Apple's New Macbook Is Blah

MacBook and MacBook Pro are new and improved, but not by much.
What's the point?
Why bring out an upgrade if the difference is minimal?

CNET reports:

The updated models come with new Intel processors, larger hard disks, more main memory, and more graphics memory.

The new Penryn processor was expected to improve battery life, but I noticed something when I compared the specs for the old MacBook Pro to those of the new model. The new machine's stated battery life has dropped from six hours to just five. However, Apple now refers to five hours of "wireless productivity," whereas the old machine didn't use that qualifier. This suggests to me that Apple is now rating battery life with wireless networking enabled, and may have been doing the measurements with Wi-Fi off on the older machines. If that's what happened, Apple should explain it; without the explanation, the apparent drop in battery life is disappointing.

Well, these machines are just a midlife kicker. The real advance will show up later this year when Apple ships machines based on Intel's forthcoming Montevina platform, which includes the same Penryn processors but introduces a new family of chipsets code-named Cantiga.

Apple will presumably add other new features along with Montevina. I have no idea what Apple is working on, but we can look at other PC notebooks on the market today to see what technology Apple might consider adopting:

• Extreme Edition processors
• Support for more than 4GB of DRAM--Mac OS X "Leopard" is a full 64-bit OS and 4GB isn't really enough any more, especially if you use a virtualization environment such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run Windows apps within Mac OS X
• Integrated WWAN--I use an Option ExpressCard 3G adapter for the AT&T network, but I'd rather have this function built in to free up the slot
• Blu-ray optical drives--I expected to see this feature last year!
• A secondary solid-state hard disk--I suggested this feature in a blog post last June, and now Sony has it in its Vaio TZ92 notebook
• Intel HD audio
• Nvidia's GeForce 8800M GTS and GTX graphics chips
• Hybrid graphics--the ability to use a discrete graphics chip for high performance or the simpler graphics engine in the chipset for longer battery life; Sony offers this feature too
• A fingerprint reader--Apple's systems are already more secure than most Windows machines, but a fingerprint reader would be a useful complement to existing security measures
• Tablet mode--maybe not on all machines, but it'd sure be nice to see a tablet-capable MacBook

Apple has often been ahead of the competition. Earlier PowerBook and MacBook models were among the first notebooks to introduce super-thin cases, Gigabit Ethernet, motion sensors, LED backlights, DVI video outputs, FireWire, and other advanced features. Perhaps Apple is looking well beyond the features I've listed here, some of which have become almost routine in Windows notebooks.

Of course, even without these improvements, existing MacBook and MacBook Pro machines are still among the sleekest, fastest, and most capable notebook PCs on the market. But no tech company can afford to stand still, not even Apple.

And I need a reason to replace my own MacBook Pro. It's almost a year and a half old, and I'm getting itchy. C'mon, Apple, surprise me!

Computer Notebook Owners Don't Want Windows

Preston Gralla writes that while Microsoft owns the PC market, it's hold is loosening on computer notebooks.

Most of them are Linux-based or Macs.

At the price-comparison site PriceGrabber, only five of top 15 most popular laptops are Windows-based. The top seller is a Linux-based Asus Eee PC. In fact, three versions of that Linux notebook are in the top 15 sellers. And in the top 15 sellers there are a total of seven --- yes, that's right seven -- different sizes and configurations of MacBooks. HP, Toshiba, and Sony are the only manufacturers of Windows-based laptops in the top 15.

This isn't only happening on just PriceGrabber. Over on Amazon, things are even worse for Windows laptops. The nine top best-selling laptops are either Asus Eee PC Notebooks running Linux or Macbooks. Of the top 15, only three are Windows-based, made by Toshib and HP.

Now, keep in mind that these numbers are quite skewed. Online retailers don't take into account direct sales like Dell, or corporate sales --- and those numbers are quite large. There's no doubt that when those numbers are taken into account, Windows-based laptops far outsell Linux and Mac machines.

Still, these numbers should scare Microsoft. It shows that Web-savvy consumers are turning away from Windows-based laptops. They tend to be influencers, so where they go, others will most likely follow.

You can make the argument that this trend has nothing to do with Microsoft's actions. Above all, these laptop buyers seem to be making their choices based on price, size, and overall design. Microsoft doesn't make the hardware, so you can argue that Microsoft isn't to blame for design, size, and price.

You certainly can make that argument, but you'd be wrong. Take a look at the buyers that Microsoft is losing. The Asus and MacBooks represent two different types. The Asus laptops appeal to those who want very light laptops, as well as bargain hunters and techies. Linux can run quite well without high-end hardware, so very light, inexpensive laptops can be built around it. In addition, manufacturers don't have to pay Microsoft for Windows, keeping the laptops cheap.

MacBooks represent a different end of the spectrum. They certainly aren't cheap, and generally cost more than their Windows-based counterparts. But they are beautifully designed, and because both OS and hardware come from the same vendor, don't have the same kind of hardware woes that affect Windows-based laptops.

For both types of buyers, Windows is at least part of the reason why buyers are flocking to Asus and the MacBook. Vista is a hardware hog, and so you simply can't design a workable, inexpensive, ultralight laptop that runs it. It requires higher-end processors and graphics cards, and a relatively capacious hard disk. So for those who want laptops that are both light and cheap, the Asus is the only way to go.

Those who are willing to pay, on the other hand, choose MacBooks because they feel Mac OS X is superior to Vista. Once again, then, Windows is to blame.

Microsoft can't compete on the low-and-cheap end because Windows has too many heavy requirements for it to be able to run on cheap, light hardware. It can certainly run on light hardware, but you have to pay through the nose for light. And it can run on cheap hardware as well, but then you'll be lugging around a laptop with too much weight.

Two PC Notebooks Yet To Be Hacked

From macnn.com, a report on a race to hack various computer notebooks:

The defenses of MacBook Air were hacked within moments in a recent security expo contest, reports say. During the CanSecWest conference's "PWN 2 OWN" competition, participants were expected to hack into one of three notebooks, and read the contents of a file using only an original zero-day attack. An award of $10,000 plus an Air is said to have gone to Charlie Miller, who broke into the computer within two minutes. This was accomplished by redirecting a web browser to a site with exploit code by Miller.

Under the terms of the competition, Miller cannot talk about the details of his exploit until the contest's sponsor notifies Apple, giving it a chance to rectify the problem. It is believed however that since the rules of the competition dictate relying on pre-installed software, the hack was directed through Apple's Safari software.

The speed of the hack is considered especially impressive given that last year, a break-in for the MacBook Pro required nine hours. At the end of Thursday's competition timeframe, two PC notebooks -- a Sony Vaio and Fujitsu U810 -- had yet to be cracked, according to observers.

How To Go Wireless

I'd like to go wireless but I don't know how.
I don't even have a laptop.
I finally got a cell phone in 1999 but only because of a woman.
There was a chick I was nuts about.
We were both in vice. It seemed so right.
We met at a Conservative synagogue on a Friday night.
We bonded over a movie set in the Catskills in 1969 - Walk on the Moon.
Anyway, that was the night I fell for her.
It was a beautiful movie and she's a beautiful woman.
We walked out in to the parking lot and I confessed my sins.
She accepted me.
It was a beautiful thing.
We missed each other coming and going.
One day she left a message on my home machine asking me to a concert that night.
I didn't have a cell phone and I didn't check my messages. So I missed that opportunity and I never got to go out with her again.
I was so ticked off I went and got a cell phone.
I've hardly used it over the past nine years. I only turn it on once or twice a week (unless there's something special).
The first mass wave of wireless connectivity was the cell phone.
Then it was the computer notebook.
Titus Hoskins writes July 1, 2005:

Wireless notebooks uses three major wireless data standards in order to transfer data. The one that is probably most common is 802.11b, also called Wi-Fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity.

Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps for up to 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and although it says 11Mbps, you will probably only get around 4-6Mbps in actual use. But this is enough bandwidth for high speed Internet, gaming and most file transfers.

The 802.11a is another standard that uses the 5GHz radio spectrum, so it has 8 channels available instead of only 3 that’s available with 802.11b. The ‘a’ version also permits a larger transfer, at a maximum of 54Mbps.

The other standard, 802.11g, is a hybrid of ‘A’ and ‘B’ - its also capable of 54Mbps but it uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is compatible with 802.11b devices. Some notebooks like the Fujitsu LifeBook N6010, have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system that uses all three forms!

The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! Sounds like one of those funny robots from Starwars - but it stands for evolution-data optimized. This new technology will change how we view and use the world wide web.

Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO began commercial operations in Oct. of 2003 and is now expanding to over 125 million US consumers by the end of 2005. With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps, 3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. It has or will turn the Internet into a truly wireless system that’s devoid of any cables or lines. It will be everywhere - no space within our biosphere will be without the Internet very soon.

Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless network adaptor for each computer. Also, many notebooks and computers come with a Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless communication between any sort of electronic devices - from cell phones to computer to stereos to headphones.

However, if you’re setting up a wireless network or if you’re using your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports - security will be a concern. Anyone, within distance possessing the right equipment and a little ingenuity may get access to this wireless system. For major corporations or the lowly homeowner; safeguards need to be taken to prevent unwanted visitors from interrupting your peaceful wireless universe.

There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks, WEP and MAC address filtering. The MAC (Media Access Control) is the physical address or unique hardware identifier given to each device in the network. Then you manually enter a list of addresses that can use or access your wireless network.

The other filtering process is more secure, WEP or Wireless Encryption Protocol requires a shared key between the users and then using this key to encrypt and de-encrypt data that’s transmitted between your network users.

Many major hotel chains and other businesses are now offering ‘Wi-Fi’ services as an added convenience to their patrons. These ‘hot spots’ are popping up everywhere, even at some gas stations. You may need to sign in or get a password or key to access these services.

But like your cell phone conversations, any radio transfer or transmission will not be as secure as a wired connection. Keep this in mind if privacy is a major concern for you. But don’t let it stop you from enjoying the convenience, portability and practicality of your wireless notebook or laptop.

Computer Notebooks Without internet access

What's the point?
Beats me.
Peru is experimenting.
Christopher Dawson writes:

I think the answer to this is “Yes” for a variety of reasons but I’d like to get some feedback from you. Peru is beginning to roll out 400,000 OLPC XO laptops this week to villages throughout the country, according to Technology Review.

As the article points out, though, 90% of the villages to which the XOs are being deployed don’t have Internet access.

Peru’s effort, if successful, would be a model for other nations. In the training now under way, teachers must become versed not only in how to operate and maintain the laptops, but also in how to do their jobs within a newly laptop-centric educational model. The laptops will contain some 115 books, including textbooks, novels, and poetry, as well as art and music programs, cameras, and other goodies.

To my mind, the textbooks alone are worth the cost (assuming, as I have always maintained before, that basic needs are already being met in the villages) if they meet the curricular needs of the teachers and students. However, a key element of a computer’s utility in 2008 is Internet access. How do you feel? To be truly effective and provide the most benefit to students, should communications infrastructure be in place before laptops like the XO and Classmate are rolled out?

Apple Going Green

ZDNET reports on Apple climbing in the environment rankings.

Front man Steve Jobs announced the MacBook Air at Macworld Expo in January 2008. He pushed its environmental benefits including being completely mercury and arsenic free, exceeding European Standards.

In May 2007 Apple also promised to completely eliminate the use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Brominated Fire Retardants (BFRs) in the printed wiring on motherboards, and arsenic in the glass of all flat-panel displays by the end of 2008.

Sony was the first to go BFR and PVC-free last November with their Vaio notebook, according to Greenpeace.

While the MacBook Air has less PVC and BFRs than other Mac computers, it is not entirely free of them. Had it been it would have made Apple an ecological leader.

A recent update to Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics shows that Apple is greener than Microsoft and that Nintendo is the worst eco-offender. The Guide ranks top market leaders of the mobile phone, computer, TV and games console markets according to their policies and practices on toxic chemicals and takeback.

Dell Focusing On Computer Notebooks

Larry Dignan is the Editor of ZDNet.

He writes about the latest news from Dell.

The company plans to save $3 billion with a massive number of layoffs (almost 9,000 people).

It's going to start focusing on computer notebooks and the like.

In fiscal 2009, Dell said it will focus on its consumer, enterprise, notebook, small and medium sized business and emerging market businesses. Dell, which largely reiterated prior forecasts, will also close its desktop manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas.

In a blog post, Lynn Tyson, VP of investor relations at Dell, said:

Over the last three years, driven by the massive shift in customer preference for notebooks - especially among consumers, industry forecasts for the rate of growth of desktops have declined from 10.8 percent to 3.6 percent. And the desktop to notebook mix in the U.S. has declined from a 70/30 split in 2005 in favor of desktops to a 50/50 split today. Our fiscal fourth quarter of last year reflects this change as we grew notebook units year over year by 37 percent and desktops by 10 percent.

Another interesting thread: Dell plans on “undertaking a strategic assessment” of its Dell Financial Services (DFS) unit, which provides credit to consumers and small businesses. The review may also include commercial leasing. Amid the credit crunch, many companies that have dabbled in offering credit to consumers are evaluating whether they want the risk on their books.

Dell disputed that its review has anything to do with the credit crunch. However, it’s a little hard not to connect those two events. Tyson said:

First, our assessment of our DFS business is unrelated to what is going on right now in the credit markets - we completed the acquisition and so the natural next step is to pursue our strategy, simple as that. Many companies - GE and Target - to cite recent examples - often assess the ownership structure of their financing companies. In our case we are primarily evaluating three key things: (1) can DFS provide even better and most robust product offerings to our customers, (2) can we accelerate the investments we are making in DFS and, (3) are there more efficient ways to fund DFS. Our assessment may result in no change, or a sale to or partnership with a fully dedicated financing company.

Second, relative to our consumer financing receivables - less than 20 percent of our net customer receivables - or $1.6 billion - were to subprime customers. This percentage is similar to what it was in our fiscal third quarter. Based on our assessment of these customers financing receivables and the associated risks, we believe we are adequately reserved.

Separately, Dell filed its annual report. Among the notable excerpts:

• We expect that the competitive pricing environment will continue to be challenging. However, we believe that the strength of our evolving business strategy and indirect distribution channels, as well as our strong liquidity position, makes us well positioned to continue profitable growth over the long term in any business climate. For consumers, we recognize the increasing importance of product “ID”, which is the appearance, ease of use, and ability to interact with peripheral products like cameras and MP3 players, and we are focusing more resources to improve in this area.
• As of February 1, 2008, we held a worldwide portfolio of 1,954 patents and had an additional 2,196 patent applications pending.
• We have developed and started implementing a plan to combine the consumer business of both EMEA and APJ with the U.S. Consumer business and re-align our management and financial reporting structure. We will begin reporting worldwide Consumer once we complete the global consolidation of this business, which we expect to be the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The changes have had no impact on our operating segment structure to date. This segment will include worldwide sales to individual consumers and select retailers.