New Mac Mini 2014 Rumor Roundup: Release Date, Design & Specs

Apple is long overdue for a new Mac Mini release. This is a collection of everything we know about the Mac Mini 2014 update that consumers want to see after waiting over a year for an update to Apple’s most affordable computer.

The current Mac Mini will be two years old in October, similar to the iPod touch, and consumers are left wondering if Apple plans to update this computer that many use as a stepping stone into the OS X experience. The Mac Mini is $599, which is the cheapest Mac computer by $400. this price and the fact that it works with your existing keyboard, mouse and monitor makes it a tempting choice for the first time Mac owner, but after months and months with no update the small Mac Mini is losing it’s appeal.

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2014 MacBook and Pro Air Release Soon as 12-inch Macbook Launches: Killer Features to Expect

Apple has only one line of non-Retina MacBook Pro left. Likewise, the same version is the only line left featuring the built-in optical disc drive. With the design seemingly getting left behind and new demands arise, it appears Apple will be opting for another model and laptop line. Whereas the MacBook Air will reportedly receive a 12-inch treatment, analysts think it suggests the same for the MacBook Pro line. What has Apple in store?   

According to a report by DigiTimes, it is likely for Apple to kill its non-Retina MacBook Pro line if recent predictions and leaks were to be belived. Apple has not made an announcement yet but there are enough reports to rouse the interest of the market. 

The report noted that there are no expected dates or release for the rumored model. It becomes more convincing as leaks note Apple ramping up production. Tech Times also reported about a leak in a Chinese forum supporting the idea.

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MacBook Air Retina Release Rumored for 2014

A MacBook Air Retina could arrive this year to finally bring the thin-and-light notebook’s screen up to par with the MacBook Pro Retina. The latest MacBook Air Retina rumor points to a release in 2014, lining up with multiple early reports of a new MacBook Air in 2014.

Last week a rumor pointed to a new MacBook Air release date coming soon, and a new MacBook Pro later this year. The previous report claimed Apple is working on a 12-inch MacBook that may be a new product completely or could be part of the MacBook Air line.

Companies that make parts for the Macbook Air tell DigiTimes that Apple plans to launch a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2014. This could boost the overall shipments of MacBook models in 2014. The report specifically calls out a new MacBook Air Retina writing, “Apple will reportedly launch a MacBook Air with Retina display, the makers said.”

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Apple could launch fanless 12in MacBook Air (2014)

Posted on 24 Mar 2014 at 09:29, by Gareth Halfacree

Apple is rumoured to be planning a new entry in its MacBook Air laptop range, with a completely passive cooling system and an ultra-compact 12in design.

Apple's super-slim MacBook Air range was the first to benefit from development carried out by Intel on low-power and space-saving technologies, and launched the current trend for Ultrabooks - laptops which are considerably slimmer than their predecessors, typically using solid-state storage and ditching the once-common optical drive to keep dimensions down. Since launch, the MacBook Air family has been a considerable success for Apple - so much so that the company used the Air moniker again in its slimmed-down iPad Air redesign.

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Macbook Pro Retina vs. MacBook Air 2014 Specs, Features, Price & Comparison: Solar Power Coming to MacBook Pro In The Future?

Patents often hint of things to come for companies and now all eyes are on Apple after the companypublished a solar patent.

Does this mean we could expect solar-powered MacBook computers in the near future, or even other solar-powered products? Just imagine how much of an edge Apple would have if it became the first company to introduce solar-powered cell phones.

At any rate, it will be interesting to see how Apple proceeds, considering that new MacBook computers are on the way in the not-too-distant future. Sometimes the patents do not even translate into new and successful products so there are plenty of questions in the air, but one thing for sure is that the tech community is curious to know what will happen next following the solar power patent.

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Are Apple computers as good as they think they are? We put one to the test

Thirty years ago Apple fired up their first Macintosh.

With a groundbreaking advert, directed by Ridley Scott, beamed across the globe, the world had never seen anything quite like the Macintosh 128k.

For your £1,500, (£3,300 in today’s money), you were treated to a 9-inch black and white display, floppy disk drive and a new and exciting way of controlling your computer…the mouse.

This little machine was an instant hit with over 70,000 of them flying off shelves in just a few months.

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Which MacBook Air: how to choose between the 11-inch or 13-inch MacBook Air 2013

With Apple's 2013 MacBook Air the decision of which model to go for has become harder than ever. In the past it was a simple sacrifice or power and screen size for portability, but the 2013 models are so similar in spec that it all boils down to weight, size and battery life. In this article and accompanying video we will help you decide which MacBook Air will best suit your needs.

If you are thinking of buying a MacBook Air there are various things to consider. Apple may soon update the MacBook Air - rumours point towards an update that could introduce a 12in model with a Retina display, for example - read more in our MacBook Air with Retina display rumour round up. In addition, there is less difference in price between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with Retina display now, just £150 difference between the 13in models, read more about the difference between the Air and Pro here.

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Apple Touch Sensitive Macbook Patented: Virtual Keyboard And Other Possibilities Being Explored

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is exploring putting touch capabilities on more devices than just the iPad and iPhone. Currently, Apple notebooks like the Macbook Pro and Air have the multitouch trackpad as their main user interface, but a recently awarded patent signals that Apple is looking into using the Macbook’s frame as a touch input as well. The patented chassis design allows users to use the entire bezel as an input, giving control of the mic gain, speaker volume or play/pause capabilities.

Don’t get too excited, however, as Apple is known to patent ideas that sometimes never pan out. Patents that have yet to make an appearance in actual devices include a solar-paneled Macbook with touch capabilities, solar-powered iPad keyboards, touchscreen notebooks and a 3D controllable iPad. The 3D controls are accomplished with air controls, where the placement of your hand above the screen acts as an input too. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S4 currently employs this technology for page swipes and scrolling.

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Apple’s Mac sales spiked 19 percent last quarter thanks to iMac, MacBook Air

If Apple’s latest earnings report is any indication, Mac is a big part of Cupertino’s business, and business is good.

Apple reported this week that it finished up its first quarter 2014 by raking in $57.6 billion, with $13.072 billion of that counted as profit. During the same time frame a year ago, Apple pulled in $54.5 billion in revenue, with $13.078 in profit. Though revenue increased, profit actually decreased ever so slightly. Nevertheless, the numbers are quite impressive.

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Keeping your iPhone, iPad and MacBook running in the cold weather

Waves of freezing weather have been making life miserable for folks across much of the U.S. this winter. Not counting the hundreds of thousands of folks sitting in the cold without power for days on end, the very cold weather can be of concern for mobile computing devices, including iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, but also MacBooks.

There are several technological considerations for low tempertures and mobile computing devices: battery performance, and the screen. Lithium-ion batteries like the cold, to a point, since their discharge rate slows. However, in a device, this cold can change their performance characteristics, mostly leading to troubles recharging. And the cold can make a battery lose some of its charge, even as must as 40 percent, according to some sources. So, if your device is cold, it might be best that the battery is well charged.

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Program tracks APS student’s stolen MacBook

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – If you own a smartphone or laptop – you may have one of those programs meant to track it down if it’s ever stolen.

When Zabdiel Aldaz downloaded the program called “Prey” – meant to catch thieves who take your computer – he didn’t think he’d have to use it.

But after his MacBook was stolen, the program sent him pictures taken with the MacBook’s web cam.

Aldaz says despite the evidence, he’s had trouble getting help from police.

“It’s frustrating having all this pictures and evidence … possible things they could use to find the person, and not really doing anything about it and having me run around like crazy,” said Addaz, a junior at Manzano High School.

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Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch with Retina display reviewed

While all eyes were on the new iPads at Apple’s autumn keynote, the company also revealed an update to its 13in and 15in MacBook Pro with Retina display models. It heralded the arrival of Intel’s Haswell CPUs, but the big surprise was the price cut, which saw the entry-level MacBook Pro 13in with Retina display tumble to $1599.

 

The price isn’t the only thing that’s smaller: the MacBook Pro’s weight has dropped from 1.63kg to 1.55kg. It’s lost a millimetre around the waist, too, so it’s now 18mm thick. The whole package,

including the power supply, weighs 1.81kg.

 

Under the surface, Apple has rung the changes. Gone are the Ivy Bridge CPUs of old, replaced by a trio of Intel Haswell options: two Core i5 parts and a Core i7, the latter being an optional upgrade. There’s also a range of new PCI Express SSD drives, with capacities in the preconfigured models rising from 128GB up to 512GB, with 1TB an optional extra.

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Could We Get A 12-Inch MacBook Air With Retina Display In 2014?

The Retina MacBook Pro comes in both 13-inch and 15-inch varieties, but when will the MacBook Air go Retina? Analyst Daniel Matte speculates that it could happen soon, and when it does, there will be three MacBooks with Retina Displays: the 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, and a 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina Display. Twelve?

It actually makes some sense. As Matte points out, if Apple doubles the existing 1366 x 762 resolution of the MacBook Air, they could do this most easily by recutting existing iPad Retina Displays at 264 ppi to create a 2732 x 1536 display.

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Jimmy Fallon Hides His MacBook During Interview With Microsoft's Bill Gates [Video]

Check out this humorous clip of Jimmy Fallon hiding his Apple MacBook, keyboard, and Magic Mouse during an interview with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

Gates was on the show to talk about the 'Next Big Thing'.

Bill Gates tells Jimmy how he feels a computer's ability to interact to sight, sound and motion could change the way the world uses technology.

Take a look at the clip below. Skip ahead to 1:38 for the relevant portion.

[via Andre]

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The LandingZone 2.0 is a surprisingly good MacBook Air dock

LandingZone is showing off their docks for the MacBook Air at CES, and the LandingZone 2.0 Pro dock seems like a must for those who use their Airs as a desktop computer most of the time (and just have a lot of wires in their life). The design is fairly simple: all you need to do is slide the Air and squeeze the two opposing USB ports into place. What you get is an extra two USB 3.0 drives and an ethernet port, along with a security lock port in case you want to lock your computer to the desk. When you want to actually leave your desk, you can pull the lever on the back and disconnect from the device.

All told, the best part about this docking station is its simplicity. It's not the most attractively designed thing in the world, and getting the Air's USB ports aligned can be a little tricky. What's more, it requires its own power source, which is a bit of a bummer for those trying not to use too many outlets. But once it's set up, you won't have to spend so much time unplugging when you switch locations. It's available now for $179.99.

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LandingZone introduces its newest DOCK for MacBook Pro with Retina display at CES 2014 - Ready for purchase

online

15-inch (Model A1398) docking station available now for order; 13-inch (Models A1425 + A1502) new Retina display docking station available 1st quarter 2014

PR Newswire

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- LandingZone will premier a new docking station to expand its unique, magical products for Apple users. The award-winning line of docking stations includes a partner for the MacBook Pro with Retina display.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140107/MN41368)
The 15-inch version is available now at LandingZone.net, Amazon and soon through a select number of retailers.  The 13-inch model can be pre-ordered on LandingZone.net and is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2014. These new models as well as the rest of the line of docking solutions will be on display at Showstoppers at CES on January 7th in the Wynn Hotel's Lafite Ballroom, table D4.

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MacBook Pro vs Razer Blade

If you are in the hunt for the next great laptop, you are probably considering the MacBook Pro as well as the Razer Blade.

But, you say, the Blade is just a gaming laptop, right? Wrong. Comparing the Pro to the Blade side by side uncovers some astonishing similarities. You may even draw the conclusion the the Razer Blade is simply the PC answer to the Pro because the design and feature set is so similar. Read on for more details.

Design

Anyone will be able to appreciate the sleek, industrial design of the gorgeous MacBook pro. With its aluminum shell, black keyboard, and large touch pad, this laptop is comfortable and stylish no matter the setting. It is also amazingly thin, at only 0.71 inches thick. Top that, Razer! Well, actually it does, measuring just 0.66 inches when closed. The MacBook has a 15.4 inch screen, while the Razer has a smaller 14 inch screen, making it a matter of preference as to which size you choose. The design of the keyboard surface is remarkable similar between the two; both computers have large touchpads and similar-appearing keys. One big design advantage to the Pro is the fact that its touchpad is “clickable,” while the Blade’s is not. The Blade has showy black and green backlit keys designed to appeal to gamers.

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FruitJuice app keeps MacBook batteries in shape

Practical Mac

When buying a new Apple laptop, you should keep one word at the forefront of your thoughts: longevity.

You obviously want a computer that will last several years and be worth the money you’re going to spend. The design of the latest MacBook models requires that you lock in a configuration at the start that will last the life of the machine.

Until recently, a laptop’s useful life could be nudged further into the future by adding more memory, increasing storage, replacing a standard hard disk with an SSD (a Solid State Drive, the best method of giving an old machine new life), or all three.

Now, though, all of Apple’s current MacBook models are designed around components that are difficult to replace, from soldered RAM to custom-shaped battery cells that can’t be removed.

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MacBook Air 2014 Release Date, Features & Update: Are MacBook Sales Losing Out to the Google Chromebook?

Is the MacBook line in trouble? From January to November 2012, Apple had a 2.6 percent share of unit sales according to the NPD Group. Fast-forward that data a year and Apple's unit sales dropped to 1.6 percent. Apple could never compete with Windows laptops when it came to amount of units sold, but its profit margins were a hell of a lot better. What's surprising is that Google's line of laptops, called "Chromebooks," has overtaken Apple's sales, despite hardly registering on the NPD chart a year ago. With 9.6 percent of all total unit sales (compared to 0.2 percent a year ago), "Chromebooks" seem to be appealing to consumers.

Chromebooks are for the most part vastly cheaper than Apple's least expensive laptop model, theMacBook Air. Each Chromebook generally costs $249 or $299. Should Apple make the MacBook Air, which starts at $999, more affordable for the masses? Any worries Apple fanatics might have about declining Mac sales, though, haven't taken one thing into account: cannibalization. Apple Inc.'s own iPad line is largely responsible for the dip in its laptop sales. iPads account for the most tablet and laptop sales (besides Windows-based machines) on NPD's chart.

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The Mac Pro Review (Late 2013)

The year was 2004. I was enrolled in ECE 466 at NCSU, a compiler optimization/scheduling class. I remember walking into the lecture hall and seeing far too many PowerBooks and white iBooks. This was the computer engineering department right? It wasn’t much later that I started my month with a Mac experiment. I spent most of my life at that point staying away from Apple hardware. I wanted to give the platform a fair shake so I bought the fastest thing Apple offered back then: a 2GHz PowerMac G5.

More recently, in 2012, I was talking to my friend Lyle who was setting out to build a new gaming PC. Without any coercion on my part, he opted for a mini-ITX build. I’d been on a mini-ITX kick for a while, but motherboard and case vendors kept reiterating as exciting as mini-ITX was, the sales volumes just weren’t there. I was surprised when my gamer friend settled on building a new desktop that was seriously small. He used aBitFenix Prodigy case, a great choice.

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