Generally speaking, Apple has a tendency to make waves when they update their products, unless of course it’s a smaller iteration  And that’s what happened yesterday, when the Cupertino company quietly boosted the specs of their Macbook Pros; they didn’t update the form factor.  So if you’ve been holding out on purchasing a new laptop, now might be the time to buy, unless of course you want to hold out for the rumored 15-inch and 17-inch Macbook Airs, as we reported a few months ago?

So what’s changed?

The entry level Macbook Pro, the 13-inch received a 2.4Ghz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor as well as a 500GB hard drive.  It still costs $1,199.  The next model up of the same size, scored a a 2.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 and a larger 750GB hard drive.  The price also remains the same at $1,499.

As for the 15-inch models, both now include quad-core Intel Core i7 processors.  The lesser of the two has a 2.2GHz processor and a 500GB hard drive and a a faster AMD Radeon HD 6750M discrete graphics card with 512MB of GDDR5.  The faster machine now sports a 2.4Ghz chips, a 750GB hard drive and AMD’s Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB of GDDR5.  They sell for $1,799 and $2,199 respectively.

Lastly, the lower end 17-inch Macbook Pro scored the same update as the top tier 15-inch Macbook pro, though you can bump that to 2.5GHz for $250 more.  It starts at $2,499.

All models are available now at Apple’s website and should be reflected at other retailers later this week if not early next week.

The Macbook Air is more than a laptop, it’s a lifestyle statement.  So adorning it with Incase products, while practical, may not be the most stylish.

Enter the Cartella for MacBook Air.  It resembles the classic and always stylish Moleskin Notebook.  But instead of containing a ream of paper, its frame has been machined within 1/4000 of inch to hold an 11-inch or 13-inch Macbook Air securely in place.  All ports remain accessible so you won’t have to remove the laptop to plug it in or use a USB device.

The handmade case is crafted from bonded leather, bindery cloth and Baltic birch using traditional techniques.  The interior can be modified in your choice of three colors (red, green and black).

Combine this with the iPad DoDo case and you’ll have thieves wondering why all the books.

The 13-inch costs $89.99, while the 11-inch is $79.99.

3.5 out of 5 stars

So here’s the deal.  You’ve got a new 13-inch Macbook Air.  You don’t wanna scratch it. You could opt for Incase’s Perforated case, which I just reviewed.  However, that case doesn’t really protect the svelte laptop from dings and drops, since it’s attached to its body and as a result doesn’t insulate it from the shock and vibration it might receive dare it take a tumble to the ground.  Alternatively, Incase makes a Neoprene sleeve for toting around the ultra slim computer.

Aesthetically the sleeve is unremarkable.  It’s sewn together by what is surely a machine.  The stitching is tight and is surprisingly devoid of any blemishes or “mis-stitches.”  In other words it’s almost, well, perfect.

The textured spine provides added grip and protection – click to enlarge

The edge of the sleeve is finished with a “textured spine” that wraps its circumference. It’s soft and more supple than the sleeve’s Neoprene finish and does, as Incase suggests, provided some added grip when you’re carrying it in your hand.

The zipper of the sleeve stores in its own pocket, which is part of the spine.  This ensures that it remains zipped and your Macbook Air doesn’t fall out.  Hardly a feature I used, but it doesn’t seem to prevent any shortcomings, so have at it.

The sleeve, while slim and a little light on the padding it will protect your Macbook Air from the occasional minute folly.  However, my intuition tells me (I didn’t test it) that if you dropped your Air to the floor, while in the sleeve, it would incur some damage.  How much I don’t know, but it’s not the same type of protection we’ve seen from Booq’s line of sleeves, which I reviewed a few years ago.  I’m not sure if its intended to be used for added protection, but the Neoprene sleeve shipped with a foam insert inside.  Leave it in there, like I did, and one side of your Air will enjoy some added protection.

Zipper and lining – click to enlarge

Bottom line is that Incase’s Neoprene Sleeve for the 13-inch Macbook Air provides adequate protection.  But as as a result of trying to maintain a minimalist presence, much like the Air, it’s limited and not ideal for someone that is tough on their gear during transport.

You can buy the Incase 13-inch Macbook Air Neoprene Sleeve for $40.

Pros:

• Slim and light weight like the Macbook Air
• Textured spin adds grip
• Durable build and excellent stitching

Cons:

• Unremarkable finish and design
• Pricey
• Thin padding that will only protect from minor bumps

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PC Connection Express is offering the lowest price around on this Apple MC965LL/A MacBook Air 13-inch 1.7GHz Core i5 Laptop!

You heard us right! For a limited time now you can catch come great savings on a new and super slim Apple Macbook Air Notebook computer! This is probably one of the slimmest notebooks we’ve ever seen and it’s all thanks to the ingenuity and innovation packed into it. But along with that comes some powerful components, and this includes a speedy Intel Core i5 1.7Ghz Dual-Core Processor combined with an impressive 4GBs of DDR3 Memory. It also comes with a large 128GB Solid State Drive for even more intense and speedy operation as well as a compact 13-Inch display with 1440×900 resolution, Intel HD 3000 Graphics, Wireless b/g/n support with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and much more.

You’ll pay $50 more plus tax at the Apple store.  So the final price, pending expedited shipping charges, is $1249.99

While we haven’t been afforded the opportunity to test out the Bamboo Blackbox Cases (hint, hint!), we’re gonna go out on a limb (a bamboo limb) and just straight up assume that they’re the most  bad ass of Apple laptop and iPad cases on the market today…made from wood.

So, they’re probably a bit on the heavy side, especially in contrast to the light and nimble iPad or Macbook Air, but with this level of attention to detail and craftsmanship, that is assuming they’re all they claim them to be, who cares about a pound here or there.  And sustainable wood at that, since they’re all crafted from Bamboo.

Bamboo Blackbox Cases has actually been shipping these to customers since the beginning of the year, but the demand outpaced their supply chain and now they’re seeking funding from you using the Kickstarter.com community.  We’ve seen more than a handful of projects on this site go viral and explode with funding, and lets not overlook the fact that it’s a good way to get a new product at a small discount.

In terms of the Bamboo Blackbox Cases compatibly, they’ve got Apple’s entire range of products covered, with the exception of the iPhone or iPod.  This includes cases for the 13″, 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pros and 11″ and 13″ MacBook Airs and of course iPads.  Each case includes a leather strap engraved with the production number, though after a certain point they’re gonna run out of space, so the font will have to get smaller or they’ll have to discontinue that feature.  While engraving isn’t a standard option (on the wood), they say they’re willing to do it if you get in touch with them, and in due time they might offer it as a default option during purchase.

Pledging starts at $29, though if you want a product you’ll need to throw down $79 in the initial stage of funding to receive an iPad 2 case.  Spend $99 or more and you’ll get on the list for a Macbook case.

We should point out that there is also a company called SILVA that makes a line of Bamboo suitcases for Macbooks.

Lenovo is offering a hefty coupon discount on their 13-Inch IdeaPad Z370 Laptop!

If you’re looking for the ultimate portable computing experience then definitely check out this discount! This super portable laptop sports a 13-Inch High Definition display for viewing all of your media and tasks on the go. Though it is small it has big power which comes from the Second Generation Intel Core i5-2410M 2.30Gh Processor with Turbo Boost technology and 4GBs of DDR3 Memory for easy multitasking. It also has a large 500GB storage drive, Dual-Layer DVD Burner, Wireless b/g/n With Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 2.0MP Webcam and Microphone built-in.

You can pick up this Lenovo 102522U IdeaPad Z370 Intel Core i5 13-inch Laptop for only $749 – $149.80 Coupon (USPLENOVO526) + Free Shipping = $599.20!

MacMall via eBay is offering the lowest price ever on this new Apple MC700LL/A MacBook Pro Core i5 13.3-inch Notebook for just $1199 – $150 Instant Savings + Free Shipping = $1049!

If you’re looking for the hottest deal on some major portable Mac performance then definitely take a look at this new offering from MacMall! This Apple Macbook Pro feature a super compact 13.3-Inch High Definition LED display for viewing all of your graphical media and applications with pure quality and style. It has the muscle to handle any task you can throw at it with its Intel Core i5 2.3Ghz processor paired up with 4GBs of speedy DDR3 RAM. It also has all the convenient features you need for the full experience including a built-in webcam and microphone, Bluetooth, Dual Layer DVD/RW burner, large 320GB hard drive and even 7 hours of battery life on a single charge. Definitely a deal not to miss!

PC Connection Express is offering a reduced price on this Apple MacBook Pro MC724LL/A Core i7 13-inch Laptop which is now priced at $1419.84 + Free Shipping = $1418.94!

If you’re in the market for some truly stunning portable power from a Mac then this is definitely what you need! This super sleek Macbook features a 13-Inch High Definition LED display for a truly impressive viewing experience for all of your media and tasks. It comes powered by a very speedy Intel Core i7 Dual Core 2.7Ghz processor which also provides Intel HD 3000 Graphics and 4GBs of fast DDR3 RAM to make multitasking a breeze. It has a huge 500GB hard drive for storage and has a Superdrive for burning pretty much every disk format, and it even has a huge 7 hours of battery life on a single charge so you can easily take it with you anywhere.

Bamboo is a highly sustainable wood, which is just one of the reasons why we’re heavily endorsing SILVA Unlimited’s cases for 13-inch and 15-inch Macbook Pros.  They’re made from 100% solid carmel Bamboo and include a hand-crafted leather strap.  The interior is lined with wool felt to protect your lappy from bumps and drops.  And let’s not forget that they’re all hand crafted.

However, keep in mind that they cost $180 each and weigh about 2lbs.  That’s some serious heft on your wallet and arm.

They say they’re currently working on a case that will be compatible with the 17-inch Macbook and the iPad.

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When Samsung’s Series 9 laptop hit the showroom floor at CES we couldn’t help but drool with desire.  However, and as we suspected there is a catch to its opulent good lucks.  What is it you ask?  The price, which is now starting at $1,599 from retailer J&R.  But despite that bad news, at least, and finally, the laptop will be available for purchase.  

So what will you get for that kind of cash?  It will ship with an Intel Core i5-2537M Processor, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, 128GB SSD, 1.3MP webcam, a 13.3-inch LED HD display, Intel HD GT2 graphics, 4GB of RAM, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, HDMI port, microSD card slot, 3x USB ports, 6-cell battery and Samsung’s Duralumin design.  Yup, all this is packed inside a 2.88lb, 12.9″ (W) x 8.9″ (D) x 0.64″ (H) machine.

For some perspective the top end Macbook Air sells for $1,599, though it only includes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

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Update: Apple just announced the new Macbook Pros for 2011.

We’ve been hearing that the latest iteration of Macbook Pros will sport a hybrid storage system that includes an SSD and spindle.  But according to a leaked spec sheet (seen above) of the yet to be announced 13-inch Macbook Pro that isn’t true, unless of course this is just the low end model.

So what’s new in the new 13-inch Macbook Pro?  The processor is getting a bump to a Core i5, which is a jump over the Core 2 Duo, the GPU has been replaced with an Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with 384mb of RAM and it will support Intel’s Lightpeak, which Apple seems to be branding “Thunderbolt”.

There is no word on a price, but a previous rumor by way of Best Buy indicated that we’ll see a price cut.  If we had to place a bet, we’d wager that this model will replace the current white Macbook, which possibly means it will receive the same price tag of $999.

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Details have leaked from VozExpress about an upcoming Toshiba notebook that’s gunning for the title of “world’s lightest 13-inch laptop,” with some innovative new battery and cooling technology to boot.

The as-yet-unnamed notebook will come with the choice of a Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU that works in tandem with a brand new CPU cooling technology dubbed “Blaze Mountain.” Sounds intense. In addition, a battery will be integrated into the device called the Super Charged Ion Battery that promises to charge to 100 percent capacity in a little over ten minutes.

Other specs include a 16:9 display, USB 3.0 support, 4GB RAM, and either a 500GB HDD or a 512GDB SSD. (With the SSD drive option, the entire weight of the laptop comes out to less than 1KG.) And while we can’t see the entire design of the thing from the leaked photo, it does look pretty slick.

[via Engadget]

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For those of you lucky enough to own a 13-inch or 15-inch Macbook Pro, you’ll be glad to hear that Apple issued a Firmware update today that fixes the hard drive’s tendency to make noise or freeze.  This update applies to those who purchased the Unibody laptop in June and with a 500GB 7200rpm hard drive.

A buddy of mine, who purchased a 15-inch Macbook Pro has already had his hard drive replaced after just a few months of use.  Since were on the topic of flaws, Apple’s design team overlooked just how uncomfortable the computer’s edges are on the wrists.  Anything else that’s worth noting?

To grab the update, just hit your system preferences and fire up ‘software update’ or hit the ‘read’ link.

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