New MacBook and MacBook Pro Are Coming Soon

UPDATE (2008.10.09):
Apple breaks silence on the new notebooks. Latest informations from an independent source reveals that there will be significant specs distinctions between MacBook and MacBook Pro. Dual core and Quad Core? One other info hints at the fourth MacBook model.

UPDATE (2008.09.17):
Latest informations indicate that new MacBook would be released ahead of the MacBook Pro. The new MacBook is significantly different in the build and design than the current ones.

Based on the informations we’ve gathered, Apple is ready to release the new Macbook and MacBook Pro; dubbed as “late 2008” models. Previous informations stated that Apple would be releasing new MacBook and MacBook Pro around the release of Mac OS X 10.5.5, as it was released today.

All Apple watchers might want to visit the Apple Store Online on Tuesday morning for the now so familiar “We’ll Be Right Back” post-it note.

The next revision of MacBook Pro is said to be sporting Intel’s Quad-Core mobile processors. The new MacBook Pro is also said to have an accessible hard-drive bay, similar to the current revision of MacBook line.

According to severals Mac-News sites, new MacBook shipments have begun. In concert with the reports we’re getting from our imaginary (*wink* *wink*) source who is allegedly working for Apple, MacBook Pro should be seeing its release date between mid-september to late October. It is possible Apple will roll-out the MacBook and MacBook Pro separately.

The new Macbook and MacBook Pro will be a significant upgrade to Apple portable lines.

Mac OS X 10.5.5 is Released Ahead of New Mac Refresh

“Good news everyone!”

Apple just releases Mac OS X 10.5.5 along with Security Update 2008-006 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 today. The updates provide numbers of fixes to the Operating Systems.

As we have reported before, Apple is planning to ship new Macs around the time Mac OS X 10.5.5 is released. Some Mac sites also reported that new MacBooks are being shipped from the assembly factories today. The informations we received seems to be in concert with their informations, even though there is no specific date mentioned. With the release of Mac OS X 10.5.5, we can expect the first Mac refresh coming really soon.

09/15/2008

Mac OS X 10.5.5 Update316MB
Mac OS X 10.5.5 Combo Update601MB
The 10.5.5 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac.

Mac OS X Server 10.5.5341MB
Mac OS X Server Combo 10.5.5729MB
The 10.5.5 update is recommended for all servers currently running Leopard Server. This update includes general operating system fixes.

Security Update 2008-006 Client (Intel)157MB | (PPC)67.68MB
Security Update 2008-006 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X.

Security Update 2008-006 Server (Universal)118MB | (PPC)118MB
Security Update 2008-006 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X.

WebObjects Update 5.4.3 for Mac OS X 10.5158.47MB
WebObjects 5.4.3 is an update release for the version of WebObjects included in the Mac OS X Leopard tools.

Watch for new product(s) at the Apple Store Online Tuesday morning (Pacific Time).

Darren Carter: Ice House Rough Edit

I’m meeting Darren Carter at the Laugh Factory tonight. I’m currently editing video of his stand-up from Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena. The videos were shot using Panasonic HDC-SD5 and HDC-SD9.

The AVCHD video’s were imported using iMovie ’08 in 540p and edited on Final Cut Pro 6.0.4. I’m using an octo-core 2.8GHz Mac Pro with 4GB of RAM.

Currently it is only the rough edit. I’d be putting up the clips either on my sites or on Darren Carter’s. Stay Tuned.

Darren Carter
Official Website | YouTube Channel | MySpace Page | IMDB
(Flash Player required to view Darren carter’s Official Website, iPhones are not welcome)

Darren Carter video from JillyOnline show.

iPhone Software 2.1: So Far, So Good.

Apple released iPhone Software 2.1 in the early Friday morning (September 12th, 2008). I managed to install iPhone Software 2.1 on an iPhone and an iPhone 3G without any problems whatsoever. I use the iPhone as an iPod in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi turned on. I use the iPhone 3G as a phone, and I set the GPS and 3G network on.

I fully charged the iPhone 3G around noon time, and using it as I’d use it everyday. Phone calls, emails, the internet, picture-taking, maps, GPS, and iPod. It is around 10:00PM as I’m writing this, and it has been 10 hours since I’ve fully-charged the iPhone 3G. I did connect it to my MacBook Pro several times to transfer some music and podcasts. A disclosure that the iPhone was connected to power source during the period, but not long enough to put a lot of charge in the battery. At this point, the iPhone 3G warned that there were 20% of charge left.

Prior to iPhone Software 2.1, I’d be lucky to get 4 hours out of a fully charged iPhone 3G, with the same usage pattern sans the iPod part. With iPhone Software 2.1, it seems that Apple manages to improve the power management.

Another improvement that I noticed is that the iPhone 3G is now a lot more stable. Previously I was unable to use play audio and use Safari or Mail or Maps without having the iPod randomly stoppping. Applications crashes whenever the iPod is playing too. With iPhone Software 2.1, slight pause occured only when the GPS is turned on and Maps is fetching some data.

Other notable improvements are the Address Book performance and synching, 3G connectivity, Apps stability, and keyboard responsiveness.

There are still a lot to explore in iPhone Software 2.1, and what I am experiencing so far is still anecdotal. I need more time to findo out more about this software update.

Apple Releases iPhone Software 2.1

As promised, Apple releases iPhone Software 2.1 today. The update is available through iTunes 8.

iPhone OS 2.1 for iPod touch and iPhone is available through iTunes (installation of iTunes 8 is required).

iPhone Software 2.1 for iPhone – iPhone1,1_2.1_5F136_Restore.ipsw 231MB
iPhone Software 2.1 for iPhone 3G – iPhone1,2_2.1_5F136_Restore.ipsw 237.8MB
iPhone Software 2.1 for iPod touch – iPod1,1_2.1_5F137_Restore.ipsw 239.5MB

Before you upgrade to iPhone Software 2.1, you might want to do the followings:

  • Import all the pictures from the iPhone.
  • Import all the purchased songs, movies, and apps if necessary.
  • Sync your iPhone with your computer using iTunes 8.
  • Let iTunes perform complete back-up of your phone.

If your iPhone is having trouble doing any of the above, it might indicate problems with your current iPhone. Please proceed with caution.

Security Updates included in iPhone Software 2.1 release notes can be found here.

Apple to Release a Torrent of Software Updates

Based on some unconfirmed chatters, Apple is planning to release numbers of software updates in the next few weeks.

  • Mac OS X 10.5.5
    The update to Leopard is getting closer for release. According to sources, Mac OS X 10.5.5 will be released around the time new hardware refresh is announced. How about the Quad-Core Macbook Pro, Apple?
  • iLife ’08
    Maintenance update to the iLife suite is expected to be released in the coming weeks. According to sources, we might see new version of the iLife suite as early as January 2009 or as late as Summer 2009.
  • iWork ’08
    Maintenance update to iWork suite is expected to be released in the coming weeks also. Apple is definitely working on new version of iWork suite. Based on the available informations, the new iWork suite will heavily utilize Mac OS X Core Animation.
  • Apple TV
    Maintenance update to Apple TV will bring compatibilities with iTunes 8 including “Genius” feature.

Remember, that these are unconfirmed informations.

As a reminder, Apple has scheduled iPhone Software 2.1  release date on Friday September 12th, 2008.