MacBook

617 'MacBook' stories December 2010 - February 2016

Light. Years ahead.

Check out our top stories on MacBook:

Originally released April 10, 2015 and last refreshed April 19, 2016, the all-new MacBook ($1,299 and up from the Apple Store) is the thinnest and lightest Mac laptop ever made. It’s also the first MacBook to be offered in four color options: classic silver, space gray, gold and rose gold.

Currently offered only with a 12″ screen, it represents the future of Apple laptops. Following a refresh in April 2016, it now includes a 2304×1440 (226ppi) Retina display, 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage, coupled with ultra-low-power Intel Core M processors. The base model includes a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M chip with an Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU; and upgraded models offer to 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 or 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.

With a redesigned chassis that’s only slightly wider than the keyboard, the new MacBook’s 0.14″–0.52″ thickness was achieved in part by dropping all external connectivity ports save for a 3.5mm headphone port and a new reversible USB-C port, which can be used for power, data connectivity, and video output. Most of the MacBook’s connectivity is handled wirelessly with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4 support. It promises 9-10 hours of battery life depending on how the computer is being used.

A redesigned Force Touch trackpad now can sense multiple levels of pressure rather than just one, using four pressure sensors and a haptic feedback pad to replicate the clickiness of a traditional trackpad. Additionally, the keyboard has been completely redesigned to retain the expected clicks, precision, and travel of conventional keys, while cutting their depth and width to fit the chassis. An ultra-thin top lid has only enough depth for a 640×480 FaceTime camera, a compromise for the smaller size.

Just like the first-generation MacBook Air, the new MacBook is aimed at users whose computing needs don’t demand incredible horsepower, yet benefit from a slim, light chassis with a really nice screen. Though you’ll do better in raw dollar terms and power by buying a comparably priced 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, you’ll have nearly twice the weight to carry around (2.03 pounds versus 3.48 pounds) and a larger footprint to manage. The choice of which is best for your needs will be highly personal.

Current Lineup:

MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)

Related Guides:

Video: Microsoft’s latest ads highlight ‘what Macs can’t do’: touchscreen, Cortana voice assistant, more

Benjamin Mayo Feb 29 2016 - 3:45 am PT

55 Comments

Microsoft is currently running a new series of ads featuring ‘The Bug Chicks’, with each ad directly targeting a weakness in Apple’s Mac operating system. Kristie and Jess, curiously labelled as ‘real people paid for real opinions’, walk through several ways that Windows 10 helps them teach kids about bugs and the microscopic world.

The ad series focuses on several different competitive advantages Windows currently holds over OS X, such as touchscreen-equipped laptops for sketching and drawing, Cortana as a personal voice search assistant and face recognition for hands-free account login. Some of the things Microsoft highlights, like the absence of Siri on OS X are expected to be addressed by Apple later in the year, of course. Watch all four videos after the jump:

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Apple begins shipping replacement USB-C cables to Retina MacBook owners

Chance Miller Feb 16 2016 - 3:50 pm PT

0 Comments

Last week, Apple launched a USB-C cable replacement program, saying that some cables shipped with the 12-inch Retina MacBook were faulty. Thea faulty adapters would result in the MacBook not charging or charging unreliably. Now, the first MacBook customers have started receiving their replacement cables, according to a post on Reddit and Twitter. The user did not request the cable from Apple.

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How-To: Stream the 58th Annual Grammy Awards on your Mac, Apple TV, or iOS device for free

Greg Barbosa Feb 15 2016 - 10:13 am PT

13 Comments

The 58th Annual Grammys are broadcasting tonight and thanks to CBS All Access, nearly anyone can watch it for free without a cable subscription or TV set. The show starts at 8PM ET, with a pre-telecast red carpet show at 7PM ET. Viewers can catch the show on CBS’s site, or by using the iOS or Apple TV app. Here’s how to do it for free:

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Apple says some USB-C cables shipped with Retina MacBook were faulty, launches replacement program

Benjamin Mayo Feb 12 2016 - 3:56 pm PT

18 Comments

Apple has launched a replacement program for the USB-C cable that came bundled with 2015 Retina MacBook units, finding that some cables were faulty. Bad cables would result in the MacBook not charging, or charging unreliably when connected to a power adapter.

From Apple’s help site, affected customers can order a free replacement USB-C cable. Retina MacBook owners who provided a mailing address at product registration will be shipped a new cable automatically by the end of February … If you did not provide this information when buying the MacBook, visit Apple’s site to order a replacement cable instead …

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9to5Toys Last Call: 12-inch MacBook $999, iPhone 6s 64GB w/ contract $100, iTunes $50 Gift Card $40, more

Trevor Daugherty Feb 12 2016 - 9:32 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Apple iPad Air 2 Smart Cover in 5 colors $15 shipped (Reg. $35), Smart Case $20 shipped (Reg. $70)

Lifeline 2 and Lifeline Silent Night on iOS are down to $1 each (Reg. $2), more
Mackie CR4 speakers (pair) + AT ATH-M40x headphones $170 ($240+ value)
Immersit wants to turn your family room into an IMAX theatre
Google Play Music 1-month subscription w/ YouTube Red access: $5 (Reg. $10)
Sports/Fitness: 2-Pack Compression Sleeves $19 (Reg. up to $50), more
Home: Dyson refurb Multi-floor Upright Vac $230 (Orig. $500), more

12-inch Retina MacBook $300 off across the board at B&H, prices start at just $999 – tax only in NY

Apple iPhone 6s/Plus (Verizon + Sprint) on-contract pricing gets slashed by $200, 64GB now just $100

$50 iTunes gift card for $40 w/ email delivery from PayPal (20% savings)

Best Buy, Target and Radio Shack are all discounting 4th Gen. Apple TV, 32GB from $117 & 64GB from $162 shipped

Many Apple Watch models now $100 off at Target and Best Buy: 38mm Sport $249 w/ free shipping (Reg. $349), more

App Store Free App of the Week: The Mesh puzzler goes free for the first time (Reg. $2)

Download Lara Croft Go, Apple’s Game of the Year 2015, for just $2 (Reg. $5)

Heroes Reborn: Enigma for iOS goes free for the first time as IGN’s Game of the Month (Reg. $5)

Final Fantasy IX is now available for download on iOS/Android

The Martian official iOS/Apple Watch game goes free (up to $3 value)

Apple offering popular iOS video editing app ‘Videoshop’ for free ($2 value)

Final Fantasy II on iOS available free inside the FF Portal app ($8 value)

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Toshiba Canvio Slim II 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive: $50 shipped (Reg. $60+)
Logitech Harmony Touch 15-Device Universal Remote $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
Games/Apps: Deadpool $25, Fallout 4 hardcover game guide from $20, freebies, more
Daily Deals: Lenovo 21.5″ 1080p HD Monitor $80, VIZIO 2.1-ch. Sound Stand (refurb) $78, more
Incase Valentine’s Day Sale – 35% off: EO Duffel for MacBooks $130 (Reg. $200), more
Philips 60 Watt Equivalent SlimStyle Dimmable A19 LED Light Bulb: $2.97 (add-on, limit 3)

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Pad & Quill’s high-quality leather Lowry Cuff Apple Watch band offers Hermès style for just $104 shipped (Reg. $130)

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Apple iPad mini 3 128GB: Wi-Fi $300 (Orig. $599), Wi-Fi + Cellular $430 (Orig. $729)

Best Buy just cut prices for Apple’s iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 by $100, deals start at $300 w/ free shipping

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi 16GB $299 or 64GB $349 shipped (Reg. $399/$449)

iPhone 6/s/Plus Cases from $3 Prime shipped: Dual-Layer w/ Screen Protector $8, more
Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity & Sleep Band w/ OLED display: $80 shipped (Reg. $130)
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Beats Studio 2.0 Over-Ear headphones (multiple colors) $150 (Orig. $300)
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Sharp 50-inch 1080p 3x HDMI Smart LED HDTV w/ built-in Roku: $380 (Reg. $500)
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Free MP3 downloads from hit artists like Adele, Ed Sheeran, 1D, more
Microsoft’s new Quantum Break Cirrus White Xbox One Bundle, pre-order now
Luminid Touch light-up charging cable: $10 (Orig. $20, CA Tax only)
A .edu email can get you the Sharp 32-inch 1080p HDTV for $150 shipped (Reg. $170)
Add 2TB of portable storage w/ WD USB 3.0 Hard Drive for $73 (Reg. $90)
JBL Headphones: J22 In-Ears $15 (Reg. $40) + 3 more deeply discounted pairs
Multi/Single year magazine subs from $3/yr: Motor Trend, more
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Free TV HD Digital Downloads at Google Play & iTunes
Fitbit’s Aria Wi-Fi Scale tracks body fat percentage (open-box): $80 (Orig. $130)
AmazonBasics 35-Mile HDTV Antenna $20 (Reg. $25)
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Xbox One 1TB Elite Bundle + $75 Microsoft Gift Card & game $499 ($600+ value)
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$100 worth of Xbox gift cards for $81 shipped
Aukey’s Bluetooth 4.1 Sport Earbuds + Armband for $16 Prime shipped ($28 value)
LG Google Nexus 5 32GB Unlocked 4G LTE (Refurb) $140 shipped
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Ubuntu’s first tablet offers a converged desktop PC experience as well

Poll: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?

Chance Miller Feb 1 2016 - 9:11 pm PT

38 Comments

If early indications are anything to go by, 2016 looks to be a relatively big year for Apple. After an ‘s’ year of iPhone upgrades, no new iPad Air model, and the original Apple Watch hardware going on two years of age, there is huge potential for the company to impress users and investors alike. We’ve already seen a handful of leaks and rumors pointing to possible releases for Apple this year, which makes us wonder: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?

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Opinion: What can we expect from the 2016 MacBooks, rumored to be launched by June?

Ben Lovejoy Jan 25 2016 - 8:29 am PT

89 Comments

With KGI suggesting that we could see new MacBook models as early as the first half of the year, I thought it would be a good time to expand on the suggestions we made in our 2016 roundup and speculate in a little more detail on what we might expect from those machines.

There is rather a lot of speculation involved, for a couple of reasons. First, while we tend to see a number of leaks and rumors for the iPhone – not least from our own Mark Gurman – there are notably fewer for Macs. We’ll likely see some nearer the time, but we could as yet still be six months out.

Second, it’s easier to predict what Apple is likely to do with regard to the MacBook range than when it might do it. I’ve argued before that we can at some point expect Apple to drop the MacBook Air label, leaving two ranges known as the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. But whether that will happen this year or next is, I think, harder to guess.

But let’s start with what we know about the technology available to Apple this time around …

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Mac users can now try out new Microsoft Office features early with ‘Office Insider’ program

Benjamin Mayo Jan 22 2016 - 7:31 am PT

1 Comment

Microsoft opened up a beta test program for Windows users last November, letting Microsoft Office fanatics get early access to upcoming new features. Microsoft is now rolling out the program to the Mac, so OS X users can (optionally) join the beta program too. For the first round of the beta program, Microsoft will be adding inking and realtime typing / collaboration to PowerPoint. Expect these features in the ‘coming weeks’. More details available here.

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Feature Request: Apple, please bring Siri to the Mac

Benjamin Mayo Jan 20 2016 - 6:56 am PT

41 Comments

Siri percolated throughout all of Apple’s platforms in 2015. It started with iPhone in 2011, iPad in 2012, debuted on Apple Watch in early 2015 and Apple TV with the new model a few months ago. It’s quickly becoming a premier feature on these platforms, with live-as-you-speak transcription and radically new features like ‘Remind me about this’ contextual tasks when inside apps. Except for one platform of course. Mac OS X has been ignored and left abandoned with regards to true voice searching and Siri. It’s 2016, and I want Apple to bring Siri to the Mac.

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Android running on a Mac: Remix OS 2.0 overview [Video]

Cam Bunton Jan 19 2016 - 2:14 pm PT

2 Comments

Earlier this month, Jide.com released an early alpha version of its new Remix OS. In essence, it’s a multi-window desktop operating system built on Android. It’s an interesting concept, but what makes it truly intriguing is that you can run it off a regular, fast USB 3.0 flash drive on a Windows PC or Mac. I took it for a spin on Mac to see what the initial version is like to use…

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Quick Review: Incase’s 12″ MacBook Neoprene Classic Sleeve + ICON Sleeve perfectly fit the ultra-slim notebook

Zac Hall Jan 18 2016 - 1:21 pm PT

3 Comments

Today we’re taking a quick look at two Incase sleeves made specifically for Apple’s 12″ Retina MacBook. Neoprene Classic Sleeve ($39.95) comes in five colors and zips the 12″ MacBook in a low-profile soft carrying case. ICON Sleeve ($69.95) has a slightly larger profile that makes it thinner and ditches zippers for a tight-fitting opening at one end. We compare both MacBook sleeves in detail below:

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9to5Toys Last Call: 12-inch MacBook 512GB $1,300, Car Bluetooth Receiver $16, Mac App Bundle $20, more

Trevor Daugherty Jan 8 2016 - 9:00 am PT

1 Comment

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Segway and Intel got together to create a futuristic robot butler

Save 50% at Busted Tees – Star Wars, House of Cards, Seinfeld shirts from $10
1-month free Marvel Unlimited comic subscription plus an exclusive digital 6-comic starter pack
Sports/Fitness: up to 60% off resistance trainers & yoga gear, more
Home: Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker $33 (Reg. $40+), more
After-Season Christmas Sale – decorations up to 75% off

Apple 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB: $1,300 shipped (Reg. $1,599)

Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB $1,250 shipped (Reg. $1,499)

Best Buy Apple sale: iPad Air 2 $125 off, iPad Air $100 off, iPad mini 4 $100 off, much more!

Add Bluetooth capabilities + a dual-port USB charger to your car for $16 (Reg. $28)

Your Choice of 10 Top-Rated Mac Apps for $20 (up to $500 value), free video training course on how to prevent hackers

Keep your Macs running smoothly with a CleanMyMac two-pack: $36 (Orig. $60)

Download the iPad at Work for Dummies eBook for free (Reg. up to $17)

iPhone 6/s/Plus Accessories w/ Prime shipping: Dual-layer Cases from $3 (Reg. $8+), Sport Armband $3.50

Anker ToughShell iPhone 6/s/Plus Case w/ built-in tempered glass screen protector: $10 (Reg. $18)

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Games/Apps: Star Wars Battlefront & COD Black Ops 3 $35 ea, Guitar Hero Live Guitar Controller $20, iOS freebies, more

Incase Best of 2015 Sale – save 20%: DSLR Pro Backpack $118 (Reg. $150), more
Headphones w/ Prime shipping: Sony Over-Ears $14.50 (Orig. $30), more
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Grab a free MP3 download of Elvis Presley’s 30 #1 Hits, more

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Aukey Magnetic Cradle-less Car Air Vent Mount $5 Prime shipped (Reg. $8)

Fitbit ZIP Wireless Activity Tracker $30 shipped (Orig. $60)
Over 100 audiobooks priced at $5 each to help motivate you in 2016
Sling Media Slingbox 500 Media Streamer (Refurb) $112 shipped (Orig. $290)
Motorola offering $100 discount when you purchase Moto X Pure and Moto 360
Colorburn adds 1,000 photo filters to your iOS device for free (Reg. $1)
Apple 27-inch Retina 5K iMac (Late 2014) 3.5GHz/8GB/1TB Fusion: $1,699 (Orig. $2,499)
Apple is giving away Pixite’s Union image blending iOS app ($2 value)
Disney’s Castle of Illusion drops to its best price in over a year: $1 (Reg. $10)
DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter w/ 2.7K Camera: $500 shipped (Reg. $699)
Beats by Dre Powerbeats2 Wireless Earphones from $120 shipped (Reg. $200)
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Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband $90 w/ free shipping (Reg. $130)
Hyper USB Type-C 5-in-1 Hub with Pass Through Charging: $40 + shipping (Reg. $50+)
Fashion: L.L. Bean Winter Sale up to 50% off, more
LG Watch Urbane Android Wear Smartwatch $200 shipped (Reg. $259)
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Lightning 3600mAh Aukey Portable Battery Pack + MFi cable: $10 shipped

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Nikon jumps into the action camera fray with its new Keymission 360
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USB Type-C at CES 2016: hubs, displays, adapters & more for the 12-inch MacBook

Jordan Kahn Jan 7 2016 - 10:06 am PT

3 Comments

With the new 12-inch MacBook sporting just a single USB Type-C port, an adapter to get back some USB ports and SD card slots will be necessary for a lot of users. With more and more devices adopting the standard, we’re seeing a lot of USB C accessories announced at CES 2016 this year, many of which are designed specifically with 12-inch MacBook users in mind. So, as we’ve already done for HomeKit and Apple Watch products, below we’re rounding up all of the USB Type-C products for MacBook announced at the show this week.

In addition to hubs, companies are also showing off new portable battery packs, cables, adapters, displays and more, all made possible thanks to USB-C and compatible with the new 12-inch MacBook.

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CES 2016: Kanex shows 4,000mAh Apple Watch + iPhone battery, mega USB-C Retina MacBook battery

Seth Weintraub Jan 6 2016 - 7:13 am PT

0 Comments

We are big fans of Kanex so we snuck over to their CES booth last night for an early look at their 2016 accessories. In short, they have a lot of goodies that they’ll be announcing later today (and we’ll update this post when they do). What stuck out for us were 2 products…
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Incipio adds USB-C MacBook docks, dockable offGRID iPhone batteries to lineup

Jeremy Horwitz Jan 5 2016 - 11:46 am PT

4 Comments

Expanding upon earlier product lineups, Incipio today announced a number of 12″ MacBook-ready USB Type-C accessories and dockable offGRID series batteries for iPhone users. The USB-C accessories offer affordable ways to expand either the ports or charging capabilities of Apple’s Retina MacBook, while the offGRID options include compact, device-agnostic dockable batteries and a new iPhone 6/6s battery case…

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Say hello to the first of the 12-inch MacBook clones: HP’s 12.5-inch fanless Core M EliteBook Folio

Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2016 - 5:10 am PT

16 Comments

Apple’s 12-inch MacBook broke new ground when it opted for a fanless Core M processor in a form-factor that was all about creating the sleekest, most portable laptop around – and it was only a matter of time before Windows machines followed suit.

Like the MacBook, the HP EliteBook Folio strips back the ports to just USB-C and a headphone socket – though HP has opted for two rather than one USB-C ports. It weighs a touch more than the MacBook, but is marginally thinner. Design-wise, well, judge for yourself.

HP has gone further than Apple on the display, however. While the MacBook’s Retina display hits 226ppi, HP has squeezed in a 4K display to the top-of-the-range model, giving it a pixel density of 352ppi.

The EliteBook Folio goes on sale in March, with pricing starting at $999 – but that’s with the entry-level 1080p display rather than the 4K one.

Via and image credit Engadget

Griffin’s BreakSafe is the MagSafe USB-C adapter that Apple’s MacBook needs

Chance Miller Jan 4 2016 - 8:31 am PT

8 Comments

One of the biggest complaints regarding the 12-inch MacBook has been the ports, or lack thereof, that the device offers. The MacBook features just as single USB-C port that you use for everything, including charging. This means that the MagSafe technology that Apple introduced 10 years ago and that we’ve all come to love is nowhere to be found. A new accessory introduced by Griffin today, however, aims to fix that problem.

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Review: Booq’s Slimpack gives DSLR-toting MacBook users another all-in-one bag option

Jeremy Horwitz Dec 28 2015 - 6:18 am PT

9 Comments

Ever since I upgraded from an 11″ MacBook Air to a 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, I’ve been hunting for the perfect hybrid computer and camera bag — a compact backpack that could hold my laptop, DSLR, lenses, and accessories at the same time. Six months ago, I covered several MacBook/camera bags from Incase, including the DSLR Sling Pack I’ve loved for years, and larger “Pro” options for bigger laptops. Each hybrid bag makes different compromises: for my needs, the Sling Pack’s too small, and the Pro bags are too large. But users of 11″ MacBooks might find the Sling Pack “just right.”

Seeing potential in a new alternative, I jumped at the opportunity to test Booq’s upcoming Slimpack ($195), a MacBook-sized evolution of its earlier iPad/DSLR backpack $145 Python Slimpack. Booq makes excellent bags, but apart from offering a multipurpose camera/headphone compartment in Boa Flow, it hasn’t taken a deep dive into the camera-laptop hybrid category. While the new Slimpack’s laptop compartment is just a hint too small for the 13″ MacBook Pro and iPad Pro I’m currently using, it’s right-sized for 12″ or smaller MacBooks, as well as 10″ or smaller tablets, any of which can be paired with a full-sized DSLR, three or four lenses, and accessories. Bundled with a rain shield and Booq’s standard Terralinq loss recovery protection system, it’s a very nice bag, and one I would certainly use if I switch to a 12″ MacBook next year…

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Did Apple leak a new MacBook on 60 Minutes? Probably not

Benjamin Mayo Dec 21 2015 - 8:43 am PT

22 Comments

Apple was careful in highlighting its attention to detail to secrecy in its 60 Minutes segment, but the Apple web forums are currently ablaze with speculation about a potential leak in one of the clips. Behind Bruce Sewell, Apple SVP and General Counsel, is what appears to be a new kind of MacBook. From the image, it looks to be larger than a 12-inch Retina MacBook and with a different screen aspect ratio. This has fueled speculation that this is a pre-release glimpse at an upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro.

It certainly is a compelling theory. The MacBook name is not visible, the edges of the MacBook do not seem as curved as the shipping MacBook or MacBook Pro, and the aspect ratio itself seems different. However, it is hard to believe that Apple would make such a fundamental mistake as to leave secret products in the open for TV cameras to spot them. The idea of Apple intentionally leaking a new laptop also seems farfetched to me, although the whole point of the 60 Minutes spotlight is to hype Apple …

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9to5Toys Last Call: 12-inch Retina MacBook from $950, iPhone 6s on contract $1, Bastion for iOS $1, more

Justin Kahn Dec 18 2015 - 9:00 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Last Call Updates:

Hundreds of iOS/Mac games & apps are on sale for the holidays, these are the best ones you can’t afford to miss

Get Canary’s all-in-one home security system + air quality sensor for $179 (Reg. $200)
Hult blends copper and concrete in a stunning modern take on the Bluetooth speaker
OtterBox Defender Series iPhone 6 Case for $20 Prime shipped (Orig. $50)
Linksys USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: $14 Prime shipped (Orig. $30)
TechMatte Sound Pod Bluetooth Speaker with NFC $10 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
Selfie sticks, Headphones, and Star Wars Bike Helmets for Kids from $10 Prime shipped
Home: Hamilton Beach Breakfast Burrito/Crepe Maker $22 (Orig. $40), more

Apple 12-inch MacBook 1.1GHz/8GB/256GB in all colors: $1,000 or $950 w/ .edu (Reg. $1,300)

Best Buy offering iPhone 6s for $1 on contract w/ Sprint & Verizon

Games/Apps: Bastion for iOS $1 (Reg. $5), 50% off Final Fantasy 1-7, freebies, more

Shop Apple’s holiday gift guide, save up to $350: great 9to5 deals on every device + accessory

Grab the entire Infinity Blade Trilogy on iOS for just $1 each ($20 value)

App Store Free App of the Week: Attack the Light RPG goes free ($3 value)

Frogmind drops the new BADLAND 2 for iOS, original down to $3 (Reg. $5)

Hitman Sniper for iOS drops to its lowest price yet: $1 (Reg. up to $5)

Gift Cards w/ Email Delivery: JCPenney $60 for $50, Toys R Us $100 for $90, more

Apple Watch Sport $100 off at B&H Photo, prices start at $249 with tax only in NY

Best Buy’s latest Apple sale is your best chance to score iPad, Mac, & Watch deals before Christmas: iPad Air 2 $125 off, iPad Air $100 off, iPad mini 4 $100 off, much more!

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Fitness Trackers: Fitbit Charge HR $110 (Reg. $130+), The Microsoft Band 2 $200 (Reg. $250)

Apple iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi 32GB in two colors: $240 w/ two-day shipping (Reg. $319)
littleBits Electronics Kits up to 35% Off: cloudBit Starter kit $64 shipped (Reg. $99), more
Daily Deals: Black & Decker Drill Kit $63, Seinfeld: The Complete Series Gift Set $50, more
Logitech Harmony Smart Control Universal Remote w/ Hub: $70 shipped (Reg. $110+)

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Seagate Backup Plus USB 3.0 5TB Desktop External Hard Drive $115 (Orig. $180)

iPhone 6/s/Plus Accessories: Sport Armbands from $6, cases in a variety of colors/styles from $3 shipped, more

USB Chargers w/ Prime shipping: Imneed 10,000mah Slim power bank $12, Nylon Braided Lightning Cable $8, more

Anker USB Power Deals: Astro E7 26,800mAh Power Bank $40 (Reg. $60), Braided Nylon MFi Lightning Cables from $8, more

RAVPower 5-in-1 SD Card Reader, Battery Pack, Wireless Bridge $30 (Reg. $40)
Aukey Bluetooth Audio: Sport Earbuds from $14 (Reg. $25), more
LifeProof Nüüd iPad Air Waterproof Case in white $20 shipped (Reg. $48), more
Sports/Fitness: SKLZ Mini Basketball Hoop $15 (Reg. $30+), more
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker $99, QC25 Headphones $269
Bluetooth Speakers: Inateck MercuryBox Aluminum $30, Aukey Rugged $15
MacPhun Photo Editing apps for Mac 40% off: Intensify & Tonality $10 ea, more
Toca Nature is now available for free on the App Store (Reg. $3)
Nexus 6P 32GB Android Factory Unlocked Smartphone: $449 (Reg. $499)
Networking: TP-LINK OnHub 802.11ac Router + Google Chromecast $179
Buy a new Chromecast, receive a $20 Google Play credit plus more offers
Google is offering a free $20 Best Buy Gift Card when you use Android Pay
Media: iTunes HD Movie $10 Sale, Blu-rays from $4, more
Pencil by FiftyThree smart iPad stylus from $30 Prime shipped (Orig. $50)
Get half off a replacement Apple MagSafe 2 Power Adapter: $40 (Orig. $79)
The Room for iOS goes free for the first time in two years (Reg. $1), more
Download Josh Groban’s latest album Stages for free ($11 value)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz free Kindle download and audiobook (Reg. $9+)
Mophie iPhone 6/s Juice Pack Air: $75 (Reg. $100)
Buy select movies from Google Play and get a second copy to gift to a friend for free
1-month free Marvel Unlimited comic subscription

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Tiny Arcade puts those 80’s gaming cabinets in the palm of your hand

Justin’s Holiday Gift Guide: speakers, Lightning mics, pocket synths & more to up your home recording set-up

Trevor’s Holiday Gift Guide: The perfect accessories for travel – backpacks, cord management, more

Dan’s Holiday Gift Guide: rare Apple collectibles & swag for the techie who has everything

Skip the holiday blues with these practical stocking stuffers

Top 10 holiday movies you can stream right now on Netflix

The FLUXO Smart Lamp lets iOS and Android users paint their walls with light
YoCam tops GoPro’s tiny action camera in features, but does it matter?
This limited edition Rolls Royce cocktail kit is a must see for car and James Bond fans alike
LEGO Architecture teases upcoming Skyline series featuring the world’s most famous cities
De’Longhi launches new PrimaDonna Elite coffeemaker w/ iOS connectivity
Pine64 aims to knock off Raspberry Pi with its low-price 4K-capable microcomputer
Amazon names the best-selling books of 2015, snag one as a surefire holiday gift

Get Canary’s all-in-one home security system + air quality/temperature sensor for $179 (Reg. $200)

Review: TarDisk Pear increases your MacBook’s storage in one-click with an SD card fusion drive

Jordan Kahn Dec 10 2015 - 12:15 pm PT

34 Comments

Adding extra storage to a MacBook using an SD card is easy, but it works like a thumb drive or external hard drive and not like your permanent, built-in storage. That means you’ll have to manually manage the storage, dragging files to and from the drive. But TarDisk Pear lets you add extra flash storage to your MacBook using an SD card and 1-click setup to merge the storage with your internal drive. After a quick setup, the TarDisk SD card installed in your Mac will act as one fusion drive with your built-in storage. I’ve been testing the product to see if it works like it should…

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Review: Joli’s handmade leather sleeves for iPhone, iPad Pro, & MacBook

Chance Miller Dec 9 2015 - 6:14 pm PT

13 Comments

It’s no secret that I love the designs of Apple products. The anodized aluminum look and feel are perhaps my favorite things about my iPhone, iPad Pro, and MacBook, especially when so many other companies on the market tend to lean towards lower-end materials that just don’t look as sleek. For this reason I’ve never been a huge fan of putting cases on my devices, often sacrificing the long-term condition of them in favor of using the design that Apple intended everyone to use when it designed the products.

With my latest trio of Apple products, however, I’ve decided to take a new approach in protecting them. I’ve been keeping my iPhone 6s Plus, 12-inch MacBook, and iPad Pro in handmade leather sleeves from Joli. Based in Holland, Joli Originals is an independent company that imports leather from Italy and performs the entire production process from start to finish. Sleeves for each device are available in a trio of waxed leather colors with the wool on the inside available in additional colors, as well. How good of a job do they do at protecting your devices? Read on…

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Opinion: The 2015 Apple product that most excites me for the company’s future

Chance Miller Dec 8 2015 - 5:53 pm PT

17 Comments

Apple this year introduced several major new pieces of hardware, the iPad Pro, Apple Watch, fourth-gen Apple TV and 12-inch MacBook. Like most Apple fans, the one that had me the most excited at launch was the Apple Watch. I thought Apple Watch would have a huge impact on my daily life, but 8 months in, the new Apple device that’s actually affected by day-to-day technology usage the most is the 12-inch MacBook.

I was incredibly skeptical of the 12-inch MacBook when Apple initially announced it. As someone who types for a living, I was worried about the new butterfly keyboard being less conducive to productivity than the standard scissor keyboard. I was worried that the single USB-C port would prove to be a huge roadblock in day-to-day use. 8 months later, however, I’m entirely sold on the 12-inch MacBook and think it’s the best new product Apple introduced in 2015 and I can’t wait to see where Apple takes it in the coming years. The 12-inch MacBook has renewed my faith in the fact that Apple can still design gorgeous pieces of hardware that actually improve on and fulfill a need in the market.

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Poll: Help us choose the award winner for Apple Product of the Year 2015!

Ben Lovejoy Dec 7 2015 - 7:48 am PT

23 Comments

Apple has had a busy year for product launches. In addition to the Apple Watch going on sale as a whole new product category, there was the 12-inch MacBook and iPad Pro, each representing quite a radical new take on an existing product category.

But Apple also made some notable improvements to existing lines. The iMac got a 4K and 5K display; the Retina MacBook Pro got Force Touch; and the Apple TV got opened up to a whole new range of software.

We also saw a new iPad mini which was essentially a smaller iPad Air 2, and a refreshed MacBook Air with Broadwell CPU and faster graphics.

Additionally, Apple launched five new peripherals – the Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2, Magic Mouse 2 – and we have a separate poll for those.

So it’s time to ask you to name your Apple Product of the Year and Apple Peripheral of the Year …
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