MacBook

647 'MacBook' stories December 2010 - May 2016

Light. Years ahead.

Check out our top stories on MacBook:

Originally released April 10, 2015 and last refreshed April 19, 2016, the all-new MacBook ($1,299 and up from the Apple Store) is the thinnest and lightest Mac laptop ever made. It’s also the first MacBook to be offered in four color options: classic silver, space gray, gold and rose gold.

Currently offered only with a 12″ screen, it represents the future of Apple laptops. Following a refresh in April 2016, it now includes a 2304×1440 (226ppi) Retina display, 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage, coupled with ultra-low-power Intel Core M processors. The base model includes a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M chip with an Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU; and upgraded models offer to 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 or 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.

With a redesigned chassis that’s only slightly wider than the keyboard, the new MacBook’s 0.14″–0.52″ thickness was achieved in part by dropping all external connectivity ports save for a 3.5mm headphone port and a new reversible USB-C port, which can be used for power, data connectivity, and video output. Most of the MacBook’s connectivity is handled wirelessly with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4 support. It promises 9-10 hours of battery life depending on how the computer is being used.

A redesigned Force Touch trackpad now can sense multiple levels of pressure rather than just one, using four pressure sensors and a haptic feedback pad to replicate the clickiness of a traditional trackpad. Additionally, the keyboard has been completely redesigned to retain the expected clicks, precision, and travel of conventional keys, while cutting their depth and width to fit the chassis. An ultra-thin top lid has only enough depth for a 640×480 FaceTime camera, a compromise for the smaller size.

Just like the first-generation MacBook Air, the new MacBook is aimed at users whose computing needs don’t demand incredible horsepower, yet benefit from a slim, light chassis with a really nice screen. Though you’ll do better in raw dollar terms and power by buying a comparably priced 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, you’ll have nearly twice the weight to carry around (2.03 pounds versus 3.48 pounds) and a larger footprint to manage. The choice of which is best for your needs will be highly personal.

Current Lineup:

MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)

Related Guides:

Review: IXCC’s USB 3.0 to Type-C Adapter is a cheaper way to connect legacy USB devices to your MacBook

Jeff Benjamin May 31 2016 - 8:07 am PT

0 Comments

If you own a MacBook and you wish to interface with legacy USB-A connections, you have several options. Apple itself produces a USB-C to USB Adapter, and it’s available for around $19. There’s also no shortage of third-party options available on Amazon and other resellers.

One such option, IXCC’s USB 3.0 to Type-C Convertor Cable, is a cheap and easy way to garner legacy USB device support on USB-C only MacBooks. Have a look at our brief hands-on video to witness the adapter in action.
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10 tips for new and prospective MacBook owners [Video]

Jeff Benjamin May 27 2016 - 7:11 am PT

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As someone coming from a 15″ MacBook Pro with Retina display, adjusting to the smaller form-factor of the 12″ MacBook takes some getting used to. But as brought out in our post highlighting 10 favorite MacBook features, the effort is worth it.

I’ve been using the 2016 MacBook as my primary computer since last week, and I’ve learned a lot about this little machine during my hands-on time. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new MacBook, or if you already own one, consider these tips to get more out of this tiny wonder.
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Pixelmator for Mac update adds Magnetic Selection, Retouch brushes extension for Apple Photos app, more

Benjamin Mayo May 26 2016 - 4:05 am PT

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The team behind Pixelmator has today released yet another free update to its Mac photo editor, Pixelmator version 3.5 ($29.99 in the Mac App Store). Alongside the usual round of performance improvements and bug fixes, the app includes a few handy new end-user features. There’s a smarter Auto Selection tool and a brand new Magnetic Selection tool to accurately and quickly cutout objects from a scene in a photograph. There’s also a brand new Retouch extension for the native OS X Photos app, integrating refined brush-style edits into iCloud Photo Library. Video demo after the break …

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Opinion: Wouldn’t it be nice if the new MacBook Pro had built in 4G like this patent shows?

Chance Miller May 25 2016 - 5:22 pm PT

0 Comments

Earlier this week it was reported that an upcoming MacBook Pro refresh would bring a thinner design, Touch ID support, and an OLED touch bar above the keyboard. One of the longstanding requests by MacBook users, however, has been an option for cellular connectivity and now it looks like we might be one step closer to that coming to fruition. As noted by PatentlyApple, Apple has recently been granted a patent for a MacBook with cellular connectivity.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers that Apple is working on MacBook with cellular connectivity. In 2011, a MacBook Pro with 3G connectivity and a SIM card slot from 2007 was put up for auction on eBay with the seller claiming it was an unreleased prototype model, but is it still possible that Apple is considering finally adding the feature?

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Apple & Maine Dept of Education swapping out iPads for MacBooks, iPads dismissed as ‘toys’

Ben Lovejoy May 23 2016 - 4:32 am PT

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Apple and the Maine Department of Education are swapping out iPads for MacBooks after a survey found that students and teachers alike favored laptops for older students. The deal means that there will be no additional cost to schools for exchanging the devices, reports the Lewiston-Auburn Sun Journal.

Auburn School Department Technology Director Peter Robinson said that the success of iPads in primary grades had make them look like the right choice at the time, but they have turned out to be less than ideal for older students …

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10 reasons to seriously consider the 2016 Retina MacBook

Jeff Benjamin May 21 2016 - 9:12 am PT

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Yesterday, I bought a 12″ MacBook, and after playing with it for 10 minutes, I immediately knew that I made the right decision. 24 hours later, I’m convinced that this is the best laptop for me, and a much better portable workhorse than something like a 12.9″ iPad Pro. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider going with a MacBook if you’re in the market for something powerful, yet portable.
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9to5Toys Last Call: 12” MacBook (2016) $1,199, iPhone 6/s Battery Case $24, 2-Pack MFi Lightning Cables $7, more

Trevor Daugherty May 6 2016 - 9:30 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Spigen Apple Watch 42mm Cases in two styles: $5 Prime shipped (Reg. up to $15)

Seagate 4TB Expansion Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive $105 shipped (Reg. $120)
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Samsung Galaxy S7 32GB (unlocked) for $530 shipped (Reg. $695)
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Apple MacBook 12-Inch Laptop (Newest Version) with Retina Display Rose Gold: $1,199 shipped ($100 off, tax in NY)

Apple 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (latest version) for $700 shipped (Reg. $899)

Apple 12-inch MacBook (Early 2015) 1.1GHz/8GB/256GB $930 shipped (Orig. $1,299)

Charge your iPhone 6/s on-the-go w/ this RAVPower 3000mAh 2A MFi Battery Case for $24 Prime shipped (Reg. $36)

Smartphone Accessories: 2-pack RAVPower MFi Lightning Cables $7, 12000mAh Car Jump Starter $43, more

Anker 3-ft reinforced Lightning cable (multiple colors): $8 Prime shipped (Reg. $10)

App Store Free App of the Week: Camera Plus w/ AirSnap goes free for the first time in months (Reg. $2)

Grand Theft Auto iOS Sale: Liberty City Stories $3, China Town Wars $3, San Andreas $4, more

Best Buy’s latest Apple sale takes $100 off iPad mini 4, up to $100 off Apple Watch & $25 off Apple TV

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The new LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS is everything we could’ve hoped for
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Opinion: MacBook Pro owners, it’s time to consider a 4K display

Jeff Benjamin May 2 2016 - 2:32 pm PT

50 Comments

If you own a MacBook Pro with Retina Display and desire extra screen real estate, then a 4K monitor can be a good investment, especially as the price of such monitors continue to dwindle.

Why should you consider a 4K display instead of a cheaper monitor with lesser resolution? It all boils down to clarity.
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Opinion: Apple’s MacBook lineup has a storage problem

Jeff Benjamin Apr 26 2016 - 9:17 am PT

73 Comments

Yesterday, we showed you how to upgrade late model MacBooks with a 480GB or 1TB SSD. In some cases these upgrades might yield eight times the original capacity of the machine’s internal storage.

While it’s certainly nice to have the option of upgrading, such enhancements do come with downsides. First, there’s the price: it’s $600 to upgrade to a 1TB drive. Second, the upgrade breaks Boot Camp support.

But $600 is relatively cheap when you compare what it costs to score a MacBook with a 1TB SSD. MacBooks feature faster PCIe storage, but it’s still a high price to pay for something so vital — and so cheap by today’s standards.

Apple’s MacBook line has an issue with internal flash storage prices. It’s a problem that continues to worsen, especially as Apple has made it increasingly difficult for users to upgrade.
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Teardown shows new Apple’s 12-inch MacBook adds tamper-evident screws, very minor improvements

Jordan Kahn Apr 25 2016 - 5:42 am PT

22 Comments

Our friends over at iFixit are doing their ritual teardown of Apple’s new 12-inch MacBook, and while the new device is essentially the same as the previous generation save for some refreshed components, the repair guide site also noticed some tweaks as far as repairability goes.

Most notably, Apple replaced a tri-wing screw with a much more common Phillips screw, which is always a plus for allowing easier repairs, although it continues to use its proprietary Pentalobe screws on the exterior of the case. That might be the only new positive for the updated MacBook, however, as iFixit also notes that it discovered hinge screws for the device which are “filled with some sort of substance that disintegrates when you insert a screwdriver.” The site speculates that it appears to be an Apple effort at “tamper-evident screws,” which in theory could allow the company to know if a third-party or DIY repair attempt has been made voiding warranty. Or as iFixit put it, “make you feel like a hoodlum for repairing your own machine.”

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Poll: Should Apple give its other products the rose gold/gold/space gray treatment?

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2016 - 12:44 pm PT

42 Comments

Yesterday Apple updated its 12-inch MacBook with some refreshed internal components and new a rose gold color. We already heard you loud and clear when we asked if Apple should bring new color options with the iPhone 7, but should it also give its other products and accessories the rose gold, gold, space gray treatment?

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9to5Toys Last Call: Best MacBook Accessories, iPad Pro $650, Yamaha 7.2-Ch. A/V Receiver w/ AirPlay $297, more

Trevor Daugherty Apr 20 2016 - 9:30 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi in all colors: $650 shipped (Reg. $799)

Seagate 2TB USB 3.0 Expansion Portable Hard Drive $60 shipped (Reg. $84)
Edelkrone wants to replace your tripod with its slick new camera stand
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LeapFrog Reading and Writing System $17 Prime shipped (Reg. $27+), more
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Home: Philips Electric Toothbrush w/ glass charger $170 (Reg. $200), more

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The best accessories for Apple’s 12-inch MacBook: USB-C cables, hubs, flash storage, more

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Apple iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi in Space Gray or Silver $249 shipped (Orig. $399)

Daily Deals: Yamaha 7.2-Ch Network AV Receiver w/ AirPlay $297, Samsung Xpress Mono Laser Printer w/ AirPrint $60, more

Review: Are these third-party $11 Apple Watch Sport bands any good? Turns out, they aren’t too bad.

App Store Free App of the Week: Space Marshals goes free for the very first time ($5 value)

Upgrade Your Mac with 3 Great Apps: Scapple $9 (Orig. $15), STAMP Premium $5 (Orig. $10), Ghostnote $7 (Orig. $10)

BADLAND 1 & 2 for iOS now matching lowest prices ever from $1 (Reg. $5)

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Audio-Technica ATH-M40X Over-Ear Headphones + FiiO E6 Amp: $82 shipped ($105 value), more

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Internal 2.5″ Solid-State Drives: Mushkin 1TB $205 (Reg. $245), SanDisk 120GB $36 (Reg. $45+)
Polk Audio MagniFi One 240W Bluetooth Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer: $180 (Reg. $250+)
Amazon Gold Box – Stührling watches from $60 shipped: Swiss Quartz, Skeletons, more

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Smartphone Accessories: Pad & Quill Timber Catchall Stand for Apple Watch in cherry wood finish $64 (Reg. $99), more

Smartphone Accessories: Arc-shaped Apple Watch Charging Stand $21, more
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PSN Digital Games up to 60% off: GTA Trilogy for PS4 from $19, more
Harman Kardon 7.1-Ch. 4K A/V Receiver w/ AirPlay: $298 shipped (Orig. $800)
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Gift Cards up to 20% off: Babies/Toys R Us, Old Navy, Lowe’s, CVS, more
Displays: Dell 24-inch 4K $361 (Reg. $400+), LG 27-inch 1080p $180 (Reg. $299)
Samsung 55-inch 4K 120Hz Smart UHDTVs: $1,200 (Reg. $1,500), 3D $1,375 (Reg. $1,800)
DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter w/ 2.7K Camera: $399 shipped (Reg. $499)
GoPro HERO4 Silver Action Camera w/ Accessories Bundle: $280 w/ .edu ($375 value)
Amazon launches standalone $9/month Prime Video subscription, but it isn’t really a deal
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LG Music Flow P7 20W 2-Channel Bluetooth Speaker: $43 shipped (Orig. $150)
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TarDisk Pear solid-state expansion drive for MacBook 15% off
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VIZIO introduces the new M-Series with an updated design and 4K HDR displays

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Impossible Project reveals its Polaroid-style analog camera with iOS connectivity
JBL’s new Reflect Aware C noise cancelling headphones are powered by USB Type-C
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Here’s how Apple’s refreshed 12-inch MacBook compares to last year’s model

Chance Miller Apr 19 2016 - 4:31 pm PT

73 Comments

Earlier today, Apple took wraps off of a refreshed 12-inch MacBook just over a year after the line was first introduced. While Apple is touting that this MacBook is faster and offers longer battery life than last year’s model, the company is notoriously vague when it comes to sharing under-the-hood details on its product pages. We’ve done some digging, however, and will attempt to break down all of the differences between last year’s 12-inch MacBook and this year’s upgraded model.

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Apple releases Bluetooth software update for new 12-inch MacBook already

Greg Barbosa Apr 19 2016 - 8:11 am PT

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Even though nobody has gotten their hands on the new 12-inch MacBook released today, Apple has already gone ahead and released a new software update. The update focuses on bluetooth compatibility with third-party devices. Weighing in at 157.8 MB, it will be a relatively small update to download once configuring your new machine.

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Apple drops the price on refurbished 12-inch MacBooks, now start at $929 shipped

Trevor Daugherty Apr 19 2016 - 6:51 am PT

6 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

With news of fresh 12-inch MacBooks this morning, Apple is now further discounting previous generation refurbished models with prices starting at $929 shipped. If you’re willing to hold off on the spec bumps announced today, you’ll be able to cash in on significant savings. All of Apple’s refurbished products come with a full one-year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare.

Apple’s inventory of refurbished computers and accessories are generally limited. It’s not uncommon to see a specific model come in and out of stock. Check in regularly if your desired MacBook sells out in the coming days.

Here’s a look at the new MacBook price drops:

12-inch 1.1GHz/8GB/256GB: $929 (Orig. $1,299) – was $1,099
- available in Space Gray, Silver and Gold
12-inch 1.3GHz/8GB/256GB: $1,149 (Orig. $1,549) – was $1,319
- available in Space Gray and Gold
12-inch 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB: $1,189 (Orig. $1,599) – was $1,359
- available in Space Gray, Silver and Gold
12-inch 1.3GHz/8GB/512GB: $1,319 (Orig. $1,749) – was $1,489
- available in Space Gray and Gold

If you’re looking for more power, we currently have Apple’s 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro on sale from $1,000 with a .edu email address (Reg. $1,299).

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Apple releases new 12-inch Retina MacBook: new processors, rose gold, better battery life

Benjamin Mayo Apr 19 2016 - 5:33 am PT

97 Comments

Apple has today released an update to the 12 inch Retina MacBook line, with new Skylake processors, overall better performance, and a new color: Rose Gold. The new internals have also allowed Apple to grab an extra hour of battery life out of the same sized product. The MacBook refresh keeps the same thin chassis, the same edge-to-edge keyboard and the same single USB-C port design as the original Retina MacBook, released about a year ago. The new Retina MacBook costs the same as before, starting at $1299.

The lineup means Apple now offers the MacBook in the same colors as its iOS devices, Space Grey, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. For the 13 inch MacBook Air, Apple has also made 8 GB RAM the standard spec across every configuration. More specs after the jump.

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Retailers are running out of 12-inch MacBooks, refresh (hopefully with more USB) likely soon

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2016 - 10:24 am PT

18 Comments

[UPDATE April 19: New models unveiled including rose gold.]

Is Apple planning to refresh its 12-inch MacBook? Best Buy is currently listing all models of the device as unavailable on its website leading some to speculate that Apple could be planning a refresh.

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This week’s top stories: iPhone 7, the future of Apple’s MacBook line, & more iPhone SE/iPad Pro 9.7 analysis

Jordan Kahn Apr 16 2016 - 9:32 am PT

0 Comments

In this week’s top stories, attention turned from the iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7 to what’s coming next from Apple, as stories surrounding the iPhone 7 and the future of Apple’s MacBook lineup rounded out the most shared articles of the week. But not far behind was Zac’s review of the iPhone SE followed by analysis of the new iPad Pro’s 9.7-inch display showing record mobile display performance and possible hints at what’s to come from iPhone 7 this fall.

As always, we have the easy links to those stories and the rest of this week’s most shared news and videos below:

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2016 MacBooks: Everything we know about Apple’s upcoming laptop updates

Jordan Kahn Apr 15 2016 - 11:25 am PT

42 Comments

Following Apple’s iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro launch last month, the MacBook lineup is next up for major product updates from Apple. What needs upgrading? All MacBooks are approaching or passing the one year mark since last being updated — MacBook Airs in March of last year, the new 12-inch MacBook in April, and the Retina MacBook Pros in March and May. But where might the new machines leave the rest of the lineup?

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LG’s 15-inch laptop borrows MacBook Air design, comes in at half the weight of 15-inch MBP

Ben Lovejoy Apr 15 2016 - 4:38 am PT

20 Comments

With fresh rumors of ultra-thin MacBooks on the way this year, LG’s new 15-inch Gram laptop gives a clue as to just how sleek they might be. Borrowing heavily from the MacBook/MacBook Air design, the Core i5 or i5 machine weighs in at just 2.2 pounds – half the weight of the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

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9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Pro 12.9″ 128GB Wi-Fi + Cell $860, MagSafe 2 Adapter $27, Cable Modems from $30, more

Justin Kahn Apr 12 2016 - 9:36 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Stay online when the power goes out with the APC Back-UPS Power Supply for $20 (Reg. $30)

Samsung 48-inch Smart 4K UHDTV w/ 3 HDMI + 2 USB ports: $500 (Reg. $800)
GoPro HERO4 Silver Action Camera: $297 shipped (Reg. $330+)
Green Deals: Aukey 12000mAh Solar Dual-USB Power Bank $25 (Reg. $30+), more
Impossible Project reveals its Polaroid-style analog camera with iOS connectivity
JBL’s new Reflect Aware C noise cancelling headphones are powered by USB Type-C
Free Kindle eBooks: 30 Interactive Brainteasers (Reg. $1), many more
Sports/Fitness: ProForm Hybrid Elliptical Trainer $249 (Reg. $320+), more
Home: Collapsible 2-qt Food Strainer/Storage $6 (Reg. $12), more

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Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular in all colors: $860 shipped (Reg. $1,079)

Daily Deals: Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter for 13-inch MacBook Pro $27, more

Save $120+/yr. by owning your cable modem: refurb Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 options from $30 shipped

Apple’s latest 256GB Retina MacBook Pro: $1,200 (Reg. $1,499) – $99 less than list price of 128GB model

Apple 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB: from $1,250 w/ .edu

What if I told you that you could get a great Apple Milanese Loop knockoff for a tenth of the price ($16 Prime shipped)?

Apple Watch 42mm Space Gray Milanese Loop Band + Aluminum Dock: $27 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)

App Store Free App of the Week: Cut the Rope Time Travel for iPhone and iPad goes free for the very first time (Reg. $1)

Anthill for iOS drops down to its lowest price in years: $1 (Reg. $2)

Apple’s Pay Once & Play 50% off iOS game sale: Transistor, Brothers, Rules!, Implosion, Radiation Island, more

Brothers A Tale of Two Sons iOS puzzle-adventure game gets its first price drop: $2 (Reg. $5)

Apple offers Day One 2 iOS journal app for free ($10 value)

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Opinion: Here’s what I’d do to rationalize Apple’s MacBook lineup

Ben Lovejoy Apr 12 2016 - 7:53 am PT

126 Comments

Apple has long been about simplicity and minimalism. Steve Jobs’ philosophy was effectively that usability trumps choice. Sure, you lose the ability to customize your iPhone or iPad in the way you can an Android device without jailbreaking it, but what you gain in return is a device that is both more reliable and a lot more secure.

Jobs applied that same philosophy to Apple’s product range. When he returned to Apple in 1997, one of the first things he did was to rationalize the company’s product lineup, paring it back to the essentials. In 2008, he proudly told Fortune that “Apple is a $30 billion company, yet we’ve got less than 30 major products.”

Apple has, for the most part, maintained that approach ever since, famously saying ‘no’ to a thousand product ideas for every time it says ‘yes.’ But I still think there’s a little more work to be done in terms of rationalizing the company’s MacBook lineup …

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Here’s what the new MacBook Pro could look like if Apple scaled up the 12-inch design [Poll]

Ben Lovejoy Mar 30 2016 - 5:00 am PT

67 Comments

With Apple rumored to working on sleeker versions of its 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro models in time for a possible reveal at WWDC, designer Martin Hajek has provided one possible take on how the new machines might look. His mockups essentially scale up the 12-inch MacBook design, the above image contrasting with the existing design.

The renders also incorporate a rather lovely OS X concept created by Andrew Ambrosino, the UX designer behind the standalone Apple Music app concept we showed you last year. The same duo also teamed up for a beautiful Apple TV concept.

You can see more renders below …

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References to ‘early 2016 12-inch MacBook’ seen in latest OS X Server version

Greg Barbosa Mar 23 2016 - 11:45 am PT

24 Comments

Update: Pike’s Universum has done some more digging and discovered which processors Apple plans to use in its 12-inch MacBooks this year:

Intel® Core™ m3-6Y30 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.20 GHz)
Intel® Core™ m5-6Y54 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.70 GHz)
Intel® Core™ m7-6Y75 Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)

Earlier this week Apple introduced a new 4-inch iPhone SE, a smaller iPad Pro, and all new Apple Watch bands at its ‘Let us loop you in’ March event. Just as we expected, news about any update in the MacBook line wasn’t announced. But thanks to a tipster, we’re now discovering references to an ‘early 2016’ 12-inch MacBook with Retina display, which is presumably a follow up to the first generation hardware released last April.

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