Apple has released a firmware update for the MacBook Air that adds support for the latest replacement batteries.
Apparently, this batteries are sufficiently different to require a new version of the SMC (System Management Controller).
This update requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 and you can download it here.
[Source]
Macworld has released an article with some interesting findings. They have found that the new MacBook Airs are actually slower than the previous generation models. As you may remember, these new models were announced at this year’s WWDC with modest processor speed bumps and a nice $300-$700 price drop.
Here’s what Macworld had to say about it:
What’s weird about the new high-end MacBook Air model is that although it cost dramatically less than its immediate predecessor, it was also slower than that model. The late-2008 1.86GHz MacBook Air was faster than the new top-of-the-line model in 11 of our 18 tests, and as a result, the old system’s final Speedmark score was slightly higher. The low-end 1.86GHz model did a better job versus its predecessor, besting it on most tests and improving on its Speedmark score.
Macworld goes on to suggest that this is from Apple’s aggressive thermal managment.
I’m willing to accept this from Apple simply because ther was such a dramatic drop in price. I would wager that if the price had remained the same, there would be a much bigger public outcry, and rightfully so.
The latest developer build of Snow Leopard is said to finally bring support of four fingered multi-touch gestures to the first-gen MacBook Air and February 2008 MacBook Pros.
The MacBook Air was the first Apple notebook to have a multi-touch trackpad, followed by the refreshed MacBook Pros in February of 2008. These machines are capable of detecting four finger gestures, but didn’t have the software to implement them. You can read the full story here.
I found it odd that Apple didn’t release a software patch to bring an equally capable machine up to par with the newer models. I’m just glad it’s here now.
Apple released a series of firmware updates for all “Late 2008″ portable computers today. Each line of computers require two separate firmware updates.
First up are the EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) updates. These control the interface between the computer’s firmware and operating system. All of the EFI updates improve system wide stability.
The EFI Firmware updates can be found here: MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Installation instructions of the EFI updates can be found here.
Next up are the SMC Firmware Updates. The SMC (System Management Controller) updates address the “sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights.”
The SMC Firmware updates can be found here: MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Installation instructions of the SMC updates can be found here.
The guys over at MacRumors have posted a link to the Flickr page of one of their forum members unboxing the latest MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air was revised, as announced, at their October 14th media event, along with the other notebooks. It now features the new NVIDIA 9400M graphics chip, which has already impressed us all, and the new DisplayPort.
A couple of early XBench benchmarks can be found here and here.
[ Source ]
Apple quietly released a software update for the MacBook Air yesterday. The Update addresses issues with video playback and processor core idling. This update is recommended for all MacBook Air computers. Apple does include a word of warning though, “Third-party software that modifies processor operating characteristics such as frequency and voltage (are) not supported and should be removed before installing this update.” The update can be found here.
An article at PhoneNews is stating the MacBook Air is due for an upgrade any time now. The external case would remain the same with only the internals of the machine being updated such as new processors, batteries, and hard drives. The new processors would be of the Penryn-class Core 2 Duo. With these new processors the speed could reach up to 2.0Ghz and faster. These faster speeds would consume more power, this is to be countered with higher capacity batteries. Lastly it is being said that the current SSD option would remain the same but the HDD would see a capacity bump to 120GB of space, with an optional 160GB drive.
This is supposedly an imminent update, we’ll just have to wait and see… What do you think?
[via PhoneNews]
Yesterday Brooke Crothers over at Crave reported that she considers the MacBook Air a seminal computer…That’s certainly one heck of a powerful statement! She then proceeded to back up her claim and provide 5 reasons why. They are:
- Very thin, very light but comparatively fast.
Sure. For the size, the MBA does pack a lot of punch into that small frame. - Solid state drive (SSD): The SSD is revolutionary.
She calls it ‘one of the most useful hardware improvements to a notebook computer since the active-matrix color liquid crystal display’. - Sturdy. For a sub-one-inch-thin notebook, it feels remarkably solid.
I can’t argue with this one. The machine is solid indeed.
- Battery life.
Brooke argues that she has compared the Air battery life vs. other PC notebooks and the Air beats them all hands down. - Looks.
Ok, you got me there again Brooke. The MBA is a great looking machine for sure.
So what’s your take? Is the MacBook Air simply Revolutionary or just an overpriced gizmo that under performs?
Leave your comments here or discuss with us in the forums!
The ultra-professional PBS talkshow host Charlie Rose loves his tech. Some might say it’s more than love.
The other night regular viewers of the Charlie Rose Show might have been just a tad bit shocked when they first saw Charlie with one heck of a shiner, and bandaid above his left eye to match. Turns out that Rose tripped in a pothole while walking in NYC, dropped the newly purchased MacBook Air he was carrying.. and well… you can see the results. He chose to sacrifice his face to save the computer. What a guy.
The MacBook Air did survive the fall thanks to Charlie’s efforts… a show staffer reported:
“The Macbook Air is fine, he showed us the blood stains on it this morning.”
Well done Charlie, we have a newfound respect for you and your love of tech. Two thumbs up.
View more pics of Charlie in the Forums.
[via TechCrunch]
So, you’ve bought your macbook air! You spent $1,799 or $3,098 US, right?
Ok, now you have to look for a case for your Macbook Air? How much will that cost you? Which case should you get?
Well, be prepared to spend about $400 if you want to go top-of-the-line. To see what I mean head on over to www.vajacases.com where they sell cases for many mac products from the iPhone to MacBook Pros. They still don’t have one for the macbook air, but you can send them your email address and information for the new model they are going to create. (Click Notebook > Apple > MacBook Air)
Nice? Well, how much will that be? I’m still curious, since some of their MacBook Pro cases start at around $400!
Let’s say your macbook air case starts at $450, plus what you have spent for your macbook air, plus the Applecare protection, plus any extra accessory, plus the external hard drive… let’s see… wait… I guess I’ll buy a car instead!
P.S. Mr. Mayor tells me that he has reviewed and used a bunch of Vaja products in the past. He says ‘while they are expensive, the quality of the product more than makes up for it. You get what you pay for, and Vaja is a quality, durable brand.’
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