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MacBook

647 'MacBook' stories December 2010 - March 2016
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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)

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Apple reportedly set to introduce new, thinner, 13 inch and 15 inch MacBooks by July

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Mar 22 2016 - 8:39 am PT
66 Comments

Digitimes has a mixed track record of reliability with regard to Apple rumors, but its latest report gels with expectations. The report claims Apple is preparing new 13 inch and 15 inch MacBooks to launch in the summer, by July. Although the publication does not say this, it indicates that new MacBook Pros are on the horizon perhaps debuting at WWDC, Apple’s developer conference.

Given Intel’s CPU roadmap, Apple laptops featuring the new Skylake processors are due. Therefore, it is not that much of a stretch to believe this report. A key feature of Skylake is power efficiency, which would allow Apple to make dramatically thinner laptops.


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Everything Apple needs to update, but won’t announce at its event next week

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 18 2016 - 9:53 am PT
35 Comments

Apple is holding its first event of the year on Monday next week, and we’ve already reported everything that you should expect to see announced including its much anticipated 4-inch iPhone SE, the first 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and new first-gen Apple Watch models and bands. But there’s also a whole list of things Apple should update and release but likely won’t next week.

There are a few products in need of updates that aren’t currently being planned for the event, with new MacBooks the most obvious of candidates, but some aging products like Mac Pro, the Thunderbolt Display, AirPort products, wireless EarPods, and more also due for updates. Here’s everything Apple needs to update, but likely won’t announce at its event on Monday:


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Future MacBook SSDs could get even faster as Mac compatibility confirmed for super-fast Optane tech

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Mar 11 2016 - 6:28 am PT
5 Comments

Apple’s PCIe SSDs are already very fast, in part due to the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) protocol used in the latest MacBooks, which dramatically reduces latency times. But future models could get even faster as MacWorld notes that the very latest SSD tech is compatible with NVMe.


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Neat plug adapter turns Mac and iPad chargers into slimline units that fit behind your sofa

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Mar 11 2016 - 12:01 am PT
13 Comments

As Gizmodo observed, Apple puts a lot of thought into product design, but seems to forget everything it knows when it comes to power adapters (with one exception). The standard Mac adapter sticks out about half a mile from the wall, which can be a pain when the socket is behind a sofa. Ten One Design has a solution in the form of Blockhead.


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Mini Review: Grovemade’s wooden MacBook dock is solid, attractive, & expensive

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Mar 7 2016 - 7:45 am PT
22 Comments

Regular readers will know that I’m a sucker for wood. Show me something well-crafted from an attractive chunk of wood and I’m on board.

I’d previously admired Grovemade’s wooden iPad sleeve, and the company’s iPhone cases were featured in our ‘best of iPhone 6/Plus cases’ roundup, so I thought I’d check out its recently-announced MacBook Dock. The dock is available in a range of sizes to suit the 12-inch MacBook, 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro. I tested it with my 11-inch MacBook Air …


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First OS X ransomware detected in the wild, will maliciously encrypt hard drives on infected Macs [Update: How to fix]

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Mar 6 2016 - 11:18 am PT
50 Comments

 

Update: Version 2.92 of Transmission has now been released. This claims to actively remove the ‘KeyRanger’ malware files from the infected Mac.

OS X users have today been hit with the first known case of Mac ‘ransomware’ malware, found in the Transmission BitTorrent client released last week. Infected versions of the app include ‘KeyRanger’ malware that will maliciously encrypt the user’s hard drive after three days of being installed. The malware then asks for payment to allow the user to decrypt the disk and access their data — the ‘ransom’.


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Video: Microsoft’s latest ads highlight ‘what Macs can’t do’: touchscreen, Cortana voice assistant, more

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 29 2016 - 3:45 am PT
55 Comments

Microsoft is currently running a new series of ads featuring ‘The Bug Chicks’, with each ad directly targeting a weakness in Apple’s Mac operating system. Kristie and Jess, curiously labelled as ‘real people paid for real opinions’, walk through several ways that Windows 10 helps them teach kids about bugs and the microscopic world.

The ad series focuses on several different competitive advantages Windows currently holds over OS X, such as touchscreen-equipped laptops for sketching and drawing, Cortana as a personal voice search assistant and face recognition for hands-free account login. Some of the things Microsoft highlights, like the absence of Siri on OS X are expected to be addressed by Apple later in the year, of course. Watch all four videos after the jump:


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Apple begins shipping replacement USB-C cables to Retina MacBook owners

Avatar for Chance Miller Feb 16 2016 - 3:50 pm PT
0 Comments

Last week, Apple launched a USB-C cable replacement program, saying that some cables shipped with the 12-inch Retina MacBook were faulty. Thea faulty adapters would result in the MacBook not charging or charging unreliably. Now, the first MacBook customers have started receiving their replacement cables, according to a post on Reddit and Twitter. The user did not request the cable from Apple.


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How-To: Stream the 58th Annual Grammy Awards on your Mac, Apple TV, or iOS device for free

Avatar for Greg Barbosa Feb 15 2016 - 10:13 am PT
13 Comments
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The 58th Annual Grammys are broadcasting tonight and thanks to CBS All Access, nearly anyone can watch it for free without a cable subscription or TV set. The show starts at 8PM ET, with a pre-telecast red carpet show at 7PM ET. Viewers can catch the show on CBS’s site, or by using the iOS or Apple TV app. Here’s how to do it for free:


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Apple says some USB-C cables shipped with Retina MacBook were faulty, launches replacement program

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 12 2016 - 3:56 pm PT
18 Comments

Apple has launched a replacement program for the USB-C cable that came bundled with 2015 Retina MacBook units, finding that some cables were faulty. Bad cables would result in the MacBook not charging, or charging unreliably when connected to a power adapter.

From Apple’s help site, affected customers can order a free replacement USB-C cable. Retina MacBook owners who provided a mailing address at product registration will be shipped a new cable automatically by the end of February … If you did not provide this information when buying the MacBook, visit Apple’s site to order a replacement cable instead …


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9to5Toys Last Call: 12-inch MacBook $999, iPhone 6s 64GB w/ contract $100, iTunes $50 Gift Card $40, more

Avatar for Trevor Daugherty Feb 12 2016 - 9:32 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 iPad Air 2 Smart Cover in 5 colors $15 shipped (Reg. $35), Smart Case $20 shipped (Reg. $70)

12-inch Retina MacBook $300 off across the board at B&H, prices start at just $999 – tax only in NY

Apple iPhone 6s/Plus (Verizon + Sprint) on-contract pricing gets slashed by $200, 64GB now just $100

$50 iTunes gift card for $40 w/ email delivery from PayPal (20% savings)

Best Buy, Target and Radio Shack are all discounting 4th Gen. Apple TV, 32GB from $117 & 64GB from $162 shipped

Many Apple Watch models now $100 off at Target and Best Buy: 38mm Sport $249 w/ free shipping (Reg. $349), more

App Store Free App of the Week: The Mesh puzzler goes free for the first time (Reg. $2)

Download Lara Croft Go, Apple’s Game of the Year 2015, for just $2 (Reg. $5)

Heroes Reborn: Enigma for iOS goes free for the first time as IGN’s Game of the Month (Reg. $5)

Final Fantasy IX is now available for download on iOS/Android

The Martian official iOS/Apple Watch game goes free (up to $3 value)

Apple offering popular iOS video editing app ‘Videoshop’ for free ($2 value)

Final Fantasy II on iOS available free inside the FF Portal app ($8 value)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo 2 On-Ear Headphones now half off: $100 w/ free shipping (Reg. $200)

[tweet https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/698162755405246465 align=’center’]

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Pad & Quill’s high-quality leather Lowry Cuff Apple Watch band offers Hermès style for just $104 shipped (Reg. $130)

Save on Apple’s monster 12.9-inch iPad Pro: 128GB Wi-Fi $850 (Reg. $949), 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular $950 (Reg. $1,079)

Apple iPad mini 3 128GB: Wi-Fi $300 (Orig. $599), Wi-Fi + Cellular $430 (Orig. $729)

Best Buy just cut prices for Apple’s iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 by $100, deals start at $300 w/ free shipping

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi 16GB $299 or 64GB $349 shipped (Reg. $399/$449)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Review: Anker’s PowerCore+ gear is some of the best money can buy

PowerEgg Drone has a unique design w/ a 4K camera

Poll: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?

Avatar for Chance Miller Feb 1 2016 - 9:11 pm PT
38 Comments
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If early indications are anything to go by, 2016 looks to be a relatively big year for Apple. After an ‘s’ year of iPhone upgrades, no new iPad Air model, and the original Apple Watch hardware going on two years of age, there is huge potential for the company to impress users and investors alike. We’ve already seen a handful of leaks and rumors pointing to possible releases for Apple this year, which makes us wonder: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?


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Opinion: What can we expect from the 2016 MacBooks, rumored to be launched by June?

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 25 2016 - 8:29 am PT
89 Comments

With KGI suggesting that we could see new MacBook models as early as the first half of the year, I thought it would be a good time to expand on the suggestions we made in our 2016 roundup and speculate in a little more detail on what we might expect from those machines.

There is rather a lot of speculation involved, for a couple of reasons. First, while we tend to see a number of leaks and rumors for the iPhone – not least from our own Mark Gurman – there are notably fewer for Macs. We’ll likely see some nearer the time, but we could as yet still be six months out.

Second, it’s easier to predict what Apple is likely to do with regard to the MacBook range than when it might do it. I’ve argued before that we can at some point expect Apple to drop the MacBook Air label, leaving two ranges known as the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. But whether that will happen this year or next is, I think, harder to guess.

But let’s start with what we know about the technology available to Apple this time around …


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Mac users can now try out new Microsoft Office features early with ‘Office Insider’ program

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 22 2016 - 7:31 am PT
1 Comment

Microsoft opened up a beta test program for Windows users last November, letting Microsoft Office fanatics get early access to upcoming new features. Microsoft is now rolling out the program to the Mac, so OS X users can (optionally) join the beta program too. For the first round of the beta program, Microsoft will be adding inking and realtime typing / collaboration to PowerPoint. Expect these features in the ‘coming weeks’. More details available here.


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Feature Request: Apple, please bring Siri to the Mac

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 20 2016 - 6:56 am PT
41 Comments

Siri percolated throughout all of Apple’s platforms in 2015. It started with iPhone in 2011, iPad in 2012, debuted on Apple Watch in early 2015 and Apple TV with the new model a few months ago. It’s quickly becoming a premier feature on these platforms, with live-as-you-speak transcription and radically new features like ‘Remind me about this’ contextual tasks when inside apps. Except for one platform of course. Mac OS X has been ignored and left abandoned with regards to true voice searching and Siri. It’s 2016, and I want Apple to bring Siri to the Mac.


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Android running on a Mac: Remix OS 2.0 overview [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Jan 19 2016 - 2:14 pm PT
2 Comments

Earlier this month, Jide.com released an early alpha version of its new Remix OS. In essence, it’s a multi-window desktop operating system built on Android. It’s an interesting concept, but what makes it truly intriguing is that you can run it off a regular, fast USB 3.0 flash drive on a Windows PC or Mac. I took it for a spin on Mac to see what the initial version is like to use…


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Quick Review: Incase’s 12″ MacBook Neoprene Classic Sleeve + ICON Sleeve perfectly fit the ultra-slim notebook

Avatar for Zac Hall Jan 18 2016 - 1:21 pm PT
3 Comments
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Today we’re taking a quick look at two Incase sleeves made specifically for Apple’s 12″ Retina MacBook. Neoprene Classic Sleeve ($39.95) comes in five colors and zips the 12″ MacBook in a low-profile soft carrying case. ICON Sleeve ($69.95) has a slightly larger profile that makes it thinner and ditches zippers for a tight-fitting opening at one end.  We compare both MacBook sleeves in detail below:


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9to5Toys Last Call: 12-inch MacBook 512GB $1,300, Car Bluetooth Receiver $16, Mac App Bundle $20, more

Avatar for Trevor Daugherty Jan 8 2016 - 9:00 am PT
1 Comment

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:

Segway and Intel got together to create a futuristic robot butler

Apple 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB: $1,300 shipped (Reg. $1,599)

Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB $1,250 shipped (Reg. $1,499)

Best Buy Apple sale: iPad Air 2 $125 off, iPad Air $100 off, iPad mini 4 $100 off, much more!

Add Bluetooth capabilities + a dual-port USB charger to your car for $16 (Reg. $28)

Your Choice of 10 Top-Rated Mac Apps for $20 (up to $500 value), free video training course on how to prevent hackers

Keep your Macs running smoothly with a CleanMyMac two-pack: $36 (Orig. $60)

Download the iPad at Work for Dummies eBook for free (Reg. up to $17)

iPhone 6/s/Plus Accessories w/ Prime shipping: Dual-layer Cases from $3 (Reg. $8+), Sport Armband $3.50

Anker ToughShell iPhone 6/s/Plus Case w/ built-in tempered glass screen protector: $10 (Reg. $18)

[tweet https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/685201472443826176 align=’center’]

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Games/Apps: Star Wars Battlefront & COD Black Ops 3 $35 ea, Guitar Hero Live Guitar Controller $20, iOS freebies, more

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Simplify your charging setup w/ these USB power strips from $13 (Reg. up to $30)

Aukey Magnetic Cradle-less Car Air Vent Mount $5 Prime shipped (Reg. $8)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

[tweet https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/685497066211176448 align=’center’]

Activeon’s new 4K action camera uses solar power to provide six hours of recording

Satechi adds pass-through charging to its USB-C hub

USB Type-C at CES 2016: hubs, displays, adapters & more for the 12-inch MacBook

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jan 7 2016 - 10:06 am PT
3 Comments
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With the new 12-inch MacBook sporting just a single USB Type-C port, an adapter to get back some USB ports and SD card slots will be necessary for a lot of users. With more and more devices adopting the standard, we’re seeing a lot of USB C accessories announced at CES 2016 this year, many of which are designed specifically with 12-inch MacBook users in mind. So, as we’ve already done for HomeKit and Apple Watch products, below we’re rounding up all of the USB Type-C products for MacBook announced at the show this week.

In addition to hubs, companies are also showing off new portable battery packs, cables, adapters, displays and more, all made possible thanks to USB-C and compatible with the new 12-inch MacBook. 


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CES 2016: Kanex shows 4,000mAh Apple Watch + iPhone battery, mega USB-C Retina MacBook battery

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Jan 6 2016 - 7:13 am PT
0 Comments

We are big fans of Kanex so we snuck over to their CES booth last night for an early look at their 2016 accessories. In short, they have a lot of goodies that they’ll be announcing later today (and we’ll update this post when they do). What stuck out for us were 2 products…
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Incipio adds USB-C MacBook docks, dockable offGRID iPhone batteries to lineup

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Jan 5 2016 - 11:46 am PT
4 Comments

Expanding upon earlier product lineups, Incipio today announced a number of 12″ MacBook-ready USB Type-C accessories and dockable offGRID series batteries for iPhone users. The USB-C accessories offer affordable ways to expand either the ports or charging capabilities of Apple’s Retina MacBook, while the offGRID options include compact, device-agnostic dockable batteries and a new iPhone 6/6s battery case…


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Say hello to the first of the 12-inch MacBook clones: HP’s 12.5-inch fanless Core M EliteBook Folio

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2016 - 5:10 am PT
16 Comments

Apple’s 12-inch MacBook broke new ground when it opted for a fanless Core M processor in a form-factor that was all about creating the sleekest, most portable laptop around – and it was only a matter of time before Windows machines followed suit.

Like the MacBook, the HP EliteBook Folio strips back the ports to just USB-C and a headphone socket – though HP has opted for two rather than one USB-C ports. It weighs a touch more than the MacBook, but is marginally thinner. Design-wise, well, judge for yourself.

HP has gone further than Apple on the display, however. While the MacBook’s Retina display hits 226ppi, HP has squeezed in a 4K display to the top-of-the-range model, giving it a pixel density of 352ppi.

The EliteBook Folio goes on sale in March, with pricing starting at $999 – but that’s with the entry-level 1080p display rather than the 4K one.

Via and image credit Engadget

Griffin’s BreakSafe is the MagSafe USB-C adapter that Apple’s MacBook needs

Avatar for Chance Miller Jan 4 2016 - 8:31 am PT
8 Comments

One of the biggest complaints regarding the 12-inch MacBook has been the ports, or lack thereof, that the device offers. The MacBook features just as single USB-C port that you use for everything, including charging. This means that the MagSafe technology that Apple introduced 10 years ago and that we’ve all come to love is nowhere to be found. A new accessory introduced by Griffin today, however, aims to fix that problem.


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Review: Booq’s Slimpack gives DSLR-toting MacBook users another all-in-one bag option

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Dec 28 2015 - 6:18 am PT
9 Comments

Ever since I upgraded from an 11″ MacBook Air to a 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, I’ve been hunting for the perfect hybrid computer and camera bag — a compact backpack that could hold my laptop, DSLR, lenses, and accessories at the same time. Six months ago, I covered several MacBook/camera bags from Incase, including the DSLR Sling Pack I’ve loved for years, and larger “Pro” options for bigger laptops. Each hybrid bag makes different compromises: for my needs, the Sling Pack’s too small, and the Pro bags are too large. But users of 11″ MacBooks might find the Sling Pack “just right.”

Seeing potential in a new alternative, I jumped at the opportunity to test Booq’s upcoming Slimpack ($195), a MacBook-sized evolution of its earlier iPad/DSLR backpack $145 Python Slimpack. Booq makes excellent bags, but apart from offering a multipurpose camera/headphone compartment in Boa Flow, it hasn’t taken a deep dive into the camera-laptop hybrid category. While the new Slimpack’s laptop compartment is just a hint too small for the 13″ MacBook Pro and iPad Pro I’m currently using, it’s right-sized for 12″ or smaller MacBooks, as well as 10″ or smaller tablets, any of which can be paired with a full-sized DSLR, three or four lenses, and accessories. Bundled with a rain shield and Booq’s standard Terralinq loss recovery protection system, it’s a very nice bag, and one I would certainly use if I switch to a 12″ MacBook next year…


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