Apple revamps desktops and MacBook, adds Magic Mouse
While the tech world is gearing up for Microsoft's Windows 7 launch tomorrow, Apple has nudged its way in by stealing some of the thunder with a range of new PCs, along with a brand new multitouch peripheral, the Magic Mouse, today.
Magic Mouse
Though on the surface, Apple may have renamed its peripheral because it lost the battle for the Mighty Mouse trademark, the Magic Mouse is so radically different from its predecessor that we feel it deserves a new name (Mighty Mouse 2 just doesn't have the same kick). Not only is it S$20 (US$14.73) cheaper than the wireless Mighty Mouse, but its new sleek design sports a multitouch surface that works like the first-generation multitouch trackpads. This means the Magic Mouse can sense only two digits and not four fingers like the new MacBook touchpads. Its single button can detect left and right clicks, while the sensor is still based on laser technology (Microsoft and Logitech have moved on to BlueTrack and Darkfield tracking systems, respectively).
MacBook White
We were a little disappointed that the rumored Apple tablet did not materialize. Instead, the Cupertino company revamped its entry-level portable and the MacBook White now sports a unibody design. This cuts the the weight to 2.13kg and its curvier body makes it seem a little slimmer than its 27.4mm thickness. But the biggest change is that the battery is now integrated (Read: Non-removable), with a claimed uptime of up to 7 hours. The unit also sports the same glass trackpad as the MacBook Pro series. However, the FireWire port has been removed from this series.
iMac
All new iMacs will come with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Mouse. The entry-level model has been bumped up from 20 to 21.5 inches, while the previous 24-inch mid- and high-end range now sports a 27-inch display. Though the core design has not changed, what's really interesting about the new lineup is Intel's latest Core i5 and i7 processors are making an appearance for the first time in Apple machines.
In addition, the new iMacs now come with an SD card slot, while the 27-inch models have additional video input support. This means the desktop can now become a standard flat-screen display for your laptop or gaming console. However, the DisplayPort dongles (starting at S$44 (US$32.40)) are not included in the package.
Mac Mini
This lineup essentially retains the same design since its introduction back in early 2005, with the specifications bumped up in line with Moore's law. However, Apple has made a little twist to this iteration. The Cupertino company is addressing a niche segment with the Mac Mini server that comes with the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server and does away with the optical drive in favor of two 500GB harddisks.
Others
Along with the above upgrades, Apple has also tweaked a couple of its addons. The Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station have improved performance, with the former claiming to offer 60 percent faster backup for Snow Leopard systems. Moreover, the company has increased the wireless speed and range of the two products by 50 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
The Apple remote has been redesigned and now comes in a sleek metal sheath. The price has also dropped from S$34 (US$25.03) for the previous white plastic model to S$28 (US$20.62) for the new unit.
New products
| Model name |
In a nutshell |
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Wow factor: Possibly the world's first multitouch mouse, the Magic Mouse sports a new sleek design and Bluetooth connectivity.
Notable features:
- Multitouch surface with mouse button
- Laser sensor
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Uses two AA batteries
Price: S$98 (US$72.15)
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Wow factor: A brand new aluminum chassis for the Apple remote allows it to blend in with the new iMacs and MacBook Pro laptops.
Notable features:
- IR connectivity
Price: S$28 (US$20.62)
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Wow factor: The new unibody plastic chassis may have compromised on the removable battery and FireWire port, but in return, you get a lighter machine with a 7-hour battery life.
Notable features:
- Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz processor
- 2GB RAM
- 13.3-inch display
- 250GB HDD
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics
- DVD SuperDrive
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Price: Starts at S$1,588 (US$1,169.17)
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Wow factor: This All-In-One comes with a choice between integrated Nvidia or discrete ATI graphics performance. The screen has also been bumped up to full-HD resolution.
Specifications:
- Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz processor
- 21.5-inch (1,920 x 1,080) display
- 4GB RAM
- 500GB HDD
- Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated or ATI Radeon HD4670 discrete graphics
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard
- Bundled with wireless Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Mouse
Price: Starts at S$1,788 (US$1,316.42)
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Wow factor: Intel's latest Core i5 and i7 processor are making their first appearance in the high-end iMac. In addition, this range also offers video input support for use as a flat-screen display.
Specifications:
- Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz or Core i5/i7 processor
- 27-inch (2,560 x 1,440) display
- 4GB RAM
- 1TB HDD
- ATI Radeon HD4670/HD4850 discrete graphics
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard
- Bundled with wireless Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Mouse
Price: Starts at S$2,588 (US$1,905.42)
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Wow factor: With a design that has stood the test of time, the new model comes with updated specifications while maintaining an under S$1,000 (US$736.25) price tag.
Notable features:
- Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz processor
- 2GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
- 160GB HDD
- DVD SuperDrive
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Price: Starts at S$948 (US$697.97)
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Wow factor: Sporting the server edition of Mac OS X and replacing the optical drive with a second harddisk, the Mac Mini Server makes it easy to share and distribute files on the Web.
Notable features:
- Core 2 Duo processor
- 4GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce GT 230/G210M graphics
- 14-inch display
- 320GB HDD
- DVD drive
- Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: Starts at S$1,588 (US$1,169.17)
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Tags:
Apple Mac OS X V10.6 Snow Leopard,
Apple MacBook,
NVidia Corp.,
Apple iMac,
Apple Intel Mac Mini
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