Okay, so Apple just updated the Mac Mini, iMac, and totally redesigned the white MacBook. But what about the MacBook Pros? PC manufacturers are already stuffing Intel Core i7 and i5 CPUs into their flagship notebooks, but the MacBook Pros are still rocking Core 2 Duos. That might change soon according to the OS X 10.6.2 update.

Buried within a configuration file of the software update, there are MacBook Pro models designated with a different naming scheme. The current MacBook Pros use the 5.(x) model number, but these are referenced as MacBook Pro 6.1 and MacBook Pro 6.1b. It only makes sense that Apple would load the latest and greatest Intel mobile CPU into the MBP line, which hasn’t seen an update since June. The only thing is no one knows when these new models will be available. [Applesana.es via appleinsider]

The $50 option isn’t for everyone. Some peeps actually like the glossy screens that turn into mirrors when sunlight hits them. But I guess if you don’t venture out into the real world and mooch off of coffee shops, then the glossy screen might be a better option. At least we can all agree that this $50 solution right from the manufacturer is a lot better than paying $200 for a 3rd-party company to do it for you.

Yet another possible glitch affecting the MacBook Pro, this time having to do with “strange clicking and beeping noises.” It seems that several people with the 7200 RPM hard drive (the Seagate Momentus 7200.4) have reported those “clicking” issues, as well as general performance issues. Can’t have that.

Apple hasn’t addressed the issue, and trips to the Apple Store to fix the problem haven’t quite worked out. Other World Computing—they sell Mac stuff—says the problem could be caused by the Seagate hard drive’s “G Fore” technology, which could be conflicting with the MacBook Pro’s built-in anti-shock protection. As a result, the hard drive may well be spinning up and down frequently, thus reducing performance and quite possibly shortening the life of the drive itself.

Solutions? 1) Deal with it. 2) Get a different hard drive, one without G Force. 3) Spend even more money and get a solid state drive.

Flickr

In case you didn’t know, Apple refreshed its notebook lineup a few weeks back and rebadged the 13-inch unibody Macbook as a Pro model. Apparently the masses like it as that model now occupies the top spot in Amazons best selling laptop computer list and number four overall. It wasn’t that long ago that netbooks ruled that second list and the white 13-inch Macbook was the top selling Apple computer at number 14.

But as Fortune’s Apple 2.0 blog points out, netbooks are returned nearly 30% of the time and most people don’t understand the difference between a netbook and a notebook. Maybe Apple actually knew what it was doing by not jumping on the underpowered, small screen notebook bandwagon. Anyone else glad that this fad is finally winding down?

Do you have a MacBook Pro? No, the new one with the gimped SATA transfer, but the one before it. Good, because Super Talent, which just won the prize for least presumptive company name, has a new line of solid state drives, dubbed the MasterDrive SX series, that may interest you guys. Write speeds are rated at up to 200MB/s sequential, not burst. Yes, that’s pretty fast.

The new drives range in size from 64GB to 256GB. And since we’re talking SSD here, expect to pay a small fortune. The mid-range 128GB model, which is rated at 220MB/s read and 200 MB/s write, comes in at $359. Prices for the other two? ::shoulder shrug::

If you have the cash, they’re on Newegg. (Well, only the 128GB one is; presumably the other ones will pop up soon.)

I don’t know, though. In my experience, Macs generally only fail suddenly and cataclysmically, as in the case of my brother’s MacBook, which shut down in the middle of playing a song, and never woke back up again. You never have a chance to preempt problems because OS X is so good at hiding them.

Can I install Mac OS X on an SD storage device and use it as a startup volume?

Yes. Change the default partition table to GUID using Disk Utility, and format the card to use the Mac OS Extended file format to do so.

I’m hoping they add a startup key — like holding the mouse button on startup to eject a stuck CD — for booting from the SD. It makes a lot more sense that way.

[via Apple Insider]

Our buddies at iFixIt are tearing down a 13-inch MacBook Pro as we speak, adding images throughout the day as they tear out her delicate innards.

You can follow iFixIt on Twitter to see what they’re up to right now. It appears they have opened the box and looked at the battery. While this may not be as exciting as Baby Jessica falling down the well, but it’s fun.

Quick and dirty: Apple just announced an updated 15-inch MacBook Pro at WWDC, with prices starting at $1,699. It’s the same unibody design that’s proven to be so popular, but this time with much improved battery life (it lasts about two hours longer than before, and can withstand about three times as many charges as before). Oh, and there’s a built-in SD Card slot.

The staring specs:

• 2.54GHz Core 2 Duo

• 250GB HDD

• Nvidia 9400m graphics thingy

Apple also updated the MacBook Air. Big news here is the $700 (!) price drop for the high-end model—2.13GHz, 128GB SSD for $1,799—and a $300 drop for the low end—1.86GHz for $1,499.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today updated the aluminum unibody MacBook(R) Pro line to include 13-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch models featuring Apple’s innovative built-in battery for up to 40 percent longer battery life. Each MacBook Pro includes an LED-backlit display with greater color intensity, the innovative glass Multi-Touch(TM) trackpad, an illuminated keyboard, an SD card or ExpressCard slot, a FireWire(R) 800 port and state of the art NVIDIA graphics. Starting at just $1,199, the MacBook Pro line is more affordable than ever, with some models up to $300 less than the previous generation. The industry’s greenest notebook lineup, every Mac(R) notebook achieves EPEAT* Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090608/SF28883)

“Across the line, all of our new MacBook Pro models now include Apple’s innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life, while staying just as thin and light as before,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Starting at just $1,199, the aluminum unibody MacBook Pro is more affordable than ever and sets a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design.”

The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models include Apple’s innovative built-in notebook battery for up to seven hours of wireless productivity on a single charge without adding thickness, weight or cost. Using Adaptive Charging and advanced chemistry first introduced with the 17-inch MacBook Pro earlier this year, the built-in battery delivers up to 1,000 recharges before it reaches 80 percent of its original capacity–nearly three times the lifespan of conventional batteries.** The longer battery lifespan equals fewer depleted batteries and less waste.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is a significant upgrade at a lower price than the original aluminum MacBook it replaces. With the same sleek and durable design popular with consumers, students and professionals, all 13-inch MacBook Pro models now include a seven hour built-in battery, an SD card slot, a FireWire 800 port, an illuminated keyboard and an improved LED-backlit display with 60 percent greater color gamut. Featuring the powerful NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two models: one with a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive priced at $1,199, and another with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive priced at $1,499.

The perfect balance of performance and portability, the 15-inch MacBook Pro now features a seven hour built-in battery, an SD card slot, an improved LED-backlit display with 60 percent greater color gamut and 4GB of RAM across the line at an entry price $300 less than before. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 250GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for a new entry price of $1,699; a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 320GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for $1,999; and a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 500GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for $2,299.

The 17-inch MacBook Pro, which includes an eight hour built-in battery, an ExpressCard slot, a brilliant LED-backlit display, 4GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics, has been updated to include a faster 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a larger 500GB hard drive for $2,499, which is $300 less than before.

All MacBook Pro systems feature Apple’s revolutionary aluminum unibody design and for the first time can be upgraded with up to 8GB of RAM, and up to a 500GB hard drive or up to a 256GB solid state drive. The 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models can also be upgraded to a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. All MacBook Pro systems include a next generation, industry-standard Mini DisplayPort to connect with the 24-inch Apple LED Cinema Display.

Apple today also updated the incredibly thin and light MacBook Air(R), making it more powerful and more affordable. Measuring just 0.16 to 0.76-inches thin and weighing just three pounds, the MacBook Air is available in two models starting with the new entry price of $1,499 for a 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 120GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, and a 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 128GB solid state drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for $1,799.

Every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design. Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. All MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models contain no brominated flame retardants and use internal cables and components that are PVC-free. The built-in battery design results in less waste and depleted batteries can be replaced for $129 or $179, which includes installation and disposal of your old battery in an environmentally responsible manner.

Every MacBook Pro comes with Apple’s innovative iLife(R) ‘09 featuring iPhoto(R) for managing photos, iMovie(R) for making movies and GarageBand(R) for creating and learning to play music. Every Mac also runs Leopard(R), the world’s most advanced operating system, featuring Time Machine(R), an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac; Spaces(R), an intuitive feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them; Mail with easy setup and elegant, personalized stationery; and iChat(R), the most advanced video chat.

Pricing & Availability

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro, 15-inch MacBook Pro, 17-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are now available through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Mac OS(R) X Snow Leopard(TM) will be shipping in September 2009, and any new Mac system purchased without Snow Leopard from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller between June 8, 2009 and the end of the program on December 26, 2009, is eligible for the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Up-To-Date upgrade package available for a product plus shipping and handling fee of $9.95 (US). Users must request their Up-To-Date upgrade within 90 days of purchase or by December 26, 2009, or whichever comes first. For more information please visit www.apple.com/macosx/uptodate.

The 2.26 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive(R) with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme(R) 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight(R) video camera;
two USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
SD card slot;
one audio line in/out port, supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 58WHr lithium polymer battery; and
60 Watt MagSafe(R) Power Adapter.
The 2.53 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
two USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
SD card slot;
one audio line in/out port, supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 58WHr lithium polymer battery; and
60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 250GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm or 500GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare(R) Protection Plan.

The 2.53 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US), includes:

15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
two USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and
60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.66 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 video memory;
320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
two USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and
85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.8 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 (US), includes:

15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory;
500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
two USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and
85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro include a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 320GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 7200 rpm, 500GB 5400 rpm, or 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.8 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200, glossy display;
2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory;
500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
three USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery; and
85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 8GB 1066 MHz DDR 3 memory, 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive, anti-glare display for $50 (US), Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

**A properly maintained MacBook Pro battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity during a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information visit www.apple.com/macbookpro/battery.

As Apple’s WWDC gets ever closer the rumors begin to hot up. Today’s drivel: the MacBook and MacBook Pro may see slight upgrades there. Apple may throw in built-in 3G support, along with the usual speed bumps; it may also make the battery more difficult to remove, in the interest of aesthetics.

And aside from those possible notebook upgrades, expect to see something happen to the company’s pro applications, like Logic and Final Cut Pro.

Nothing yet on that rumored Apple netbook, I’m afraid. Should it actually come out, I cannot wait for dozens of “what does this mean for Apple?” stories.

Obligatory zoomed in and super tilted photo: Flickr

So Apple just released a firmware update for the new 17-inch MacBook Pro that supposedly fixes that nasty screen tearing issue we discussed. As with all firmware updates, you’re asked to pray to your god of choice in order to ensure that the update goes smoothly.

The update is officially called the MacBook Pro Graphics Firmware Update 1.0. If you’re on a 17-inch MacBook Pro all you have to do is select Software Update from the Apple menu in the top left-hand corner.

If you would, let us know how it turns out for you, if it fixes those screen issues. I’ll never have enough money for such a computer, so I don’t know your pain as such.

So, Nvidia’s GeForce 9600M GPU may not be causing the screen glitches that have been creeping up on some of the new 17-inch MacBook Pros after all. I know we like to tar and feather Nvidia, but this may just very well be an Apple issue or that’s what Nvidia want us to think.

“Our understanding is that Apple is investigating this, and if they need our help we will certainly support them. But right now it’s unclear what the issue is, so jumping to conclusions at this point is premature” NVIDIA spokesperson.

According to some Apple Support Forum users the MBP’s CPU and GPU temperatures can hover around 200 and 155 degrees F, respectively, which should trigger the fans to spool up to 3500 RPM from their default 2000 RPM setting but that doesn’t seem to be the case. There is a workaround, if only temporary, where you manually set the fans to 3000 RPM.

Apple via Slashgear

You just know that Steve Jobs is pretty upset with Nvidia right now. Reports are popping up detailing video problems currently being suffered by the new 17-inch MacBook Pro. It seems that, for some people, whenever the 9600M is turned on the screen displays all sorts of nasty tearing and color deformities. That picture up there shows the extent to the damage.

Right now, there’s a few work-arounds. One, switching to the less powerful 9400M seems to eliminate the problem. Too bad the whole point of buying a MacBook Pro is so that you benefit from the power of the discrete 9600M; trying playing WoW using the 9400M! Two, you can restart the computer, which seems to temporarily fix the issue. Of course, a temporary work-around isn’t exactly optimal, nor is is something you should have to do after having shelled out nearly $3,000.

So far, no one knows exactly what’s going on here. Is this a truly widespread problem, or did just a few users win the Unlucky Lottery? (History says this could well be a widespread problem.) If it is a proper problem, who’s to blame, Apple or Nvidia?

And what’s all this I hear about Macs being rock-solid or whatever? It’d be nice to know that buying a premium laptop—I think it’s fair to call the 17-inch MacBook Pro a premium laptop—would preclude you from having to deal with such glitches.

via GIZMODO

Among all the hoopla of the desktop Mac refreshes this morning, we missed the minuscule MacBook Pro update. The higher-end 15-inch model, you know, the $2500 one, got a processor bump from 2.53GHz to 2.66GHz. And a 256GB SSD for a whopping $750. Not good enough for you, huh? How about a $300 bump to a 2.93GHz processor? In case you haven’t caught on, that puts the high-end 15-inch model on par with the 17-inch MBP except the latter can take up to 8GB of RAM.

Anyone buy the 15-inch model recently?

MacBook Pro

The drive is available at MCETech and starts at about $189.

It’s pretty much as advertised, but if you’re planning on swapping out your hard drive or whatnot, this is the best guide you’re going to get.

So how hot does your MacBook Pro get? Like, hot hot or just hot? (I have an old MacBook that’s not too bad about that kind of thing.) There’s a delightful message today on Penny-Arcade about how their MacBook Pro, when left to its own devices, becomes extraordinarily hot. Like, otherworldly hot.

All you have to do is Google “macbook pro overheat” to find thousands of people all wondering, “Why in the hell is this laptop so hot?” Is it because it’s made of aluminum? Why don’t the fans constantly run, without third-party assistance, once it reaches a certain temperature? Is this year’s FC Barcelona the best team that’s ever played? (Yes. Stats don’t lie.)

MacBook Pro and fertility don’t mix well, if you care about that sort of thing.

A third-party Mac repair company will now slap a matte screen on your 15-inch MacBook Pro. You’ll remember that when the MacBook Pro was introduced in October, plenty of people freaked out because Apple didn’t offer a matte option.

The screen isn’t cheap, nor is it simple to add. The company, TechRestore, has to remove the piece of glass from the LCD, then remove the LCD altogether. The replacement LCD—see, it’s not merely a cheap matte overlay on the existing display—is said to be of the “same specs” as Apple’s display.

So, prices. To get the matte screen on your MacBook Pro you’ll need to part with $199, plus shipping. There’s no plans to offer the matte option on the MacBook.

There, now 15-inch MacBook Pro owners have no reason to be jealous of their 17-inch brethren.

via Ars Technica

The Checkpoint Flyer “is the only “airport checkpoint friendly” laptop bag designed in sizes specifically for Apple laptops.” I don’t know how valid that claim is: there’s also the Travelon 17″ TSA approved bag.

The Brain Cell “has gained a reputation for offering some of the best protection anyone can get for their laptop with 8mm thick soft foam padding and a 12mm thick strip of memory foam inside a 4mm hard corrugated plastic shell that protects from the front, back, and bottom.”

Remember, all Tom Bihn bags are made in Seattle, Washington, and come with a lifetime guarantee.

These new bags are made from 100 percent recycled nylon, recyclable plastics and are PVC and nickel-free. They offer two versions, a backpack and a messenger. They come in at $89.99 and $79.99 respectively and are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Whatever that means.

It seems like most cases and bags that are designed for Apple products just scream “there is an MacBook in here!” But Targus has never been one for flashy styling. So toting your MacBook around in this bag might just help you blend in and feel safer on that 3 AM subway ride through the Bronx.

Here is the full release:

Targus® Showcases New Eco-Friendly Mac Bags

Targus Announces Its Newest Member of the EcoSmart™ Product Line for Mac Users 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 5, 2009 – 2009 MacWorld (Booth #512) - Targus^® Inc., maker of the world’s top-selling laptop computer cases and accessories, announced today its Spruce EcoSmart line of MacBook Pro® carrying cases. Specially designed for Mac users, Targus’ newest bags are sleek and stylish as well as eco-friendly and economical.

The new cases are made of 100% recycled nylon and are PVC-free, making the production of these bags less harmful to the environment. Additionally the metal used in the Spruce EcoSmart case is nickel-free and all plastic components are recyclable.

“Targus continues its commitment to developing environmentally conscious laptop bags,” said Al Giazzon, vice president of marketing at Targus. “With the growing popularity of MacBooks around the globe, Targus’ new line of Spruce bags provides a stylish and eco-friendly alternative for carrying and protecting the MacBook Pro.”

A perfect fit for the 15” MacBook Pro, these bags not only make a green statement but are fashionable with a sleek black design and green accent stitching. No matter what your preference, there’s a Spruce EcoSmart for everyone.  The Spruce topload (TBT049US) measures 15.63” x 4.25” x 13.25” and weighs 1.80 lbs. with an estimated street price of $79.99.  The Spruce messenger (TBM015US) measures 16.63″ x 4.50″ x 13.75″ and weighs 2.06 lbs. with an estimated street price of $79.99.  The Spruce backpack (TBB013US) measures 13″ x 8.25″ x 18.75″ and weighs 2 lbs. and has an estimated street price of $89.99. All three bags are designed to offer ample room for all your belongings, including custom designed pockets for your Apple products and accessories.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Targus Spruce EcoSmart carrying cases will be available this spring through Targus Commercial Distribution, Resellers, Retailers, DMRs and at Targus.com. 

About Targus
Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, Targus invented the laptop case and continues to advance the mobile accessories category with innovative and relevant solutions for today’s mobile lifestyle.  Targus products enhance productivity, connectivity, and security, liberating users to work in any and all environments with the utmost convenience and comfort.  Founded in 1983, Targus headquarters are located in Anaheim, Calif., with offices worldwide and distribution agreements in more than 100 countries.  For more information on Targus visit targus.com.