switching to integrated video instead of its more powerful discrete chipset, Apple notes in a support document that users can't just flick a switch and trigger the new mode. Instead, changing energy preferences to favor either better battery life (with the GeForce 9400M) or faster performance (with the 9600M GT) prompts the notebook's owner to log out and back in for the change to take effect. It's not known whether disconnecting or reattaching power makes the switch automatically. On the upside, however, the glass trackpad has brought about a major overhaul of Apple's control options for its multi-touch gestures. As tested by Gearlog earlier on Tuesday, the surface is now much more customizable: long-time owners clinging to pre-defined surface controls can specify a particular point of the pad that serves as a right-click. It's also possible to use a two-finger tap to right-click or to hold them and use them to zoom into a too-small portion of the display. The four-finger gestures are hardwired to Expose (up and down) and to the app switcher (left and right). And while many will find much to complain of with glossy displays and missing FireWire on the 13-inch model, some buyers may yet have surprises in store. When comparing the features of the 2GHz and 2.4GHz MacBooks, Apple chief Steve Jobs described only the 2.4GHz model as having a backlit keyboard. Those ordering the basic model, however, are still asked to choose between backlit-only keyboard options. Whether this is a simple website error or a last-minute upgrade hasn't been confirmed. Also up in the air is the memory ceiling. Officially, Apple supports no more than 4GB. However, the DDR3 notebook memory necessary for an upgrade is readily available in individual 4GB sticks, theoretically permitting a well-heeled owner to load the MacBooks with as much as 8GB of RAM. Without posted support documents or technical information from NVIDIA, though, it's difficult to tell whether it's an artificial or hard-coded limit Apple mentions. 24-inch LED Cinema Display Apple's first DisplayPort monitor actually underuses the specification. Although it shares HDMI's ability to pipe audio alongside the video signal, Apple doesn't enable the speakers, iSight camera or mic until the USB cable is plugged into a notebook. That speaker system is 2.1-channel -- indicating the presence of a subwoofer. So far, Apple is the only company to include a built-in power connector to recharge a notebook without resorting to its distinct power supply. The firm is unusually cautious in its display claims. In spite of the LED backlighting and modern panel, Apple lists a comparatively modest 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 14ms typical pixel response time. Most LCD display makers usually try to shrink this last figure by quoting only the very quick gray-to-gray times rather than white-to-black or other more realistic performance levels. DisplayPort should play a role in all Macs going forward, so the Cinema Display should be usable with all upcoming Macs for the foreseeable future. Apple execs at the event's Q&A As is often the case at Apple's on-campus events, executives held a question and answer session with the press to address lingering concerns after the event. In Tuesday's discussion, Apple cleared the air regarding Blu-ray, which was briefly rumored to be part of the new MacBook update but didn't materialize in the end. Notably, company co-founder Steve Jobs didn't address the HD format's absence in technical terms or as a matter of interest in defending iTunes. Instead, licensing hurdles have played the central role. "Blu-ray is a bag of hurt. I don’t mean from the consumer point of view," Jobs said at the event. "It’s great to watch movies, but the licensing is so complex. We’re waiting until things settle down, and waiting until Blu-ray takes off before we burden our customers with the cost of licensing." Separate questions also justified Apple's other technical decisions for the MacBook series. Even though it's favorable for home theaters, HDMI was left out as it normally doesn't support the 30-inch Cinema Display's 2560x1600 resolution. The company also resisted using a matte display by insisting that LED meant more light would pass through and overcome the gloss; a hinged display and portability also help. NVIDIA should also play a larger role in Apple's platform for the future. And in a preemptive strike against likely jittery investors looking for reassurances, Jobs began the Q&A by immediately stating that his blood pressure measured 110 over 70 -- and that he wouldn't discuss his health beyond that point. |
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 29
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I think the new Cinema Display would be perfect for a new Mac Mini! It would eliminate the "brick" power supply and make for a nice, clean setup.
A door that says push reduces the speed of the person who pulls before he reads!
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 585
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I think the Bluray problem is cost not a legal issue. I think it's Jobs's "gentle" way of saying it costs too much.
With regards to the memory, the question is if the chipset supports more than 4GB of memory. Also where does AI get its pictures from? I can't find any good pics of the new machines. Last edited by merdhead; 10-14-2008 at 09:42 PM.. |
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,066
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They reduced the educational discounts as well from $100 to $50 for the MB base model, $200 to $100 for the the 2.4GHz MBP. I guess they really reduce their margins on those computers.
Nasser
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
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Any word on Firewire over Ethernet?
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,437
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The new trackpad looks really cool. I guess it actually moves when you "click" it, so you get feedback and you can't accidentally click it.
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 8,453
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Only that it was a bewildering decision to leave it out of the MacBook.
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground."
—Thomas Jefferson Proud AAPL stock owner. |
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
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Can someone please explain what the new alternative is for transferring files between a MacBook and another computer? How are we expected to proceed without FireWire? USB doesn't work, so what are we supposed to do??
Thanks. |
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Reston, VA
Posts: 367
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What a weird year. Apple is little behind their usual plans. Its always giant precise steps. This year, there's things all over the place. 17' Macbook Pro is a mystery. White macbook is still here. iPhone problems with no real Push yet. Some funny things with pricing and not so much consistency. Is Apple becoming too big? Well if yes, they better hire new people and pay more to their employees.
The classic apple would have refreshed WHOLE line of Notebooks, not in chunks. Same with Cinema Displays. I think its gonna be so awkward to see new 24' with old 30' Displays. I am sure customers will ask all these questions. Classic apple would have at least dropped 30' Display out of sale untill new one came in. And it will be very..VERY hard to power a 30inch LED Cinema Display. Good luck. So to recap: After 4 years of same technology and same notebooks, we still have closely the same thing. Ohhh. Little bit surprised. I expected mind blowing new technologies that would kill the market, but looks like Sony, Lenovo and Toshiba are catching up by copying very fast. Hope by MacWorld we'll see all in organized matter. ![]() |
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#10 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 955
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Quote:
The current implementation appears to be a stop-gap measure. On another note... Apple has increased the price of its Display Adapters. Mini DVI to VGA Adapter $19 --> Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter$29 Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter $19 --> Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter $29 And if you want to hook up your new MacBook Pro to your 30" CinemaDisplay, prepare to fork out another $99 for a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter. |
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 20
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It has already been confirmed and reconfirmed and re-reconfirmed that the "2.0 Macbook backlit keyboard" online store statement is an error. It does not come with backlighting (much to my dismay).
Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past
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#12 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 19
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My guess is we're gonna see all the gaps filled in at Macworld????
base Macbook 999 model changed. 17 macbook pro changed. current macbook specs fixed. displays all updated. (re-implementing FW in macbooks?) this extremely frustrates me. I want my new macbook right now! i was gonna get whatever mid level macbook there was... but I'm getting a base model for a $1299 ! c'mon. not just that, but in a few months, all the notebooks are likely to get updated. so i'll feel stupid for buying right now and wasting so much money. even though i need it what do you guys and gals think? |
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
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We now know that Apple has indeed removed both FW400 and FW800 from the MacBook --without replacing it with an alternative.
I've read through all the relevant recent threads, and not one person has yet answered my question: WHAT IS THE NEW PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFERRING FILES FROM THE MACBOOK TO ANOTHER COMPUTER?? Until now, the only really efficient, quick and reliable way to do that was by connecting a FireWire cable and restarting while holding down the T key. USB doesn't work like that. So . . . How -- specifically -- are we supposed to transfer files from/to the new MacBook? Thanks. |
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#14 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 955
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Quote:
Migration Assistant can however transfer files over WiFi or Ethernet. Is it as quick? No Is it as efficient? No Will it be sufficient for most PowerUsers? No Will it be sufficient for most consumers and PC switchers? Yes Remember your AVERAGE MacBook buyer is a PC switcher and FireWire sounds like something dangerous to them. They didn't have it on their PC and won't miss it on their new MacBook. I'm hoping we will see a 15" MacBook with FireWire in January. |
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#15 | |
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Fishhead for Life
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Right about HERE
Posts: 2,519
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Quote:
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eye
bee BEE |
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#16 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 180
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Migration assistant works over a wired or wireless network. Not the best solution, but it works.
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#17 | ||||||||||||||
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Ansible
Posts: 11,773
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The Mac Pro could also get a new GPU option that allowed for a DP option without any fanfare, but I think that the desktops may have to wit until January before we see them updated. Hopefully they'll have a new 30"+ ACD like the new 24" ACD ready. Quote:
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2) Remember what happened back in July when Apple released MobileMe, iPhone 3G, OS X iPhone 2.0, and the App Store all within 24 hours of each other? I'd say the "FUBAR" acknowledgment by Jobs and the staggering of both the recent iPod update and this new Mac notebook update could be a testament to Apple actually eating some humble pie and learning from its mistakes. Quote:
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2) They have the future-forward DisplayPort 3) They have 5 hour batter life in their notebooks (need to wait for independent testing to verify) 4) A multi-gesture trackpad with multiple possiblities, when Synaptic is just now trying to get Windows and Windows apps to utilize the new multi-gesture drivers they recently announced, while Apple has been using it for a year. 5) THe new case design (but I still need some technical breakdowns as to how this benefits the average user) 6) Brighter and better displays 7) All aluminium case that employees a tazer when a user password is typed incorrectly too many times. 8) Retinal scanner via the iSight camera & palm print identification via the glass trackpad.
Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud
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#18 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Ansible
Posts: 11,773
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If they are weeding out FW on what will be the most popular Mac, I'd think they would allow for Migration Assistant to work over USB and Ethernet, now. But this is Apple, so who knows.
Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud
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#19 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 180
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I was prepared to buy a top of the line 17", but I guess I'm SOL for now. Perhaps when they update the 17" they'll also have an option for a quad core processor, 8GB of RAM and a matte screen.
A boy can dream.... ::sigh:: |
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#20 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Paradise
Posts: 399
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So, could DisplayPort be used for firewire? Is gigabit ethernet really slower than FW-400 for transferring files? (Couldn't Apple enable a target disk mode over ethernet?)
I'm actually starting to warm up to the lineup. Prices are higher than I would want, but it is a pretty good strategic decision. As for all the people griping about the lack of firewire in the MB... I think back to the 12" PB G4. It was nice looking, but missing a few important things for me. I'm not sure how they will do it, but it looks like firewire is not going to be the solution long term. |
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#21 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Paradise
Posts: 399
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Quote:
Ethernet is the most logical choice; just make the target computer act as as DCHP server and convert the machine to a network share. |
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#22 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Ansible
Posts: 11,773
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Quote:
Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud
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#23 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Ansible
Posts: 11,773
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They do make USB-A to USB-A cables with built -in bridge chips, but having a simple hub could work. Butyou're right, that isn't the easiest soltuion. Ethernet is. The port itself will determine which is the Rx and Tx so you don't need to worry about crossover cables for a direct connection. I think the only thing you have to do is turn on file sharing.
Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud
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#24 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Reston, VA
Posts: 367
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Quote:
For a moment I though you were a press person from Apple Legal. ![]() |
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#25 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 23
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There is a VERY good reason why they don't make regular USB-A to USB-A cables (though Linksys did use them for their Wi-Fi adapters about 7-10 years ago).
Connecting one computer directly to another computer through their USB ports would fry both their motherboards. Hence, the USB crossover cables that allow you to do this safely, IF you can find one. Even so, USB only supports 33Mb/s throughput, so Gigabit Ethernet is the only way to go with any useful speed. |
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#26 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 134
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No substitute for Target Disk Mode
Quote:
I will strongly encourage all I advise to avoid the FireWire-less MacBooks. They look good now, but they'll look like crud the moment I tell an owner "No, I can't get your data off. I could have if you'd gotten this other model though..." ![]() |
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#27 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,437
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#28 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,437
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Quote:
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#29 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wherever your mama is…
Posts: 919
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I found these quotes from the Q&A after the event interesting...
(quotes from the Ars Technica coverage of the event) Quote:
That could be a good selling point. And, as I mentioned in another thread... Can we get the OS to recognize 'zones' in regards to display focus & input devices (keyboard/trackpad/mouse). So if I am reading email on the laptop display, the laptop keyboard & trackpad are 'focused' on activities on the laptop display only. Same for the 24" display, I want the OS to recognize that I have video spanning on and regulate the extension display to input from an attached USB keyboard & mouse. Almost like running a laptop & a desktop side-by-side, but the laptop is the only machine there, with the attached 24" LED Cinema Display serving as seperate workspace. Like Expose, just different...
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein |
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#30 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 13
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the new cinema display looks like the HP-display!
i bought one 1 year ago, and it looks nearly 1:1 to the new cinemadisplay, but only costs half of the apple one.
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#31 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Posts: 1,118
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Quote:
Half the price? Does the HP knockoff have a built-in iSight camera, mic, and speakers? Does it have a MagSafe connector that powers and charges your laptop? http://www.apple.com/displays/features.html |
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#32 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 135
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Thanks, but I'll take the MacBook, Mummy said I mustn't play with fire.
Aside from that bag of hurt, Mrs Lincoln, what did you think of the play?
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#33 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5
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#34 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Bay, CA
Posts: 38
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Wait... what? you're kidding right? To many things to guess about at 1:30am...
Flying is not inherently dangerous, but terribly unforgiving of any mistakes, neglect or inattention to detail.
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#35 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Bay, CA
Posts: 38
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uhhhh show me a 13-15" "comparable" laptop with 19 hours of battery life.
Flying is not inherently dangerous, but terribly unforgiving of any mistakes, neglect or inattention to detail.
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#36 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 101
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Hdmi
If Mini DisplayPort is compatible with DVI, and DVI and HDMI are compatible, wouldn't it be quite straightforward for someone to make a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter cable, including audio?
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#37 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 199
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Expect to see one of those popping up soon.
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#38 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 11
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Hoped for a better price
Hoped for better prices.
The only one that went down was the old Macbook; $100 in the US store, only $20 in the Norwegian store. Otherwise prices are UP $200 on every model. Apple has gotten all their enthusiasts onboard now. They need to have computer’s ready for the rest, with lower prices, not higher. Hard to understand the politic. |
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#39 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 171
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Oh man four finger gestures is where it's at. I'm such an exposé ho already.
Somewhere in the world there is a war veteran with only three fingers crying himself to sleep right now. |
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#40 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: From Parts Unknown
Posts: 2,282
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I feel your pain. It was a bad decision on Apple's part, no matter what the Apple Apologista Squad™ has to say about it. ...
The iPhone 3GS-
Cut-copy-paste, MMS, landscape keyboard, video-recording, voice-calling, and more... FINALLY To the 'We Didn't Need It' Crowd/Apple Apologista Squad™ : Wrong again, lol Thanks for listening to your users, Apple. =] |
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