Iomega eGo Mac Edition 500 GB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/800 Portable External Hard Drive 34629 (Ruby Red) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this portable hard drive recently to use for Time Machine with my MacBook Pro. Some notes and observations so far:

1) First off, the hard drive's ruby red color is not as bright as the Amazon photo. It's a darker red, which I prefer.

2) As with most portable hard drives, it is very quiet. Sitting a foot or two away from it, you should barely hear it, if at all.

3) This hard drive does not spin down after a certain amount of inactivity (unlike, for instance, a WD Passport, which spins down after 10 minutes or so of inactivity). You may or may not prefer this, depending on what you use it for. I use mine as a Time Machine, which backs up my hard drive every hour. I prefer the fact that it doesn't keep spinning down and spinning back up every hour (many argue that this is worse for a hard drive than simply leaving it on all the time, but there are varying opinions on this).

4) I wouldn't say the hard drive runs hot. It feels warm to the touch when idling all day like mine. However it may get hot if being used for constant data access. The only time it has felt somewhat hot is when I did the initial ~200GB backup of my hard drive.

5) This hard drive works well for daisy chaining. I have it connected to my MBP via Firewire 800, and I have a Firewire 400 external hard drive connected to the Iomega. NOTE: If you have the Iomega connected to your computer via USB, you cannot daisy chain a Firewire device.

6) Size-wise, it is a bit bigger than my (USB-only) WD Passport but it is still fairly compact.

7) The exterior feels like plastic, but the box says that the case is made from aluminum, so I'll trust that it is.

8) The light on the back of the drive is VERY bright. It actually projects light onto my wall. The color of the light may vary. I bought two of these drives from two different Best Buys... One has a blue light, the other has a white light. Either way, I found the light to be pretty annoying, so I simply covered it up with a small piece of black electrical tape. Works well.

9) Comes with a USB cable, Firewire 400 cable, and Firewire 800 cable.

10) One review noted: "No on-off switch, drive does not stop when computer sleeps, does not stop when computer turned off!". As far as bus-powered 2.5" portable hard drives go, I have not seen any with an on-off switch, although some may exist. If you want that, you will probably want to go with a 3.5" external desktop drive. HOWEVER, I think it is important to note that the Iomega WILL power down when the computer is sleeping or shut off. I was worried when I read this review because I thought the drive would keep spinning when I put my computer to sleep, but this is not the case. The only thing that stays on is the light. It will only turn off when you unplug the drive from the computer.

Overall, this drive works perfectly as a Time Machine. It is fast, small, quiet, not too hot, and unobtrusive. After the initial backup, you should barely notice successive backups (unless they are really big ones). The price is also great for a portable hard drive with three different connectivity options. The only thing I can't review is hard drive longevity... Only time will tell. Here's hoping that it lasts for a long time.--UPDATE February 5, 2010--

Hard drive is still working extremely well for me as a Time Machine. A few new notes and observations:

1) A lot of people have been reporting that the top of their cases are detaching, which is pretty discouraging. I've been lucky, as the only problem I've had is that one of the front corners has come up about 1-2 millimeters. However, the top of the case is still in place and secure for the most part. I bought another one of these hard drives for my father, and the top of his case has not detached at all. I should note that I leave my hard drive on all day and sometimes overnight, whereas my father only turns his on every once in a while (when he turns his computer on), but it is generally turned off. I did buy my hard drives from Best Buy... Perhaps they received a shipment of units that were of better quality than what Amazon received?

2) This is a strange one... My hard drive runs SIGNIFICANTLY cooler than when I first got it. It hardly feels warm at all, even though it's spinning away all day. I don't really understand why, but I can't complain.

3) My thanks to A.W. Jester for pointing out that you must register online to get the 3 year warranty. I had missed this at first!

This product seems pretty hit-or-miss based on the workmanship. On the one hand, I'd have a hard time recommending it based on the other reviews I've read. On the other hand, I would recommend it based on my own experience. It's a great value for the price if you're lucky enough to get a good one.

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Product Description:
Great aluminum design and multiple connections too! With one FireWire 800 port, one FireWire 400 port, and one USB 2.0 port, the Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive offers triple interface versatility for Mac users and a stylish design. These drives are formatted HFS+ for a great out-of-box experience. Plus, the Iomega Drop Guard feature protects the drive when dropped up to 51" (40% above the industry average!). EMC Retrospect, QuikProtect, and MozyHome Online backup software is included with purchase. Available in Ruby Red, Alpine White and Midnight Blue in up to 500GB capacity (capacities vary per color).

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AppleCare Protection Plan - Mac Pro Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For someone who has ALWAYS rejected the notion of purchasing an 'extended warranty' on ANY product purchase as just another cynical method for American corporations to wring every possible cent they can from us as consumers, I must IN THIS CASE ONLY, urge anyone considering the purchase of an Apple laptop or one of Apple's overly priced Mac 'Pro' workstations purchase the Apple'Care' extended warranty. (I am NOT some 'Leftie' anti-corporation/conspiracy theory nut-case! I simply believe that if I purchase a brand new, EXPENSIVE piece of technology - be it a motorcar, a refrigerator, a digital SLR, a flat screen teevee OR an 'insanely kewl' Apple Product [god-Steve's own description of ALL his groovy Apple Products!] - then it is reasonable to expect these 'quality' products last longer than 60,000 miles or 1 year! Consider all the blah-blah about 'quality American products' we are berated with these days.)

Why Apple'Care'?
Consider this: I purchased a Mac 'Pro' quad-core workstation a couple of years ago. Within less than 9 months I began experiencing MULTIPLE hardware problems. Of course, when I took this gift from the gods back to an Apple Store - and by way of many, many lengthy conversations with 'product specialists' @ AppleCare - the 'geniuses' (at the Apple Store's 'Genius Bar'), and the technicians in the Apple Store who supposedly 'worked on' my Mac 'Pro' all advised me 'it's a software issue'. Yep. You betcha! And that most-likely 'it's a THIRD PARTY software issue'. You know, buggy code like that built into products dumped on the market by the likes of Adobe... (Say what?!)
The 'geniuses' solution to my (perceived) problems? 'Archive and Re-Install!' They could NEVER find 'a problem' running their tip top diagnostic software (ASD + they even 'beat it up' with an 'intense' chess game software title the 'geniuses' additionally-use when making an uber effort to find the chink in either hardware or software and are unable to locate it by simply looping ASD for 24 hours or longer). If anyone has ever had to endure the gauntlet of 'Archive and Re-Install' you know that this option is the absolute LAST DITCH EFFORT one considers in order to make an OS play nicely once again with other software written SPECIFICALLY FOR that OS! (C'mon Apple! What's with all this smugness about how stable, how sophisticated, how kewl the Mac OS is?)

Well, long story short, I have the great fortune of being friends with a certified Apple technician; and unlike the 'geniuses' at the Apple Stores who just run software tests (because IT COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE A HARDWARE ISSUE - NOT a Mac!), my good friend is someone who will not accept ONLY the diagnosis of a software scan, no matter how many times you run it looking for a problem. Based upon my description of ongoing problems and with a series of screen captures I emailed him illustrating some of what I was experiencing, without even having the machine in front of him, based upon his years of experience working on Macs (and PC's) he advised me there were problems likely-with both the logicboard AND the video card. (BOTH major hardware failures, both EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE elements for Apple to replace on their 'professional' top-of-the-line product, the Mac 'Pro'!)

*It took me an additional 9 months of wrestling with countless Apple representatives before the company (finally!) decided to replace the machine!* I will not bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, I have been a loyal Mac computer customer *over the past 20 years* and have decided I will NEVER purchase another Mac 'Pro' workstation! (These are Apple's 'professional' level 'workstations'. They are phenomenally overpriced for the quality of computing you get in my experience! When I originally bought mine, approximately two years ago now, I paid nearly $4000! However, becauseI STILL PREFER the Mac environment over the Windows OS I will likely purchase *an iMac* one day in the future and max it out w/RAM for the photo editing work I conduct every day. But never, ever again will I squander money on their so-called 'professional' equipment. And as a finer point, I own Apple computers ONLY. I will not purchase any of their other products, hardware OR software. Adobe does a much better job of designing creative applications, in my opinion.)

So, to come full circle, my advice to you, to 'get it' (AppleCare for one of Apple's workstations or laptops), is based upon the advice my Apple tech friend gave me early on: 'Just cough it up Mike. A couple hundred extra bucks for extended hardwareprotection MAY save you LOTS MORE in the future!' I could have never imagined how right-on his advice to me was! (And BTW, I continue to experience videocard hick-ups even with my brand new replacement, the 'Nehalem' box; AND this quad core 'super computer' REALLY DOES NOT seem anywhere near as fast ['blazing fast'?!] as one is led to believe by all the Apple hoopla on their site. Think I'm nuts about the 'quality' of these Mac 'Pro' workstations? Stop by DealMac from time to time over the coming months and take note of the TONS OFrefurbished Mac 'Pro' 'workstations' the Apple Store is re-selling every now-and-then. Over the past year alone I have seen Apple dump hundreds of these 'pro level' refurb-machines that failed the first time out! Do your own research before dropping Big Bucks on one of these things! And if you have owned one of these machines for less than a year *purchase AppleCare before your initial 12 month warranty runs out*!)

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Product Description:
Every Mac comes with 90 days of telephone support and one year of service coverage at an Apple-authorized repair center. The AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (MA516LL/A) extends the complimentary coverage on your Mac Pro to three years of world-class support. The plan includes expert telephone assistance, global repair coverage, onsite repairs for desktop computers, web-based resources, and TechTool Deluxe from Micromat--all for one economical price.
This comprehensive AppleCare Protection Plan covers your Mac Pro, as well as an AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, and Apple RAM purchased for your Mac Pro. You can also register one Apple display for coverage, provided the Mac and display are purchased together.


Extend your coverage to three years of service and expert telephone technical support.
One Number to Call for Help
Get direct telephone access to Apple's own technical support group, the people who know your system best. Because Apple creates the computer, the operating system, and many built-in applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. Just one phone call can help resolve most issues with your Mac because AppleCare representatives can help troubleshoot Apple hardware, the Mac operating system, and many Apple consumer applications, including iLife, iWork, Jam Packs, iChat AV, Mail, Safari, iCal, iSync, AppleWorks, and QuickTime.
Convenient Repair Options
The AppleCare Protection Plan ensures that Apple-certified technicians will perform repairs using genuine Apple parts. With this plan, parts and labor will be covered for three years from the date of purchase of your Apple computer, two years beyond the one-year limited warranty. The plan includes onsite service for desktop computers as well as global repair coverage, which can be very important if you travel abroad.
Coverage Information
The AppleCare Protection Plan is subject to terms and conditions, which are provided on the AppleCare Protection Plan website.

To qualify for the AppleCare Protection Plan, your product must be within its one-year Apple hardware warranty.
A separate AppleCare Protection Plan must be purchased for each Apple system to be covered.
Mac mini, Mac Pro, and MacBook Pro/MacBook Air/MacBook customers may also enroll one Apple display for coverage, provided that the Mac and the display are purchased together.
Global repair coverage is included.
Onsite service for desktop computers is available within a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius of an Apple authorized onsite service provider in the country where the plan is purchased and enrolled.
The AppleCare Protection Plan covers an Apple keyboard and mouse when they are included with a covered product (or purchased with your Mac Pro). An AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, and Apple RAM are included in the coverage of the computer with which they are used.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan anytime?

You can purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan anytime within the one-year limited warranty period. Your eligibility for coverage under the AppleCare Protection Plan starts from your hardware purchase date. Apple strongly recommends that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan when you purchase your Apple product to maximize the additional benefits provided under the plan.

What service options does the AppleCare Protection Plan offer?

Apple may provide service through one or more of the following options: carry-in service (to Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers), direct mail-in service, onsite service (for desktop computers), or Do-It-Yourself (DIY) parts (so you can service your own product).

What does "global repair coverage" mean?

If you take your Apple hardware with you when you travel and happen to need repair service, the AppleCare Protection Plan offers global repair coverage. You can either go to an Apple retail store or contact Apple for information on how to obtain service. Service will be limited to the options available in the country where service is requested. Service options, parts availability, and response time vary according to country. Please see the AppleCare Protection Plan Terms and Conditions for complete details.

When I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan, do I need to register it?

If you purchase your AppleCare Protection Plan and your covered product separately or elsewhere, you will need to register your AppleCare Protection Plan. Your AppleCare Protection Plan coverage starts from your hardware purchase date. Registering your AppleCare Protection Plan at a later date does not extend your coverage.

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LaCie 301827U d2 Quadra 1 TB eSATA/FireWire800/FireWire400/USB 2.0 External Hard Disk Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm in shock.

Having just moved from Windows to Mac (OS X 10.5.2) I'm used to long, involved nightmare hardware installations.Between OS X and the utilities supplied by LaCie on this drive, the whole business was up and running in about ten minutes.It took me longer to figure out which was the FireWare 800 cable than it did to finish the rest of the installation!

I have a new iMac with both FireWire 400 and 800 ports, and I'm using the LaCie as my Time Machine drive, so I opted to use the fastest interface available, the FireWire 800.The installation had four steps:

1.Physically attach the footplate to the drive so it could sit on its thin side, as in the photo with this review.Tools:included Allen wrench.Time: 60 sec

2.Attach the FW800 cable and the power supply.Plug in same.Tools: none.Time:60 sec.

3.Turn on the drive.Tools:finger.Time: 15 sec.

4.Click through the installation program that pops up on the screen.The last click is to inform OS X that this will be my TimeMachine drive.Tools:mouse, finger.Time:5 min.

Total time:7.25 min.(It took me about 2.5 minutes to figure out which cable to use.)

The FireWire interface is so fast, it did the initial TimeMachine 30GB backup in about 30 minutes.

The drive is quiet, it's fast, and it has a cool blue light on the front.It also has an auto power switch that detects when the iMac is seeking from the drive and switches on drive power.

What's not to like?

Click Here to see more reviews about: LaCie 301827U d2 Quadra 1 TB eSATA/FireWire800/FireWire400/USB 2.0 External Hard Disk

Product Description:
With a unique ridged exterior that enhances the enclosure's cooling performance, and a quadruple interface for full Mac and PC compatibility, the LaCie 301827U d2 Quadra External Hard Drive is an all-in-one drive that's built with the professional in mind. Designed by internationally acclaimed designer Neil Poulton, this versatile drive offers extreme performance and an aesthetic touch that will enhance any work space.
The LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk offers:

eSATA 3Gbits, FireWire 400/800, and USB 2.0 for universal compatibility and extreme speed
1 TB of disk space.
7200 rpm spin speed and 16 MB cache.
Fanless ridged design for cool, quiet operation.

Unique ridged heat sink aluminum design increases surface area by 60% for cooler operation. (Show here with the Little Big Disk Quadra and the 2big Network.) View larger.

The minimalist space-saving design will enhance the aesthetics of any work space. View larger. View back.

The d2 can be racked horizontally and set up in a RAID configuration. View larger. Quadruple Interface for Unmatched Performance and Compatibility
The LaCie 301827U d2 Quadra External Hard Drive features one eSATA 3 Gbit port, two FireWire 800 ports (9-pin), one FireWire 400 port (6-pin), and one hi-speed USB 2.0 port that is USB 1.1-compatible. (Cables for each connection are conveniently included with the drive.) This quadruple interface makes the d2 Quadra ideal for demanding multi-media applications that require extreme speed as well as universal connectivity. The USB and FireWire connections ensure that you can transfer or back up your data from your laptop or other computers, while the eSATA interface offers a transfer rate of up to 300 MB per second (3Gbits/sec).
The LaCie d2 is compatible with Windows, including Vista, and Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, including Time Machine, making it an ideal partner for your Mac. Time Machine automatically backs up your Mac's system files, applications, accounts, preferences, music, photos, movies, and documents to an external hard drive and lets you easily go back in time to recover anything.
Superior Drive Performance for Power Users
Built for power users such as video editors, the d2 Quadra features a rotational speed of 7200 rpm and a cache of at least 8 MB. Perfect for digital content creation, audio/video editing, DVD authoring, web animation, and more, the d2 Quadra can handle multiple demanding professional tasks. It can also be daisy-chained via FireWire or connected to your DV camera and is even bootable in FireWire for Mac and in eSATA for Mac/PC.
With a capacity of 1 TB (1,000 GB), the d2 Quadra can hold up to 1,000,000 photos, 350,000 songs, or 70 hours of DV video. If you purchase multiple drives, they can be daisy-chained and set to RAID 1 for data redundancy and protection, or RAID 0 for even greater speed.
The d2 Quadra also offers three power management options: "Auto" for energy efficiency; "On" for instant access; and "Off" for data protection. The drive also lets you back up files or launch any application with a simple push of the front blue button. This "shortcut button" can be configured to launch any document or application, or initiate the included EMC Retrospect Express software that offers automated backups.
Smart, Elegant Design and Loaded with Software
With the d2 Quadra, Neil Poulton has fashioned a unique, attractive and functional drive that offers excellent heat dissipation features and space-saving options for stacking. The fanless aluminum heat sink design features exterior ridges that provide 60 percent more surface area for heat dissipation, keeping the drive quiet and as safe as possible at all times. The d2 Quadra will sit nicely in an upright position alongside your PC or Mac machines, or it can be stacked horizontally with other drives or rack mounted to save desktop space.
Set-up and use is quick and easy, thanks to LaCie's preloaded Setup Assistant that helps format the hard disk according to your needs. For instance, the d2 Quadra lets you easily create a FAT32 partition for use with Macs. With the LaCie 1-Click Backup, you can backup any file into the location of your choice with a simple "click"--either via the desktop icon, or CTRL-S on your keyboard. And LaCie's Shortcut Button lets you easily launch any application with one push.
Also included with the d2 is EMC Retrospect professional backup software for PC and Mac users. This award-winning software offers several back-up options, including fast backups and scheduled back-up of either a single file or your complete system. With EMC Retrospect Express, you'll never have to worry about losing your data again.
The drive measures a slim 1.7 x 6.3 x 6.8 inches (WxHxD), weighs 3.31 pounds, and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
About LaCie
Established in France in 1989, LaCie is a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. With offices and plants in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie develops and manufactures external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology.

What's in the Box
LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk; eSATA-to-eSATA cable; FireWire 800 (9-to-9 pin) cable; FireWire 400 (6-to-6 pin) cable; USB 2.0 cable (USB 1.1 compatible); external power supply; drive stand for upright desktop use; LaCie Utilities (preloaded): LaCie '1-Click' Backup Software for PC or Mac; SilverKeeper Software for automatic backup and file verification (Mac); EMC Retrospect Express 6.1 (Mac); and EMC Retrospect Express HD 2.0 (Windows).

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My Book Studio LX 2 TB FireWire 800 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBACH0020HAL-NESN (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)With both USB and FireWire interfaces, this is a good drive for any Mac computer. It comes with a FireWire 400/800 crossover cable, and the drive works fine on older Macs with a FireWire 400 port (though the data transfer rate isn't what it could be). The casing is solid and the drive runs smoothly and quietly without any vibration, hums, or rattles.

WD SmartWare, software with some drive management and backup utilities, comes with the MyBook. It's optional and only needed for those who would like an alternative to Apple's Time Machine backup software or a method to password protect the data on the drive. I use Apple Time Machine to back my computer up to another drive, so I haven't been tempted to use the WD SmartWare software yet. Unfortunately, the WD SmartWare is installed via a virtual CD that appears on the Mac desktop when the drive is plugged in. The virtual CD can be shown or hidden with some tinkering but, alas, it is an annoying way to distribute software when a normal install CD or download site would have sufficed.Some minor technical issues:

1. To upgrade the MyBook firmware, the drive must be connected to your computer via USB, not FireWire.

2. I originally "daisy chained" this drive to my computer through another FireWire external HD. While the drive itself worked fine, the WD SmartWare virtual CD did not appear on my desktop when the drive was connected in this fashion. Connecting the MyBook drive directly to the computer via FireWire solved this problem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: My Book Studio LX 2 TB FireWire 800 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBACH0020HAL-NESN (Silver)

Product Description:
My Book Studio LX 2TB USB Hard Drive
See your life safe in one place with WD's My Book Studio LX external drive for Mac. Encased in cool-to-the-touch aluminum, it's the high-performance answer to your storage needs with a FireWire 800 interface that lets you save and access data at top speeds. Personalize this sleek metal drive with the innovative e-label. Keep your data safe with Apple Time Machine or WD SmartWare automatic continuous backup software, 256-bit hardware-based encryption and password protection.

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LG Electronics 10X Internal SATA Blu-ray Disc Rewriter WH10LS30 (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this drive to burn video blu-ray discs and watch movies.This is the best drive I have seen on the market at this point in time.It seems to be compatible with all discs (no coasters yet).The drive is quiet, easy to install (depends on your PC and knowledge of installing hardware), and easy to set up.The software to burn and watch movies is included.Mine came with a free BD-R to get started.Just make sure your PC has the correct hardware to handle HD or this drive is not for you.

Depending what video editing software you have, after the burning the video to the disc, the video quality is amazing!All of my discs work on my stand- alone player and my PS3 slim.This drive won't let you down!

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG Electronics 10X Internal SATA Blu-ray Disc Rewriter WH10LS30 (Black)

Product Description:
LG Electronics WH10LS30 10X Internal SATA Blu-ray Disc Rewriter(Black)

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Western Digital My Book for Mac 2 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAG0020HCH-NESN (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have two other WD (500GB) drives for my Imac that I use for external storage, but I kept having problems running my Time Machine backups.(not enough space on External to backup). I ordered my 2TB WD from Amazon and hoped for the best. Well I received it and opened the box and plugged it in. I went to my System Preferences and clicked on Time Machine chose my new HD and set it for my backup. That was it, of course it is going to take a bit of time for the initial backup, but that was it. No problems and it runs like a champ. I have already reccomended it to my niece for her mac.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Western Digital My Book for Mac 2 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAG0020HCH-NESN (Black)

Product Description:
They're your photos, your music, your videos, your important files. Make extra room for them and keep them safe on a My Book Mac Edition USB 2.0 external hard drive from WD. This drive is all about simplicity. Plug it into your computer's USB 2.0 port and start saving. It's so simple and integrated that the drive even turns on and off with your computer. With just the essential features for add-on storage it's perfect for all your precious digital assets.

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Apple MacBook Pro MC026LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not a gamer so this review may not be helpful to those who want a computer to play games.

I have worked as a professional software developer/architect for 17 years.I started with MSDOS 2.0 and have ridden the Microsoft wave all the way through Vista 64 and I had a few years with UNIX.I have personally owned or worked with computers from Dell, HP, Compaq, IBM.I have heard of Apple products but for the most part dismissed them as more toy than tool.(I was not alone in this perspective.)I like Microsoft but after working with it for the better part of 20 year I decided to look at something different.

I never thought I would purchase an Apple yet here it is.I am impressed to say the least and I see Apple as a serious tool that also makes a cool toy.

Pros:
Lightweight - Probably the lightest laptop I've ever worked with or owned

Solid - Normally when you get laptops at 15.4 or larger, chassis flex becomes evident as you can see them bend and they creak.Yet because of its single piece construction and light weight aluminum the MacBook feels good when you need to move it.I doesn't creak and there is no noticeable bend when lifted.

Battery Life - It just keeps going, and going, and going...Actually I am seeing up to 4 hours life on the fully charged battery.My previous computer never surpassed 1.75 hours.

Size - It is very thin and carrying it around is very comfortable.I had a 17" and while I like the large display its uncomfortable to carry like a book.

Magnetic Clasp - When closing the lid the owner is rewarded with a very solid thump instead of a "creak" "clack" that you hear from so many other laptops that use a plastic display and mechanical clasp.Opening the monitor is equally a pleasing.You place you thumb under the lip and lift.The laptop may slide a little on smooth surfaces but the lid comes up smooth and controlled.

Keyboard - This is a great piece of work.Does it have "Home", "Page Up", "Page Down", the legendary "Any" key?No.Doesn't need it.A little research and practice and you will find that these "missing" keys are functions of the keyboard and I don't miss them at all.Secondly the keyboard "key-float" (that rattle you hear when you lightly stroke your finger back and forth over a laptop keyboard) is almost completely non-existent.So when you're typing it doesn't sound like your wadding up crinkly plastic and you don't annoy your neighbors.The key throw is short but very pleasant.Another thing I like about the keyboard is that you don't feel like you will break the keyboard if your touch is a little heavy.

Display - The display is a work of art.No only does it look good, but flex has been reduced to almost nothing.It feels very solid and you don't feel you need to worry about tilting the screen from the corner.The glass cover over the LED lit LCD display is awesome.You can actually clean the screen without LCD screen colors distorting.Not to mention that is automatically dims in low light and the key board lights up in the same low light conditions.that's a nice touch.The display brightness is every bit as bright as my desktop LCD display in strong light.

Touch Pad - Any who has tried to use the touch pads on other computers (I hate them generally) will love this touch pad.It works like the iPhone (except scrolling is reversed for obvious reasons - you're not actually touching the screen).The touch is light and very smooth.Making the entire touch pad the button is brilliant, it took me almost no time to get use to it and now I nearly push a hole through the Dell touch pad before I realize I have to click the buttons.I have no trouble with inadvertent touch that moves my cursor away from where I'm typing.

Quiet - I have yet to hear the fans.It makes me wonder if they ever work.

DVD Superdrive - Finally!No cup holder comes sliding out of the side of my laptop.Just simply slide the disc in and your done.It operates like the CD player in a car.It is easy to eject from the screen or a key on the keyboard.

Fit and Finish - The best I've ever seen.The only thing I've seen is a very slight misalignment of the Express Card/34 slot door.But you really have to look close to see it.

Operating System - WOW.Fast, no anti-virus, stable: it just works.I won't get too much into the OS but I will say that once I understood how Apple likes things done OS X is very appealing.Not to mention that it sleeps and wakes up faster than anything I have ever worked with.Open the monitor and it's sitting there saying "come on, I'm tired of waiting for you".

Built-in Accelerometers - Not sure what they're good for, but they're cool.Like the iPhone the MacBook Pro has three accelerometers.There is an Stanford Laptop Orchestra uses MacBook Pros to make music using these accelerometers.

No Fresh Air Openings - I really dislike fresh air ports on the bottom of laptops.They are easily plugged and they suck fuzz and dust into the heat sinks.With my previous computers the fresh air ports were placed underneath the computer right where it sets on your legs.The result was you ran a big risk overheating the computer.The MacBook Pro pulls the cooling air through the keyboard and therefore has a smooth bottom making it far better to place on you lap.

CONS:
Chassis - While it is a brilliant piece of engineering there are a couple very minor issues.

One:Always pick the computer up with both hands.While this is true of all laptops you want to last, it's a little more important with this one.The metal around the ethernet port has been machined very thin which was necessary to fit the large jack in the rather narrow side of the laptop.So if you have the monitor open and grab the laptop with you left hand and your thumb over that jack you could dent the metal around it.It doesn't warp or twist the whole chassis, it's too strong but you could see a small indention in a otherwise straight piece of metal.

Two: The metal in the Battery/Hard Drive Cover is very thin and sometime appears to hang below lip of the chassis.You really have to look to see it and it isn't all the time.I don't think is is warped or bent, but just the natural flexibility of aluminum.

Touch Pad Click - While I absolutely love the touch pad (in fact I only use a mouse anymore when I am programming on it because of the nature of the software).If you try to click at the top of the pad (nearest the screen) the force required to click goes up quite a bit.

Price? - Not really a Con.Some have complained about the price.Three and half years ago I paid $5700 for a Dell 9100 laptop (All the bells and whistles, Window XP Pro, Office Pro, the works).It has been a great computer that has been put to pasture and my family uses it.I've only had two problems with it.The dreaded mexican jumping keys (a key flies off the keyboard after you press it down while typing; AKA broken key) Dell replaced the keyboard without any trouble and the hard drive crashed and needed to be replaced.The Dell computer when new cost more than twice the MacBook Pro does today and the only thing it has over the Mac (old age and technology not withstanding) is it's 1920 x 1200 pixel display compared to the Mac's 1440 x 900 display.If I were to order the most power 15.4 laptop Apple sells today, I would still pay half the price of the Dell and the Apple does much more and has better quality overall.

To summarize this is an accomplishment that the engineers, designers, and developers should feel proud.There is some room for improvement but these improvements are at a level that other laptops have to improve a great deal just to achieve Apple's shortcomings.

I could go on further but I think this is enough.Apple has truly developed a great product in both hardware and software and I recommend it highly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MacBook Pro MC026LL/A 15.4 Inch Laptop

Product Description:
Redesigned with a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook Pro also includes a new 15-inch, LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel) and a glass trackpad that doesn't include a button (for larger tracking area) and features includes Apple's Multi-Touch technology.


The redesigned MacBook Pro (see larger version). Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 6 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. And the MacBook Pro includes two video processors for ultimate flexibility: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for great everyday performance and NVIDIA 9600M GT discrete graphics for fast, smooth video--perfect for 3D gaming.
It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections), and an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot for expansion solutions such as 3G wireless networking.
The New MacBook Pro Design
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.

The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.
The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers. And it's illuminated, so when you're in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you're typing.
The 15-inch display is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth, seamless surface and features LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an extra-large 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 6 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Video Processing & Output
The new MacBook Pro combines the efficiency of an integrated graphics processor with the desktop-class performance of a discrete graphics processor thanks to the inclusion of both. Out of the box, it runs the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M processor, which provides plenty of performance for everyday use with up to 5 hours of battery life. But when you need turbocharged performance for the most graphically intensive tasks, the discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT processor delivers--such as for demanding 3D games like Quake, Call of Duty, and Spore. And thanks to a new graphics architecture, it's easy to switch between these two processors. The 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory, while the 9600M provides 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory.
The MacBook Pro includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays
Hard Drive and Memory
The 320 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 4 GB of PC3-8500 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and it maximizes capacity for this notebook.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the glass display is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Other Features

Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
Mini DisplayPort compatible with DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI connectors (all optional)
8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD

Apple MacBook Pro MC226LL/A 17-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Simply put, the best laptop I've ever owned.I configured it through Apple with the 128GB SSD and apps install incredibly fast and launch instantly.The screen is a marvel, 1920 X 1200 with LCD backlight.I opted to go with the glossy, so there are some reflections but only when using directly in front of a bright window, otherwise its not a problem (for me anyway).

Bear in mind, this is a BIG laptop...its a tray table...but very sturdy and NO flex in the chassis.The trackpad is also very useable, although I still opted for a mouse (Logitech M555b Bluetooth, highly recommended also).

It doesn't heat up much and has incredible battery life...if I switch to the 9400M integrated graphics (which is fine for most uses), I can get 6 hours on a charge no problem, with WiFi, Bluetooth, brightness at about 60% and the SSD as the primary HD.With a different config YMMV, but I'd bet 5-6 hours is the norm for this machine.

All-in-all, a great laptop.I'll have this 2-3 years no problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MacBook Pro MC226LL/A 17 Inch Laptop

Product Description:

Amazon.com has certified this product is Frustration Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without hard plastic "clamshell" casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It's designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping. Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without the need for an additional shipping box. Learn more about Frustration-Free Packaging.


Featuring a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the 17-inch MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook Pro also includes a new high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen with a 1920-by-1200-pixel resolution, a greater color gamut for more vibrant colors, and a 700:1 contrast ratio that makes whites brighter and blacks blacker. It also includes the new glass trackpad that does away with the trackpad button (for larger tracking area) and features Apple's Multi-Touch technology. And the non-removable battery lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge and can be recharged up to 1000 times--compared with only 200 to 300 times for typical notebooks.




The 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro (see larger version). Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 6 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. And the MacBook Pro includes two video processors for ultimate flexibility: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for great everyday performance and NVIDIA 9600M GT discrete graphics (512 MB of GDDR3 memory) for fast, smooth video--perfect for 3D gaming.


Other hardware features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 8 GB), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections), and an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot for expansion solutions such as 3G cellular networking.


It comes pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system--an operating system custom-designed for the advanced technology inside--and it also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes.


The Unibody MacBook Pro Design
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the MacBook Pro all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.





The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.


The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers. And it's illuminated, so when you're in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you're typing.


Vibrant Display
With the high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen display on the 17-inch MacBook Pro, you get desktop-quality color in an Apple notebook for the first time. The moment you open your MacBook Pro, you're greeted instantly by full, corner-to-corner screen brightness. The 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution (133 pixels per inch) means you can view more palettes and windows or watch HD video in its native 1920 x 1080 resolution. Perfect whether you're working in the studio or out in the field, the display offers a 60 percent greater color gamut than previous generations for richer, more vibrant colors and a 700:1 contrast ratio that makes whites brighter and blacks blacker. In addition, the seamless glass enclosure makes the display stronger and more durable. Because it's power efficient and the glass is mercury- and arsenic-free, it's also greener than ever.


Long-Lasting Battery
The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes a newly engineered lithium-polymer battery that that lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge thanks to advanced chemistry, intelligent monitoring of the system and battery, and Adaptive Charging technology. The battery is built right into the computer, eliminating the space-consuming mechanisms and housings that standard removable batteries require. This non-removable battery also provides a longer battery lifespan of up to 1000 recharges--meaning fewer depleted batteries and less waste, which is better for the environment.


Giving it a lifespan of up to 1000 recharges required breakthroughs in battery technology. Apple electro-chemists developed advanced chemistry that maintains the battery's charging capabilities longer than ever. And while most notebooks wear down their batteries by charging them at a constant rate, the 17-inch MacBook Pro takes a different approach. Using an Apple-developed technology called Adaptive Charging, a microchip on the battery constantly communicates with the computer to determine the optimal way to charge its cells, adjusting the current up and down depending on a variety of conditions. Combined, these advancements offer a dramatic improvement in battery lifespan: more than three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries--up to five years.




Off-the-shelf lithium-ion cells come in fixed, cylindrical shapes. The 17-inch MacBook Pro is powered by custom-made, ultrathin lithium-polymer batteries. Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 2.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an extra-large 6 MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)


The hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 6 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.


Video Processing & Output
The 17-inch MacBook Pro combines the efficiency of an integrated graphics processor with the desktop-class performance of a discrete graphics processor thanks to the inclusion of both. Out of the box, it runs the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M processor, which provides plenty of performance for everyday use with up to 5 hours of battery life. But when you need turbocharged performance for the most graphically intensive tasks, the discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT processor delivers--such as for demanding 3D games like Quake, Call of Duty, and Spore. And thanks to a new graphics architecture, it's easy to switch between these two processors. The 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory, while the 9600M provides 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory.


The MacBook Pro includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays


Hard Drive and Memory
The 500 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to USB 2.0. The 4 GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 8 GB.


Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.


Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the glass display is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.


Other Features

Three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
Mini DisplayPort compatible with DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI connectors (all optional)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD

Apple iMac MB418LL/A 24-Inch Desktop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review is intended mainly for PC users who are new to the Mac.I'm not a huge computer person, I've always had PCs, and frankly I've always thought Macs were for hippies with ponytails.I pretty much have to use a PC for my job functions, but over the last few years I've been underwhelmed by both my home and work desktop (both dells) and my home notebook (HP).I'm fed up with the windows BS - freezing for no reason, slowing down for no reason, taking forever to shutdown/startup, constantly nagging to update virus software etc.I'm ok putting up with this for my work PC, but when it was time to replace my home desktop I decided to take a look at the Mac.I'm glad I did.I went with the 2.66ghz iMac with 24" monitor and 640gig HD.First Impressions: Coming from a Dell, the iMac was pretty damn impressive right out of the box.The single box was smaller than I expected, and Amazon packed it pretty good (important because Amazon has dropped the ball on this before on other items).The 24" screen is HUGE and looks great.Setup is a breeze - it took much longer to disconnect my PC than to set this up.Just plug it in, connect to router, connect keyboard and you are ready.No, I don't miss the gigantic bundle of wires that used to be next to my desk.I was connected and playing around with this within 5 minutes of opening the box.

Pros: Beautiful screen, fast, easy to get set up and start using.The display is impressive compared to a windows PC.No dealing with virus software nagging for updates.The Time Machine feature makes it extremely easy to back up.Great overall design w/ few wires and nice touches like 2 USB inputs on the keyboard, camera built into monitor etc.

Cons: No Bluray player option (why not?).No numeric pad on keyboard (but I can't knock them for this since it is an option if you order from Apple's website).Built in speakers in monitor are pretty weak for music (I'll upgrade).I do think the "it's so intuitive to use" hype of Macs is a bit overhyped today - I think the user interface on a windows machine is just as intuitive, albeit much less visually impressive.

Where to buy: I purchased this from Amazon and I'm glad I did, as I saved about $150 vs. the Apple store.The downside to ordering on Amazon is the apple store gives you a few choices (like a numeric pad on the keyboard and wireless mouse) that Amazon does not.I initially started to purchase this from the Apple website because I wanted the numeric keypad, but as I was checking out I noticed they slapped me with sales tax of about $100 - you normally don't pay sales tax when you buy on the internet and the vendor is out of state.When I saw that I immediately cancelled my order and purchased from Amazon (plus Amazon was a bit cheaper to begin with in addition to no sales tax).Amazon also shipped it to me faster (though I have Amazon Prime), and did a good job packaging it.If you go w/ the apple store online, pay attention to sales tax your results may vary depending on your state.

Bottom line: I'm glad I got this.It's a great alternative for a home computer which I mostly use for internet and media purposes (I won't be installing excel on this machine!).It is a bit pricey compared to a PC, but it's worth it if you appreciate the impressive design, nice asthetics, great monitor, and less headache vs. a PC.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple iMac MB418LL/A 24 Inch Desktop

Product Description:
Speedier than ever with the latest Intel dual-core processor, the Apple iMac all-in-one desktop PC packs a complete, high-performance computer into its all-in-one design, sporting a sleek, professional aluminum enclosure that's joined precisely to a 24-inch glass cover to create a virtually seamless front surface. It's powered by a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which includes an amazingly fast 1066 MHz front-side bus speed and super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. This dual-core processor also provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multitasking, video, and gaming performance. And this iMac also gets a boost in video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics chip with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory.


Designed with a recyclable anodized aluminum frame and glass cover, the iMac is friendlier to the environment. The iMac also features an ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard--with dedicated keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, and Exposé--as well as the wired Mighty Mouse. It comes pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system--an operating system custom-designed for the advanced technology inside--and it also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes.
Hardware features include a 640 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (with an 8 GB maximum capacity), 8x SuperDrive for burning movies to DVD and music mixes to CD, integrated 802.11n wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet wired networking, and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity.
Power on a Pedestal
With its anodized aluminum frame set upon a sleek pedestal, the new iMac instantly transforms your workspace from cluttered desktop to brilliant display podium. Because the iMac's housing is made from a single sheet of aluminum, you won't see any seams or screws except for a single compartment on the bottom that provides easy access to the memory slots. The glossy widescreen 24-inch glass display makes photos and movies come alive with rich color. And the built-in iSight camera and microphone are integrated so neatly you barely notice they're there. Aside from the design details, the iMac is also friendlier to the environment with highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum.


The compact keyboard's ultrathin anodized aluminum enclosure features low-profile keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel. With its elegant anodized aluminum enclosure, the new Apple Keyboard looks equally at home in your living room or on your desk. Just connect it to the USB port on your iMac and start enjoying the crisp, responsive feel of its low-profile keys. This compact keyboard also includes special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more. Two USB 2.0 ports provide high-speed connectivity for your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera, and other USB-based electronic devices.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience faster, more nimble application performance and improved energy efficiency with this 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Its hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--helps to reduce power consumption while delivering. powerful processing speeds. This 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor is aided by a 1066 front-side bus speed and a super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 640 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 4 GB of DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 2 GB) have an industry leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 8 GB.
Graphics and Video
The 24-inch widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD offers a resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels. It has a brightness rating of 385 cd/m2 (candela per square meter), a contrast ratio of 750:1, and a viewing angle of 160 degrees (both horizontal and vertical). The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory. You'll notice the difference when you work with high-resolution photos and high-definition video, where graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smoother. And 3D game play--from Spore to Call of Duty--is faster and more responsive.
This iMac also enables you to connect a second display in either extended desktop mode or video mirroring mode. The Mini DisplayPort port offers support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via an optional adapter.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity
The iMac gives you plenty of room to grow, accommodating as many as six peripherals at a time thanks to its four USB 2.0 ports and the two USB 2.0 ports on the Apple Keyboard. It also includes a single powered FireWire 800 port (one of the fastest peripheral standards available)--enabling you to quickly transfer content from compatible digital video cameras, hard drives, and other high-speed devices.
Share files around your house with built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet as well as the next-generation high-speed wireless 802.11n technology, which is integrated into the latest Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. The iMac is also Wi-Fi Certified to work with base stations and routers that use industry-standard 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless technologies.


You get a full complement of ports on the back of the iMac, including four USB 2.0 and one Firewire 800. The integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity--version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)--allows you to use a wireless keyboard or mouse, and synchronize peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. Enjoy high-quality sound on almost any speaker system with double-duty analog/digital audio. Record digital and analog sources through audio line in, perfect for your latest podcast in GarageBand.
SuperDrive
Integrated neatly into the iMac is a slot-loading SuperDrive that lets you play and burn your own CDs and DVDs--including double-layer DVDs. And there's no disc tray--just slide the disc right in. It offers the following speeds:

Writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 4x speed
Writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed
Writes DVD-RW at up to 6x speed and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed
Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
Writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed
Writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed

Other Features

Built-in stereo speakers with internal 24-watt digital amplifier
Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 by 1600 pixels) on an external display
Headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)
Audio line in/optical digital audio input (minijack)
Built-in microphone
Dimensions: 22.4 x 20.5 x 8.1 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 25.4 pounds

The Greenest iMac Yet
The energy-efficient hardware components in the iMac work hand in hand with Mac OS X to create a system that can dynamically adjust power consumption to reduce the energy used overall. The iMac uses an advanced power management system leveraged from the technology that makes the most of battery life in Apple's MacBook family. To reduce energy consumption, the iMac hard drive spins down automatically when inactive, and it also decides which processor--CPU or GPU--is best suited to perform a task efficiently. That means when iMac is idle, it's using as little power as possible.
Apple engineers have worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common part of desktop computer manufacturing, such as choosing arsenic-free display glass for iMac. They have also removed brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and more. And the entire iMac computer is integrated into an enclosure made from a single, solid piece of recyclable aluminum, while the display is made of recyclable glass.
The Mac mini meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR certification. In addition, Mac mini meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers before its July 2009 effective date. It has also earned the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how it's designed and manufactured.
Pre-Loaded with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife '09
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Installed software

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
iLife '09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD)

What's in the Box
iMac, Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse, cleaning cloth, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

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Apple LED Cinema Display 24-Inch MB382LL/A Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned this display a few months (just got the wife one this week, too!), and it's a FANTASTIC display. I moved from my original Apple 23" Cinema Display to this 24" LED Cinema Display, and don't regret it for a second. The screen is incredibly vivid, and if you don't have any obvious windows behind you, the glare from the glass is a non-issue. This holds true for Apple's current notebook lineup.

What I'm really tired of is people complaining that it only works with the Mini-displayport-equipped notebooks. While this is TRUE, it's not like Apple is hiding it from anyone. It says so right on the box! Apple is switching all its equipment, as they have said, to mini displayport. End of story. If you don't have a new Apple notebook, you can't use the display! Go get a different display! Nobody is forcing you to buy this one!

Now, getting back to the review, some might complain that the better part of nine-hundred dollars is a lot of money for a 24" display. But there is a reason for the price-tag. Several reasons, in fact. First, it uses an IPS panel, which provides wonderful color, and fantastic viewing angles. Every four-hundred dollar screen of this size at Best Buy will be a TN panel, which while having the fastest refresh rate, provides terrible color accuracy and viewing angles that fall off drastically when viewed from any angle other than DEAD center. IPS panels are considerably more expensive for this reason. Second, this is an LED backlit display, not a traditional CCFL backlit display. This means the screen reaches full brightness almost instantaneously after turning it on, whereas CCFL LCD screens take some minutes to achieve the same goal. And, of course, LED lit screens are wonderfully bright compared to CCFL. There is currently, as of typing, no screen out there this size which is LED lit and IPS for this price.

Next, let's add the fact that it will power your new MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air because it provided a power plug for your laptop! So now you can leave your laptop charger in your bag! Now, let's add that this screen has two fairly decent speakers and a rear-facing subwoofer built in. Sure the quality of the speakers isn't going to be so much that you replace a high-end desktop speaker system with it, but for me, for quiet music and YouTube etc, it's perfect. And it also has three USB ports in the back for plugging in your other devices. Oh, and it has a webcam/microphone built in!

The ONLY reason I don't give the display 5 stars is because Apple has a bit of work to do in their "dust-free environments." I've used four of these displays, and each one has had between one and five dust flecks or debris of some sort under the glass. Many people won't notice, but they're there, and others have reported such things on the Apple Discussion Boards.

In any case, this should not put you off buying what is perhaps not even arguably the most stunning display on the market (provided you have a new Apple notebook of course!). I, for one, could not be happier. It takes my breath away every time I turn it on.

To sum up, for the cost of this display, you get a stunning LED lit, IPS panel, which serves as a docking station of sorts to your Apple notebook by providing USB ports, microphone, webcam, speakers AND power to it. Great stuff. I think it was worth the money.

4.5/5

*EDIT 5/20/10*

There are now third-party adapters to let you use your own older MacBook/other laptops with the Cinema Display. Use at your own risk. They're definitely not a guaranteed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple LED Cinema Display 24 Inch MB382LL/A

Product Description:
Designed for the new MacBook family of laptops, the Apple LED Cinema Display features a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. It also includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks as well as use their favorite peripherals.


Expand the screen of your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air (notebook not included); see larger version. The 24-inch glossy, widescreen display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness and great power efficiency. LEDs are solid-state light sources that light up very quickly, so there's no waiting for your display when you connect your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. With the built-in iSight camera, microphone, and speakers, you can connect your new MacBook--leaving it open or closed--and engage in video chats or listen to music just as you would with a desktop computer.
The LED Cinema Display includes a MagSafe connector that powers and charges your new MacBook. The connector sits on your desk, ready and waiting--no need to unravel the cord to the power adapter that came with your notebook. On the back of the display, you'll find three self-powered USB ports that are enabled the moment you plug the USB connector into your new MacBook. Connect a printer, camera, iPod, iPhone, USB hard drive... and they can stay connected so you can just grab your MacBook and go.
Tilt the LED Cinema Display to get the viewing angle that's best for your work environment. With its smooth-motion hinge, adjustment is effortless. Choose an angle anywhere from -5 to 25 degrees.
Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.
The new LED Cinema Display is the greenest Apple display ever, made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials. The LED Cinema Display meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status. The new display contains no brominated flame retardants, all internal cables and components are PVC-free and its foam packaging has been reduced by 44 percent.

Specifications

Compatibility: MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro systems with Mini DisplayPort
Display: 24-inch (viewable) LED-backlit thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display
Supported resolutions: 1920 by 1200, 1280 by 800, 1024 by 640 pixels
Display colors (maximum): 16.7 million
Viewing angle: 178

Apple LED Cinema Display 24-Inch MB382LL/A Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned this display a few months (just got the wife one this week, too!), and it's a FANTASTIC display. I moved from my original Apple 23" Cinema Display to this 24" LED Cinema Display, and don't regret it for a second. The screen is incredibly vivid, and if you don't have any obvious windows behind you, the glare from the glass is a non-issue. This holds true for Apple's current notebook lineup.

What I'm really tired of is people complaining that it only works with the Mini-displayport-equipped notebooks. While this is TRUE, it's not like Apple is hiding it from anyone. It says so right on the box! Apple is switching all its equipment, as they have said, to mini displayport. End of story. If you don't have a new Apple notebook, you can't use the display! Go get a different display! Nobody is forcing you to buy this one!

Now, getting back to the review, some might complain that the better part of nine-hundred dollars is a lot of money for a 24" display. But there is a reason for the price-tag. Several reasons, in fact. First, it uses an IPS panel, which provides wonderful color, and fantastic viewing angles. Every four-hundred dollar screen of this size at Best Buy will be a TN panel, which while having the fastest refresh rate, provides terrible color accuracy and viewing angles that fall off drastically when viewed from any angle other than DEAD center. IPS panels are considerably more expensive for this reason. Second, this is an LED backlit display, not a traditional CCFL backlit display. This means the screen reaches full brightness almost instantaneously after turning it on, whereas CCFL LCD screens take some minutes to achieve the same goal. And, of course, LED lit screens are wonderfully bright compared to CCFL. There is currently, as of typing, no screen out there this size which is LED lit and IPS for this price.

Next, let's add the fact that it will power your new MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air because it provided a power plug for your laptop! So now you can leave your laptop charger in your bag! Now, let's add that this screen has two fairly decent speakers and a rear-facing subwoofer built in. Sure the quality of the speakers isn't going to be so much that you replace a high-end desktop speaker system with it, but for me, for quiet music and YouTube etc, it's perfect. And it also has three USB ports in the back for plugging in your other devices. Oh, and it has a webcam/microphone built in!

The ONLY reason I don't give the display 5 stars is because Apple has a bit of work to do in their "dust-free environments." I've used four of these displays, and each one has had between one and five dust flecks or debris of some sort under the glass. Many people won't notice, but they're there, and others have reported such things on the Apple Discussion Boards.

In any case, this should not put you off buying what is perhaps not even arguably the most stunning display on the market (provided you have a new Apple notebook of course!). I, for one, could not be happier. It takes my breath away every time I turn it on.

To sum up, for the cost of this display, you get a stunning LED lit, IPS panel, which serves as a docking station of sorts to your Apple notebook by providing USB ports, microphone, webcam, speakers AND power to it. Great stuff. I think it was worth the money.

4.5/5

*EDIT 5/20/10*

There are now third-party adapters to let you use your own older MacBook/other laptops with the Cinema Display. Use at your own risk. They're definitely not a guaranteed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple LED Cinema Display 24 Inch MB382LL/A

Product Description:
Designed for the new MacBook family of laptops, the Apple LED Cinema Display features a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. It also includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks as well as use their favorite peripherals.


Expand the screen of your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air (notebook not included); see larger version. The 24-inch glossy, widescreen display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness and great power efficiency. LEDs are solid-state light sources that light up very quickly, so there's no waiting for your display when you connect your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. With the built-in iSight camera, microphone, and speakers, you can connect your new MacBook--leaving it open or closed--and engage in video chats or listen to music just as you would with a desktop computer.
The LED Cinema Display includes a MagSafe connector that powers and charges your new MacBook. The connector sits on your desk, ready and waiting--no need to unravel the cord to the power adapter that came with your notebook. On the back of the display, you'll find three self-powered USB ports that are enabled the moment you plug the USB connector into your new MacBook. Connect a printer, camera, iPod, iPhone, USB hard drive... and they can stay connected so you can just grab your MacBook and go.
Tilt the LED Cinema Display to get the viewing angle that's best for your work environment. With its smooth-motion hinge, adjustment is effortless. Choose an angle anywhere from -5 to 25 degrees.
Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.
The new LED Cinema Display is the greenest Apple display ever, made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials. The LED Cinema Display meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status. The new display contains no brominated flame retardants, all internal cables and components are PVC-free and its foam packaging has been reduced by 44 percent.

Specifications

Compatibility: MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro systems with Mini DisplayPort
Display: 24-inch (viewable) LED-backlit thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display
Supported resolutions: 1920 by 1200, 1280 by 800, 1024 by 640 pixels
Display colors (maximum): 16.7 million
Viewing angle: 178

Apple Imac 27-Inch Desktop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Unsurpassed in style and power, this new Apple with Intel's Quad-core technology finds the top of the consumer desktop category.The screen is almost overwhelming with its 27 inches of real estate, but truly enables you to have multiple windows open at once without getting lost.The display problems that plagued some of the first models is now gone thanks to a firmware update (I never experienced any problems even before the update). The LED technology is a significant upgrade, and if you want to display HD TV programming, you will be blown away by the quality of the picture.I do wish Apple had included a Blu-ray player as at least an option instead of the 8x Superdrive, but that is a minor complaint.The Quad-core processor enables this machine to reach speeds that were only available before on high-end professional work stations.

Unsure at first about the new wheel-less mouse, I have come to appreciate the ease of finger swiping, as well as the Bluetooth wireless technology for both the mouse and keyboard.I still miss the numeric keypad on the keyboard, but not having to deal with a wire tether more than makes up for it, and another advantage is that you don't have to use a USB slot.

If you want to run Windows, Bootcamp provides that option along with Parallels.Although not officially approved, you can install Windows 7 with some minor adjustments.I will not go into a comparison of Snow Leopard and Windows 7, but in my mind once you get used to Apple's Snow Leopard, you will not want to go back to Windows.If you are considering an IMAC purchase, my recommendation is to go for the best.You will not be disappointed.The speed, beauty, and screen size of this IMAC makes the choice easy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple Imac 27 Inch Desktop

Product Description:
APPLE IMAC ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOP - 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 , 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 TB SATA HD, ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB, 8x double-layer SuperDrive, One FireWire 800 port; 7 watts, Four USB 2.0 ports ,SD card slot, Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking,Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) iSight camera wireless keyboard and mouse, 27-inch (viewable) LED-backlit glossy widescreen TFT active-matrix liquid crystal display with IPS technology 2560 by 1440 pixels , Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, iLife (includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)

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