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617 'MacBook' stories December 2010 - May 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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9to5Toys Last Call: 12” MacBook (2016) $1,199, iPhone 6/s Battery Case $24, 2-Pack MFi Lightning Cables $7, more

Avatar for Trevor Daugherty May 6 2016 - 9:30 am PT
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TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

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

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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)

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Opinion: MacBook Pro owners, it’s time to consider a 4K display

Avatar for Jeff Benjamin May 2 2016 - 2:32 pm PT
50 Comments
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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

Avatar for 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

Avatar for 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?

Avatar for 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

Avatar for Trevor Daugherty Apr 20 2016 - 9:30 am PT
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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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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Here’s how Apple’s refreshed 12-inch MacBook compares to last year’s model

Avatar for Chance Miller Apr 19 2016 - 4:31 pm PT
73 Comments
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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

Avatar for 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

Avatar for 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:

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

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

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 16 2016 - 9:32 am PT
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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

Avatar for 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

Avatar for 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

Avatar for 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)

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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)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing Wireless Bluetooth Audio Stereo Receiver Adapter $17 Prime shipped, more

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Twelve South brushed metal HiRise Apple Watch stand: $40 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)

Philips Hue discounted bundles: 4-pack A19 white & color bulbs (2nd gen) $199 shipped (Reg. $240), more

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You probably won’t own Lytro’s new 755MP Cinema Camera but you’ll enjoy its benefits

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

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Apr 12 2016 - 7:53 am PT
126 Comments
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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]

Avatar for 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

Avatar for Greg Barbosa Mar 23 2016 - 11:45 am PT
24 Comments
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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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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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