<![CDATA[Gizmodo: MacBook Air]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: MacBook Air]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/macbook air http://gizmodo.com/tag/macbook air <![CDATA[ Lightning Review: Timbuk2 MacBook Air 'Steve Sleeve' ]]> The Gadget: It may be seven months late to the party, but Timbuk2's Steve Sleeve is the latest MacBook Air sleeve to fashion itself in the likeness of a manila folder.

The Price: $50

The Verdict: Let me preface this by saying THE THING COSTS FIFTY DOLLARS. Yes, it's constructed in typical Timbuk2 fashion — which is to say, well — and it would sufficiently protect your Air from scratches, but it costs FIFTY DOLLARS. Ridiculous pricing aside, it's made from a durable material recycled from plastic bottles, has welded seams, and is apparently 100% recyclable. Inside, it has a soft material that keeps your Air happy. However, the Steve Sleeve isn't waterproof and provides no impact protection. So, if you really want a manila folder sleeve for your Macbook Air, this is a good choice based on quality alone. Otherwise, you're paying a decent amount for a novelty item which does the same thing a generic $10 sleeve could. [Timbuk2]

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Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EDT Adrian Covert http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5028820&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Elgato Shrinks EyeTV Digital TV Dongle, Now MacBook Air-Friendly ]]> Elgato has shrunk the tech in their Mac-friendly USB TV tuner dongles so that the latest EyeTV DTT Deluxe is much smaller. And as a result, it's now compatible with the MacBook Air's low ground-clearance. It's got a digital tuner inside that can do full HD, so it's just for those of you who can get DVB-T or Freeview, and apparently packs better image-processing for a less noisy picture. It also leaves the mini-DVI slot unblocked on an Air, and comes with a choice of aerials to suit the signal strength in your area. Available now for $125 in Europe. [Register Hardware]

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Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:46:00 EDT Kit Eaton http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5022853&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Dell to Ship All Computers, Rubber Chickens in Apple Manila Cases ]]> Laredo, Texas (Agencies) - Surprising everyone but industry guru Gene Munster, Dell has announced a partnership with Apple Inc. that will see the former licensing the latter's exclusive Manila Case technology to ship all their computer products and accessories, like their Dell Rubber Chickens and Dell Texas-Style BBQ Ribs. "It was bound to happen," said Munster in a telephone interview from his room at the Cupertino Inn, which he uses as a base to stalk Steve Jobs.

"I mean, given Dell's constant focus on cutting costs, it was a matter of time before they focused on packaging to save some dollars here and there" added the Piper Jaffray's analyst, "and let's face it, Apple's solution is the most efficient, light, and cost-effective in the industry. Like everything else they do. I predict they will hit the $500 [price per share] mark before 2009. Even $510."

Reportedly, Dell will have to pay Apple $20 per manila envelope, but they will save "a lot of money" in postage stamps, according to Mr. Munster. Dell representatives were not available for comment, but Mr. Munster told this reporter that Steve Jobs called Michael Dell late last night to say "who's my bitch now, huh? Who's my bitch?" [Thanks Hawkskater0]

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Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Jesus Diaz http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5022093&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ MacBook Air With Solid State Drive Gets $500 Price Cut ]]> Apple just ripped $500 off the price tag of their Solid State Drive-based MacBook Airs, which are now $2598, down from $3098. AppleInsider says the cuts came from two components, the 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo, which got a $100 cut, and the 64GB SSD, which got a $400 cut. The sub-$3000 bill should be slightly more appetizing to fans of light laptops. And fans of money. [Apple Store via Apple Insider]

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Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:51:20 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=397856&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ iPhone Gets a MacBook Air Keyboard Mod ]]> You may disagree, but we think this MacBook Air keyboard mod for the iPhone looks super neat. The package installs directly from Installer.app and gives your on-screen board the black separated look that the standard MacBook and the MacBook Air both feature. It's just cosmetic, and doesn't affect your typing performance in any way—unless of course you type faster when you see black plastic. It also uninstalls without destroying your phone, which is a plus. Grab it now, but you might have to add this repository (http://planet-iphones.com/repository/) first. [Just Another iPhone Blog via Into Mobile]

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Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5021449&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lightning Review: Moshi Zefyr MacBook Notebook Cooler ]]> The Gadget: The Moshi Zefyr, which is a collapsible USB-powered notebook cooler for the MacBook and MacBook Air (MacBook Pro version coming soon). The USB slot is pass-through, which lets you plug in another USB device so as to break even, and the whole thing can collapse into itself for easy transport.

The Price: $75 for the MacBook and MacBook Air versions (both silver and black), $86 for the upcoming MacBook Pro version.

The Verdict: It works great. Moshi's own temperature measurements for the MacBook listed a 6 degree Celsius drop in temperature between using the Zefyr and not using the Zefyr after an hour's worth of video playback. We didn't have a MacBook to test it on, so we tested it on the even hotter MacBook pro, and got similar results. Temperatures on the enclosure bottom were up to about 36 degrees Celsius without the Zefyr, and around 32 degrees with it.

The best part of the Zefyr is that it looks great and only lifts up the back part of your laptop. This tilts your MacBook at a comfortable angle for typing while on a desk, but might not be terribly secure when it's on your lap. Seventy-five bones might be a bit steep for a laptop cooler, but it's probably one of the best ones we've used yet, and it goes well visually with your laptop. [Moshi]

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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5020900&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Orbino Aria MackBook Air Case: Was Rumorware, Now Real, Luxurious ]]> Remember the MacBook Air case that was announced even before we knew for sure that the Air was real? Well, the Aria from Orbino is now a real product (meaning the 50% of you who voted it to be rumorware were wrong!) and it's pretty darn luxurious. Aircraft-grade aluminum, hand-folded calfskin leather... and that's just the start.

It's got a spring-loaded latching mechanism, removable leather shoulder strap, and a padded "alcantara" exterior. It keeps its Air-matching shape by having all your accessories (read: power brick) in a removable external pocket, which is a little clunky but not too bad. It's made entirely by hand, machined from a single block of aluminum, and it's in premium hand-stretched leather (with exotic skins available on special order.)

I, for one, think it's not a bad-looking way to carry your Air around, and was worth the wait to see it make it to reality. But, of course, there's just one tiny sticking point: its price. Starting at $529, it costs nearly 30% of the entry-level Air. Ouch. [Orbino]

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Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:36:00 EDT Kit Eaton http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5019804&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Furryrobo: Sleeping Bags For the Macbook Air and Eee PC ]]> If you thought the AirMail case was a little on the bizarre side, get a load of these sleeping bags designed to custom fit your Macbook Air or any 7" UMPC (Eee PC included). Each bag features a waterproof nylon surface combined with shock-absorbent quilted 5mm PE foam and leather trim. It's the perfect way to keep your scrawny Macbook Air warm on those cold nights in the wild. Available in white and black versions—$49 Singapore dollars ($35 US). UMPC version is around $20 US.

[Furryrobo via Freshmoco via Unplgged]

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Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT Sean Fallon http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5019602&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Girl Talk Meets the Macbook Air Commercial, Lends it Some Street Cred ]]> Girl Talk, the manic mashup artist who combines hundreds and hundreds of samples to create his frenetic, ADD music, just released his new album, Feed the Animals last week (as a pay-what-you-want download, incidentally). It includes a song with "New Soul" by Yael Naim sampled, the song from the Macbook Air ad. Of course, now that song has been mashed up with the original ad. It's pretty sweet. [Andrew Pile]

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Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:55:59 EDT Adam Frucci http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5018781&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Vaja Ivolution is Leather Protection, Not Gimp Suit for MacBook Air ]]> A close-fitting leather suit, complete with cutouts for your precious Air... that's roughly what the Vaja Ivolution Leather Suit case is. Sure it adds to the bulk of the skinny Air, but it snuggles it in protective leather when open or closed and gives you access to power socket and connector drawer. I vaguely worry about air circulation inside it, since even sitting naked on the table my Air is cranking out a blaze of heat... but I guess that's why there's that mesh fabric segment where the vents are. It's a hand-crafted affair so there's over 1,000 color combos to choose, and that means the price starts at $280. [Vaja via LikeCool]

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Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:37:00 EDT Kit Eaton http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5017079&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Intel Tech Chief Reveals Secret Origins of the MacBook Air's Super Small Chip, Disses WiMax ]]> Here's something you didn't know about the MacBook Air's infamously tiny CPU: The shrinkage tech behind it had been collecting dust on Intel's shelf for a couple years since no PC manufacturer was interested in it. When Apple put in the call for a dwarven chip, Intel originally thought what Apple wanted was years away on their roadmap before re-discovering the concept—a year later they had it refreshed and ready to go. Which is the usual breakneck speed Apple moves, Intel's CTO Justin Rattner told Fortune. He also dished that they're collaborating on more breakthrough stuff that's "equally aggressive."

Besides chatting about how Intel and Apple are now BFF and love working together, delivering super cool crazy tech to the masses, he said something fairly odd about WiMax, considering how much money they've been pumping into it. Basically, he said Intel pushed WiMax hard because at the time it was the best and easiest way to deliver broadband everywhere. Now there are alternatives, and their view is that "if WiMax succeeds, we'll have the bandwidth. If others succeed, we'll have the bandwidth." Does that smell like a vote of confidence to you, or ambivalence, sprinkled with hints of regret? [Fortune]

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Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5016473&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Thinnest Notebook Showdown: Voodoo Envy 133 vs. MacBook Air ]]> Voodoo's Envy 133 notebook is skinny slice of hotness—basically the skinniest notebook alive when it launches (only .7 inches thick), bumping the MacBook Air into the fatty column, courtesy of its .76-inch bulge. It sounds good on paper for the Envy 133, but the Air's slick tapering definitely masks its love handle, so even though it isn't technically slimmer, it sure looks it. We're not that shallow though—it's what's inside that counts, and the Envy's got guts in spades (if you've got the $$$). One more shot:

[Journal du Geek via Engadget]

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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:45:00 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5015061&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Voodoo's Envy 133 Is Thinnest Notebook Alive; Based On Intel Metro Concept Laptop ]]> Voodoo's new Envy 133 will be the thinnest laptop on the market at 0.7". It matches Intel's most holy Metro concept laptop, and with good reason: Says Voodoo, the Envy 133 was "developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology and elements from an innovative Intel reference design." This means that, when it goes on sale, the Envy will bump the MacBook Air—at 0.76" thick in the middle—off the throne. Before you jump to the comment box, YES, there HAVE been even thinner notebooks, though none with this little compromise in power.

Available in good or evil—I mean, white or black—the Envy will weigh 3.4 lbs., heavier than the bulimic Metro, but still respectably light. It's also got a healthy 13.3" display, and for a starting cost of $2,100, it had better. For being so thin, it's also got a surprising number of tricks hidden in its carbon-fiber microweave case, like a Linux alter-ego, a "multiple gesture" touchpad and a secret Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge. Update: Full meaty specs below.

That Linux alter-ego I mentioned is called Voodoo IOS (VIOS, get it?). This Splashtop-style bootware launches fast to give you Skype, Firefox and other simple apps when you don't feel like booting up Windows Vista. I am a fan of this, but I'd really like to see customizable configs—maybe I want Picasa and a music player, while you want access to e-mail.

The touchpad lets you do a few touch tricks, such as chiral (that is, circular) scrolling, and the pinch maneuver known from Apple products. There's no word on if this represents true multitouch, but hopefully we'll learn more soon.

The Aura PowerConnect Ethernet port found on the power brick gives you point-to-point Wi-Fi from powerbrick to laptop, so that in a hotel room, you can plug your Ethernet in and get connected. Even if you unplug the laptop from the power brick itself, you'll still have the wireless connection, so it's like carrying a little router wherever you go.

It's also got a proximity sensor for shutting off the touchpad when you're typing to avoid cursor hop. It's got Dolby Sound Room surround-sound processing for speakers or headphones. The keyboard is backlit and there's pre-installed LoJack software.

The Voodoo folks like to point out that even with the MacBook Air-beating thinness spec, the 133 still has two USB ports, one which doubles as an eSATA jack, plus an HDMI port. There's no internal optical drive, but every 133 ships with an external drive in the box.

Voodoo, you say, that's a gaming brand. Yes, but this comes from the new Voodoo Business Unit, which is trying to branch out with non-gaming systems that "combine luxurious quality, personalized styling and unmatched technology innovation." Sounds good to me, although some gamers I know might not agree.

Introducing Voodoo Envy 133

The Voodoo Envy 133 is sure to invoke pangs of jealousy in everyone who doesn't have one. Measuring .70 inches and weighing less than 3.4 pounds, the Voodoo Envy 133 combines sleek styling and personalization with a full suite of critical functionality for mobile users.

Developed by the HP Voodoo Business Unit, the Voodoo Envy 133 delivers critical features such as wireless and Ethernet connectivity, USB and HDMI ports, a 13.3-inch backlit LED display and more. All of the features are wrapped in a visually stunning package that consumers can customize via a full pallet of Voodoo Allure paint finishes, Voodoo Ink designs and Voodoo Iconograph patterns.

Packed with technologies new to the ultra-mobile market, the Voodoo Envy 133 offers consumers new and exciting features. The proprietary instant-on capabilities of the Voodoo IOS provide users with lightning-fast access to Internet browsers and Skype. The Voodoo Aura PowerConnect allows users to plug an Ethernet cable into the connector located on the power brick and experience an untethered, point-to-point Wi-Fi connection, so they can roam free from the wired connection whenever wireless isn't available.

The Voodoo Envy 133 was developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology and elements from an innovative Intel reference design.
Mobility and functionality

• Thin and Light - One of the thinnest, lightest systems in its class starting at 3.373 pounds, .70-inches thin, 9.04-inches deep and 12.65-inches wide (with SSD and battery).

• Durable - A carbon fibre casing with custom microweave design gives this little wonder surprising strength. The 13.3-inch backlit LED screen is covered with a durable fused composite glass.

• Voodoo IOS - Boot up in seconds. Unique to the Voodoo Envy 133, this feature gives road warriors instant access to Skype and Internet browser. (1)

• Voodoo Aura PowerConnect- Unlike other ultra-mobile systems, the Envy 133 recognizes the reality of the wired world. Even when wireless isn't available, the Aura PowerConnect lets users roam free from the wired connection. Users can plug an Ethernet cable into the jack located on the power brick. A point-to-point Wi-Fi connection is automatically established, between the RJ45 and the notebook. (1)

• Multiple Gesture Touchpad - More than a standard touchpad, the Envy 133 features chiral scroll and pinch options.

• Replaceable Battery - The fully-replaceable battery gives the Voodoo Envy 133 approximately 3.45 hours of battery life between charges.

• Integrated Webcam - standard in every Voodoo Envy 133.

• External ODD - An ID-coordinated external optical drive is included with every Voodoo Envy 133. HP engineers took the time to ensure the ODD and other peripheral devices receive the same external styling and attention to detail given to the system chassis.

• Wireless Connectivity - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes integrated wireless 802.11 ABGN + Bluetooth®.

• Ports - For extensive usability, Voodoo Envy 133 systems come with a variety of I/O ports, including headphone/microphone, HDMI, USB 2.0 (1x) and a shared e-SATA/USB (1x).

• Professional Backlit Keyboard - The system features a keyboard reminiscent of old school tactile desktop keyboards with just enough "click" to get even the most die-hard tech enthusiast smiling.

• Proximity Sensor - This system recognizes when fingers are on the keyboard and turns off the touchpad to avoid any accidental movement of the cursor.

• Dolby® Sound Room® - The Envy 133 offers a stunning personal surround sound listening experience with a suite of technologies designed to provide an enveloping entertainment experience from any pair of speakers or any set of headphones—ideal for environments where using surround sound speakers is not practical.
Design and personalization

• Classic Voodoo Style - The clean lines and square edges that will define the entire Voodoo product line are epitomized in the Voodoo Envy 133.

• Coordinated Peripherals - All external peripherals - including the Voodoo Aura PowerConnect external ODD and HDMI-VGA adapter - are ID-coordinated to complement the Envy 133 notebook.

• Backlit Keyboard - The backlit keyboard adds to the Voodoo Envy 133's aura of sophistication.

• LED Display - The impressive 13.3-inch LED WXGA (1,280 x 800) screen is covered in high-quality fused composite glass that runs from edge to edge, eliminating seams and giving the system a streamlined look.

• Ambient Sensors - The Envy 133 includes an ambient sensor that adjusts the display brightness according to its surrounding environment.

• Color - Personalization is part of the Voodoo Envy 133 experience. Customers can choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.

• Custom Finish - Customers can choose the custom carbon fiber casing with custom microweave design in black, or choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.

• Laser Engravings - A selection of Voodoo Ink design options and Voodoo Iconograph patterns will be available to customers who want to give their Voodoo Envy 133 a unique look and feel.
Security

• Lojack Recover Software - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes pre-installed Computrace Lojack anti-theft software. When activated (activation purchase optional), customers can use it to disable and track missing systems.

• Grisoft AVG Professional - Each Voodoo Envy 133 comes pre-installed with Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard).
Pricing and availability

• Starting price is $2,099.(2)

• Starting this summer consumers will be able to use the online configurator to purchase the Envy 133 exclusively at voodoopc.com and at +1 888 708 6636.

(1) Internet access required and sold separately.

(2) Estimated U.S. street price. Actual price may vary.

CASING
• Carbon fiber with custom micro-weave design
DIMENSIONS
• Width (cm): 32.2 = 12.65 inches
• Depth (cm): 23= 9.04 inches
• Height front & rear (cm): 1.79 = .70 inches
• Weight starting at: 1.53Kg = 3.373 lbs. (with SSD & battery)
PROCESSOR
• Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo
processor SP7700 (1.8 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo
processor SP7500 (1.6 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
DISPLAY
• 13.3" WXGA High-Definition Widescreen LED Backlit Display (1280x800)
• Ambient light sensor
USER INTERFACE
• Large touchpad with multiple finger tracking, supporting chiral scrolling,
pinch and momentum gestures
• LED backlit Keyboard
• Proximity sensor for touchpad disable
GRAPHICS
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared)
HDD
• 64GB Solid State drive or 80G HDD 4200RPM
EXTERNAL ODD
• ID coordinated
• External slot-load eSATA Super Multi drive
• Dual format DVDRW, including both +R and -R in double layer: 24X CD
Read/ 24X CD-R Write/ 24X CD-RW Write/ 8X DVD Read/ 8X DVD+R/R/RW
Write in single layer, 6x dual layer. 5X DVD-RAM Read and Write.
NETWORKING & WIRELESS
• Integrated Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
• Bluetooth™
• Voodoo Aura PowerConnect - 56W AC Power, plus integrated
802.11b/g wireless personal access point + RJ45
INTEGRATED WEBCAM
EXPANSION
• 34mm ExpressCard
I/O PORTS
• Video: HDMI video port (max resolution 1920x1080)
• Audio: Headphone out shared with Microphone in
Digital array microphone with beam-forming and noise
cancellation capability
2 speakers
• Additional I/O: DC
1 x USB 2.0
1 x e-SATA / USB 2.0 combo
POWER
• 3-Cell, 33 Whr Lithium ion polymer, user replaceable
• Up to 3 hr 45 min battery life, depending on usage
• 56W AC Power (Voodoo Aura PowerConnect)
SECURITY
• (2) Kensington® lock slots
ACCESSORIES
• Included HDMI-VGA adapter (ID coordinated)
OS AND SOFTWARE
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium 32-bit
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Business 32-bit
• Voodoo IOS - Instant On Solution
• Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe
• Cyberlink YouCam
PRODUCTIVITY
• Microsoft® Office Pro 2007
• Microsoft® Office Small Business Edition 2007
• Microsoft® Office Basic 2007
SECURITY
• Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard)
• Computrace LoJack for Laptops, 1 and 3 year (activation required)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCS
• Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Installation DVD
• Driver and Applications Supplemental DVD

[Voodoo] ]]>
Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:00:02 EDT Wilson Rothman http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=395419&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Apple Says White Is Cool Again... But Is It? ]]>

In an otherwise surprise-free keynote today, one without booms or "one more thing"s, one bit of news stood out: White made a quiet return to the iPod family in the premium 16GB iPhone 3G. Sure, it never fully left Apple—remaining the default color for earbuds, plugs, power bricks, AirPort products and the cheapest MacBooks—but we were finally getting used to a world without white iPods. Does this mean after nine short months put out to the pastures, white is already retro-cool again?

This time around, white won't be for everybody. Once the staple color of the iPod revolution, white will be a statement for those bold enough to sport a phone that bright. It's incredible; when Jobs dropped a little black on the masses, we thought that was radical, but eventually accepted it as the norm. When most Apple products went brushed-aluminum, we were again stunned, but now we think nothing of it. Today white, the color that we accepted from the beginning, is back, this time on an iPhone, and it looks like the most far-out Apple product yet.

Will the return of white in the iPhone set a pattern for the iPod touch, classic, and others? Will white be the new, well, white, taking back the reins as the most popular color? Will the color make its way back to Apple's high-style MacBook Air? Can Jobs, Jonathan Ive and the Cupertino crew keep us on our toes forever by recycling the same three finishes? Most importantly, are you a person that's bold enough to rock this flamboyant new phone? I, for one, am not. [Apple]

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Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:37:35 EDT Benny Goldman http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5014792&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Agent 18 MacBook Air Shield Protects Your Darling ]]> While stuffing the svelte MacBook Air into a case may seem to defeat the point of buying an Air in the first place, some of you will do it anyway. And this Agent 18 MacBook Air Shield looks like a decent compromise. Constructed of durable, lightweight polycarbonate, the Shield leaves your USB port and ventilation unobstructed for happy computing while reinforcing the edges and bottom for the occasional latte collision. $50 and available now. Here are some more pics:

 MacBook Air Shield  MacBook Air Shield 2  MacBook Air Shield 3
[Agent18]

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Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:20:00 EDT Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5013030&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ HP Employee Slices Birthday Cake, Fanboy Hearts With MacBook Air ]]> After viewing this pic of Rahul Sood, the CTO of HP's gaming division this afternoon, we're left to wonder here at the Weekend Gizmodo news desk whether the MacBook Air was misnamed. Perhaps MacBook Shank is more apt; or the MacBook Shiv; or even something cross-promotional, like the Ginsu Mac. Regardless, we've seen this thing cut bread, and we know its cousin the MacBook can cut skin. No optical drive? Who needs it! This thing can help you lay down a podcast and win a bar fight at the same time. Bonus points to anyone who can name that cake. [Rahul Sood via TechCrunch]

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Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT Jack Loftus http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=394451&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ You Can Officially Kill a Man With a MacBook Air...By Cutting Them ]]> Sure, the edge of the MacBook Air is impressively thin. But did you know that it's razor thin? According to some German users, the edge is refined enough to slice through freshly baked bread or your arm. This dude says (via machine translation) that he simply turned with his elbow pressed against the Air, and suddenly he was spewing red stuff on his carpet. I'm not really sure there's an explanation for the bread thing. But I do smell a photo contest here! Update: People whose German is better than Google's say that the dude was cut with a vanilla MacBook, NOT an Air. Stealth danger! Also, the bread slicing was a bust. But photo contest potential remains. [fscklog via Engadget via BBG}

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Tue, 27 May 2008 12:40:00 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=393345&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Leather Manila Macbook Air Sleeve Resurrects Old Joke In Style ]]> Though nothing quite says "I have the thinnest computer in the world" like a manila envelope, the tan paper sleeve doesn't add much in terms of protection... or ostentatiousness. Perhaps it's time to upgrade to this leather version, which will keep your Macbook Air snug and (supposedly) safe while still giving a knowing wink to a promotional gimmick that got old ages ago. Priced at $38.50 and available imported from Japan from Bird Electron. [UberReview]

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Sat, 24 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT Elaine Chow http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=393114&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Refurbed MacBook Air, $1549 ]]> macbookairre.jpgEven refurbed, the MacBook Air retains most of its not-so-thin price. At $1549 for the non-SSD model, that's less than a 14 percent price cut (13.89 percent, actually). We'll take what we can get, but is there a sweet spot price you'd like to see? [Apple via thegadgetsite]

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Fri, 23 May 2008 12:28:43 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=393015&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Rumor: New Dell Inspirons Take Shot At Macbook Air, Lenovo X300 ]]> While Apple and Lenovo may have started the latest thin laptop trend, Engadget reports that Dell is entering the ring with their Inspiron 1435, 1535 and 1735. The three laptops are said to share a similar design, with a graduated thickness from 1 to about 1.5 inches. With processors up to Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz, each model will support optional 3G and slot-loading Blu-ray. It sounds good so far, but we'll have to see how competitively they are priced if/when the first of the models hits later this month. [Engadget]

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Thu, 08 May 2008 12:50:00 EDT Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=388515&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Hacked MacBook Air With Built-In 3G Wireless ]]> This is what every MacBook Air needs: built-in 3G wireless. In order to get this goodness into the MBA, Jordan Bunnell busted up a Verizon USB727 Air Card and soldered it up with the MBA's unused USB controllers on the motherboard and used a little bit of voodoo to get power flowing to the card. There's a little bit more elbow grease to get the antenna ports situated and the card crammed in there nice and properly, but as you can see, it pays off. Check out the whole nerdy process in detail over at his site, though our heart's a little too faint to attempt the feat. [Get Listed Locally via engadget]

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Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:50:00 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=385338&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lenovo Parodies MacBook Air Ad For X300 ]]> Most parody videos are lame in the sense that they take one joke and stretch it to 60 seconds, but Lenovo's one joke actually works when properly executed. Not to spoil anything, but it's a send-up of the MacBook Air in favor of Lenovo's own X300. According to Fake Steve, it's been sent around to component suppliers and contract manufacturers in China, no doubt eliciting much har hars as they forward it on to their friends. [Fake Steve - Thanks Dave!]

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Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:50:00 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=385262&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Gold MacBook Air Has Bejeweled Rainbow Apple ]]> teaser1112.jpgBehold the 24 karat gold MacBook Air with a bejeweled version of the classic rainbow Apple. Why anyone would want a heavier, fingerprint-magnet version of a MacBook Air except a rich oil tycoon from the United Arab Emirates, I don't know. But even while all the shiny gold and colored sapphires may look tacky at first, I have to admit that it actually looks kind of cool when you see the whole thing. See it, along with all the info about the bling job and price, after the jump.

macbookair1.jpg

macbookair3.jpg

macbookair2.jpg

OK, so maybe it only looks cool if a) you just woke up from a 1977s cocaine-induced coma after a night in Studio 54, b) you can't resist the allure of the rainbow Apple and wear gold underpants, c) you were Snoop Dogg's stylist in Sensual Seduction or d) all of the above. Either way, I wonder how many pounds all that gold adds to the Air, and how many dollars it would subtract from my wallet.

Update: We talked with Alex Wiley from Computer Choppers, who gave us all the answers: "The weight hasn't noticeably changed since its plating. The jewelry may add an ounce or two, if that." According to Alex, the Air is a standard 1.6ghz/2gb/80GB, with a 24-karat gold plating, polished exterior, and flat/crystallite interior. The price: $5000 USD (including the new MBA). "Diamonds and jewelry depend on what the customer asks for," Alex points out, "the rainbow is 14-karat gold with 3.8ctw sapphires and adds another $3000 USD." The coolest thing: "You should see it light up when the screen turns on." [Computer Choppers]


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Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:10:00 EDT Jesus Diaz http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=382448&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Boa Sleeve Is Condom For MacBook Air, Only Stronger (We Checked) ]]> Forget that tired old manila envelope joke, a new case by a company called Boa may just be the snuggest, sleekest wrapper for your MacBook Air. The Fashion Sleeve is plush-lined and offers what Boa calls "minimalist protection." At just .65mm thin, it's allegedly the thinnest Airbook case on the market. After seeing the pic, though, we theorized we could go thinner still by slipping a (large) condom over the thing. Here are the video results of our failed attempt to invent the official Gizmodo condom MBA case:

So, it works. Kind of. Seven failed attempts, largely punctured by the Air's surprisingly sharp edges (plus occasional clumsiness with fingertips during stretching), one successful try achieving a maximum coverage of 30% of the laptop. That's from a standard European condom, mind you. You may still want to experiment at home with some Magnums.

And now we really need a Boa case to wipe all that icky lubricant from the Air's outsides: Its synthetic micro-knitted fibers will wipe the aluminum clean of fingerprints and dust (hopefully lube, too) as you slide it in and out. See guys? We suffer for you, we really do. Anyway, the Boa Fashion Sleeve is available now for $30 each, in a choice of 21 spring-theme colors with more colors available in the summer. [Boa]

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Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:25:00 EDT Kit Eaton http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=379489&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Toshiba Ratchets Portege R500 SSD Up To 128GB ]]> Toshiba's under-2-lb. Portege R500 will get its SSD boosted to 128GB, though at a still undeclared but likely super high price, says UK's Register. The machines get a bit of a chip upgrade, too, from Intel's 1.2GHz U7600 Core 2 Duo to a 1.33GHz U7700. The R500 is, to my knowledge, the lightest PC with an internal DVD burner, at least in the US market, but I can't back it 100% because of a little problem called Vista.

It's great to see Toshiba jacking up the specs on it to make it a total badass in the thin, light and fast category—with, ahem, 3 USB ports, and in addition to that, a FireWire port and a PC card slot. But Toshiba is still only offering Vista Business on these guys, and when I tested an R500 early on, it was Vista that totally stunk up the machine.

Toshiba's US site still shows the model capped at 64GB (for $3,000), but we assume it will be updated soon. When you do, Toshiba, please offer XP as an option. Then again, you never know how many of the issues were resolved by SP1. [Register]

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Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EDT Wilson Rothman http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=379373&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Linux Last Man Standing In PWN 2 OWN Thunderdome ]]> The dust has settled on PWN 2 OWN and Linux FTW! The Ubuntu-equipped Sony VAIO was the only computer to get through the tournament unscathed, managing to elude the assembled hackers. On Thursday the MacBook Air was the first to go, followed the next day by the Vista-running Fujitsu, conquered by Shane Macaulay. No one, but no one, however, was able to bring down the penguin. [ PWN 2 OWN via PC World ]

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Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EDT Elaine Chow http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=373779&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ New Airport Screening Procedure for MacBook Air (No, Really) ]]> You might recall a couple of weeks ago, a dude got hassled by airport security because they couldn't make sense of his MacBook Air. Turns out, it actually does look "very different" than 99 percent of the notebooks they're used to seeing under the scanner, in a way that would "pique some interest" of security personnel, according to the TSA's Blogger Bob.

The culprit? Its solid state drive. Which means any notebook with a SSD could've gotten your ass busted by the Feds. Helpfully, they've since distributed photos of what SSD notebooks look like to security personnel, reducing your chances of a friendly cavity search. [TSA Blog via TUAW]

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Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:00:20 EDT matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=371640&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Martha Stewart Loves Her MacBook Air ]]> It's official: the MacBook Air is going to be a roaring success no matter what we say about it: Martha Stewart loves it, and that's it. End of the story. She loves everything about it and, according to her, it looks great on her desk. So Brian, Walter, David et al, TFSU and read her comments, along the image of the MacBook Air sitting on her desktop:

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• I was amazed by how razor thin and how light it is.
• I really love the trackpad.
• The MacBook Air is truly a technological thing of beauty.
• It has a full-size illuminated keyboard, which is terrific for working in a dimly lit car or on an airplane.

Or in jail when they turn the lights off. [The Martha Blog]

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Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:03 EDT Jesus Diaz http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=370824&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Missing Macbook Air Thrown Out With Stacks of Newspapers? ]]> stack_of_newspapers_150x155.jpegWhen I reviewed the Airbook, I noticed that I'd catch myself almost tossing the thing around like a magazine, which it resembled in size. Now Stephen Levy of Newsweek, one of the big four reviewers, has lost his. And he's theorizing that he might have thrown it out with a stack of old newspapers he piled on top. I can see this happening to not a few Air owners. [Newsweek]

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Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:42:26 EDT Brian Lam http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=366125&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ MacBook Air Selling Like Extremely Expensive Hotcakes? ]]> Apparently, the MacBook Air is selling well enough to be unavailable in many stores and require a 5-7 day wait for online orders. Despite the high price, the super-thin laptop is often selling out the day a shipment arrives at an Apple Store, according to research done by Ars Technica. Of course, without knowing just how many MacBook Airs Apple is manufacturing, this could just as easily be a case of Apple not making all too many in the first place, making demand seem higher than it really is. What do you guys think, have you seen lots of them out in the wild or is this just a case of distorted perceptions? [Ars Technica]

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Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:40:03 EST Adam Frucci http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=363030&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Carbon Fiber Macbook Air, A World of No ]]> While we generally love to see gadgets receive new alloy skins, this mod that added carbon fiber to the back of a Macbook Air is—sensitively put—fugly. The trade-off is that carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum, though at the installed thickness, it's a bit flimsier too.

But maybe we're just grumpy. Does anyone think this actually looks good? [MAKE]

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Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:15:05 EST Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=362779&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lenovo's Official X300 Comparison vs. MacBook Air Shows Why It's Better For Business Dudes ]]> The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.You saw the 5 takes on the Lenovo X300, the X300 benchmarked vs. the MacBook Air, and even Mossberg's review, but what does Lenovo think about the comparisons between the two laptops? Well, obviously, they think their machine is better, but the reasons given for why it's better appeals to Lenovo's core audience—the traveling corporate worker—and not the MacBook Air's core audience, weaklings who like shiny laptops. Hit the jump for a big version of the image and realize that these two aren't really competing for the same credit cards. [Thanks Justin!]

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Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:55:59 EST Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=361922&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ 5 Takes On the Lenovo ThinkPad X300 ]]> The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.After Apple stole the show with their amazing Macbook Air, it was easy to overlook Lenovo's announcement of their own 0.73 inch thick, 3ish pound laptop—that, by the way, features a 13.3-inch display, 64GB SSD, DVD burner, EVDO, WiMax, GPS, 3 USB ports, and a blessed swappable battery.

And at $2,680.00 (2GB configuration), it may seem a bit expensive...but compared to the Macbook Air's $3,098.00 (solid state configuration), it seems like a steal. So what did the reviewers think? Here are five takes on the ultraportable:

PCMag
Like the MacBook Air, the X300's wider dimensions allow not only for a bigger screen but also for a full-size keyboard, and who better to take advantage of this than the makers of the ThinkPad keyboard. It's arguably the best typing experience on a laptop keyboard, better than the Air's oversize phone-pad keys.

CNET
The matte-finish display itself features a 1,440x900 native resolution that's sharper than that of the MacBook Air and other similarly sized screens, resulting in text and icons that are a bit smaller than you'd expect...The trade-off: more screen real estate for multitasking and, when it's time for a break, beautiful video.

CMP Channel
It's cool. Not stylistically, but thermodynamically. Two hours into testing, running a movie, the keyboard's temperature never got above 86 degrees and the fan vents never climbed above 92 degrees. The only way this could run cooler was if it were dead.

Notebook Review
How about this, the X300 actually has good sound and speakers that are well positioned! For an ultra thin notebook, that's astounding...ThinkPad X300 equipped executives will never have to tote their external speakers to watch DVDs by night in their hotel rooms again.

Walt Mossberg
I can recommend the X300 for road warriors without hesitation, provided they can live with its two biggest downsides: a relatively paltry file-storage capacity and a hefty price tag.


- It's too bad that the X300 didn't hit the market with something other than the solid state drive option. Shave several hundred off the price and you'd have a total Air killer on your hands. But if you have the money and like the OS (XP comes stock, by the way), it seems like the Lenovo X300 is a no-brainer.

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Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:25:20 EST Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=361275&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Toshiba Speeds 1.8-Inch Drives Up to 5400rpm ]]> Toshiba_5400rpm_1-8.jpgThe bitch about using 1.8" drives in computers is that they run at a sluggy 4200rpm, as opposed to the 5400rpm commonly clocked in 2.5" laptop drives. Toshiba today announced a 1.8" drive that runs at 5400rpm in capacities of 80GB (MK8016GSG) and 120GB (MK1216GSG).

This is good news for near-future UMPCs and refreshes of subnotebooks like the MacBook Air. Also, though Toshiba stresses the PC application, these more rugged and less power-hungry drives may even be the key to reducing lag in portable media players (ahem, iPod classic) too.

TOSHIBA introduces high-performance 5,400 RPM 1.8-inch HDDs with micro-sata connector

New 1.8-inch Products Feature High Capacity at 120GB and 80GB and

Enhanced Performance for Ultra-Portable PC Solutions

IRVINE, Feb. 25, 2008 - Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), the industry pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today added a line of high-performance 5,400 RPM Serial ATA (SATA) 1.8-inch HDDs to its product offerings for mobile PCs. Available in 120GB1 and 80GB capacities, these new HDDs integrate design elements from Toshiba's flagship 2.5-inch line into its proven 1.8-inch platform to offer enhanced performance for ultra-thin and light PC applications.

These new 1.8-inch HDDs leverage the interface architecture from Toshiba's 2.5-inch SATA HDDs, which carry the industry certification for SATA compliance, providing seamless compatibility across Toshiba's full line of SATA HDDs. The combination of 5,400 RPM spin speeds with SATA features expands Toshiba's market-leading 1.8-inch product lineup into the high-performance segment of the growing ultra-portable computing market.

Toshiba's 120GB MK1216GSG and 80GB MK8016GSG 1.8-inch HDDs are designed to the latest SATA 2.6 specification and incorporate the new industry-standard micro-SATA connector. Features include native command queuing, staggered spin-up and hot-plug capability. These ultra-slim storage solutions deliver both high performance and power efficiency, providing computing capabilities traditionally found in desktop and notebook PCs - all in a lightweight design at 62 grams. Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs feature an 8MB cache to optimize read and write performance and fully utilize the 489 Mbits/sec data transfer rate for a powerful computing experience in thin and light mobile computers.

In addition to spurring miniaturization and mobility for PC devices, 1.8-inch HDDs deliver improved ruggedness at capacity levels popular in larger form factors. Toshiba's introduction of high-capacity 5,400 RPM 1.8-inch HDDs reflect the market's voracious appetite for storage as broadband Internet and powerful media-rich applications bring new capabilities to mobile PCs, enabling consumers to take advantage of digital content on the go. The new 1.8-inch HDDs also provide improved shock tolerance over best-in-class 2.5-inch HDDs by more than 100Gs during operation and several hundred Gs in non-operating mode, making them ideal for highly mobile PC users.

"The portable computing market is looking for an uncompromised computing experience in small and light-weight storage solutions," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. "With enhanced features for the mobile environment, these new 1.8-inch HDDs enable mobile system manufacturers to reap the benefits of high-capacity magnetic storage, along with better power efficiency and ruggedness."

Delivering Industry-leading 1.8-inch HDDs

With over 60 million 1.8-inch HDDs shipped since 2000, Toshiba has consistently held the number one position in the 1.8-inch HDD segment according to IDC2. Toshiba's product leadership in the 1.8-inch market has helped fuel the digital product revolution in both PC and CE devices, with capacity points traditionally seen in mobile 2.5-inch and desktop HDDs, while delivering better power efficiency, improved ruggedness and quieter acoustics during system operation.

Toshiba will showcase its new 1.8-inch HDDs at the Intel Mobility Summit in Shanghai, China, February 26 - 29, 2008. Toshiba's new 1.8-inch HDDs will begin shipping to mobile PC manufacturers and distribution partners in April 2008. Interested developers and design engineers can visit www.toshibastorage.com for more information on Toshiba's line of industry-leading 1.8-inch HDDs.

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Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:12:27 EST Wilson Rothman http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=360901&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Japanese Engineers: MacBook Air Insides Are "Full of Waste" ]]> "Can we say that the MacBook Air has a perfect, sophisticated external appearance, but its insides are full of waste?" And by waste, the Japanese engineers doing Nikkei's teardown really mean screws. Thirty of them. (We thought it was marvelous.) Apparently, Apple is as anal about its manufacturing specs as it is about aesthetics. A common practice for Japanese PC companies is to let the manufacturing plant "improve" the design or implement ones that cut costs. Like, use less screws. But one of the noted that:

"The MacBook Air gives me an impression that its manufacturing plant packaged the computer exactly as ordered by Apple."

The high build cost is "astonishing" to Nikkei's teardown squad. They then go on to claim that they "can't find anything technically superior" about it and that they could "make the same computer at a lower cost."

Yet somewhat ironically, Apple's OCDness about manufacturing is portrayed as if it's compromising good design:

Based on the results of our teardown project, we guess Apple is not paying much attention to both workmanship of the hardware design and comprehensive cost reduction...The MacBook Air's mysterious internal design might be a violent antithesis against Japanese manufacturing, which allows no compromise even in detailed parts of the hardware.
So, um whose expertise do you trust? Engineers laboring under the Eye of Jobs? Or ones on the plant floor looking to make stuff cheaper? [Tech On] ]]>
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:20:00 EST matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359776&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lenovo X300 Benchmarked Versus MacBook Air ]]> The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Although Mossberg's Lenovo X300 vs. MacBook Air fight compared things like weight, portability, inputs and functionality, it didn't compare the thing that power users care about—performance—in absolute numbers. Notebook Review did. In their CPU benchmark, the Air finished the test in 68 seconds while the X300 took an almost double the time at 118 seconds. Things flipped around when they tried another benchmark.

When using the PCMark05 bench, the X300 took the lead once again at 3,467 points, beating the Air, which had 2,478 points. Part of the reason why the Air did worse in the PCMark05 test, which scores based on all the system's components such as the "processor, hard drive, memory and OS." Their Lenovo contained a solid state drive, but their MacBook Air did not, which makes us wonder if the gap would be closer if they re-did the test with a SSD-enabled version. [Notebook Review]

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Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:20:28 EST Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359777&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ MacBook Air Can Be Laser Etched, With Monkeys ]]> Make's writer and laser master Phil Torrone has etched a monkey on his MacBook Air, a process which he says worked as well as with the other MacBooks after leveling it so the surface was perpendicular to the ray. Whatever. I'm like, monkeys. Cool. Ook ook. [Make]

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Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:44:28 EST Jesus Diaz http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359683&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Question of the Day: Lenovo X300 or the MacBook Air? ]]> An interesting battle is brewing between the upcoming Lenovo X300 and the MacBook Air. The esteemed Walt Mossberg has already threw in his two cents, and now you can too—complete with a fancy percentage breakdown. So which is it going to be? Are you in Lenovo's corner or Apple's?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

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Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:40:39 EST Sean Fallon http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359437&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Lenovo X300 vs MacBook Air Mossberg Bitchfight ]]> The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.After rediscovering the Lenovo X300, the Mighty Mossberg has analyzed it, inevitably pitting it against the Apple MacBook Air in a classic fight of blood, dead and more blood and dead. And you know exactly what the outcome is.

Here are the main points of the Lenovo X300, compared to the MacBook Air, according to Señor Don Walt Mossberg:

• Is thicker than MacBook Air. Winner: MacBook Air.
• Is heavier than MacBook Air. Winner: MacBook Air.
• Has less battery life in both tests and normal use (so much for SSD.) Winner: MacBook Air.
• Has way more ports. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has built-in DVD possibility. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has SSD drive built-in. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has WiMax connectivity. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has USB Wireless. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has GPS location-finding. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has higher screen resolution. Winner: Lenovo X300.
• Has a screen that stands up higher, leaving less viewing angle while travelling on plane. Winner: MacBook Air.
• Has slower processor. Winner: MacBook Air.
• Doesn't use Mac OS X Leopard. Winner: MacBook Air.
• Is more expensive at $2,476 with half battery and without DVD. It has SSD, but it doesn't add any advantage. More popular configuration is $3,000 with full battery and DVD drive. MacBook Air base model is $1,799. Winner: MacBook Air.

That's seven wins each. Does this mean there's no winner? It may look like technical tie, but my feeling is that he prefers the MacBook Air. At the end, it's all about the software and Walter Mossberg preference for Leopard (which could be debatable, even while I agree with him) plus the price, physical specs and battery life, makes the MacBook Air come ahead.

Still, it seems that both computers are right and wrong. At the end, it all depends on your personal taste, priorities and pet peeves. Or as Caesar Mossberg politely puts it: if you have the money and "you're happy with Windows," the Lenovo X300 is a "notable engineering accomplishment." [All Things D]

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Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:08:19 EST Jesus Diaz http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=359014&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Traveling Apple Users Cheer "The Continental" With a Glass of Champagna ]]> World travelers will undoubtedly be thrilled with "The Continental Companion" and its ability to help Apple users utilize different power outlets without having to carry around a bulky power brick. The set includes four AC plugs (with a 12" whip) and it requires the portable power adapter that ships with the MacBook Air, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iBook and PowerBook G4. You can also use it with the iPod and iPhone USB adapter as well as the iPod FireWire Power Adapter. The Continental is available for $34.95. [incipio via Crunchgear]

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Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:00:03 EST Sean Fallon http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=356811&view=rss&microfeed=true