You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
If I could only have one MacBook (which is usually the case for your average laptop-buyer), this is the one I’d pick without hesitation. Fewer issues than its 15-inch cousin, which pioneered the Retina line, combined with a much lighter design with a smaller desktop footprint for a display that can still give you crazy amounts of screen real estate all add up to a sure-fire winner.
I’ve owned a lot of Macs. To find myself so ready to claim any single one a clear “winner” seems crazy, but the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display is it. The smaller Retina notebook has proven itself through trial by fire and continues to be the Mac I pick for nearly every situation.
For example it’s my constant companion at every travel event I ever go to. The 15-inch is just a hair too heavy and unwieldy, but the 13-inch Retina hits the sweet spot. It slides easily into any bag, takes up an amount of desk space that’s better for your peripherals and for those seated around you, and yet can stil provide you with one of the best screens in the business.
True Retina-quality graphics isn’t the reason to own this notebook. Apple’s “Best for Retina display” radial button in the Displays settings menu is something you can go ahead and forget about right now; instead, select “scaled” and crank that sucker up to the “More Space” maximum. But if that’s not enough, go grab DisplayMode from the Mac App Store and enjoy up to 2560 x 1280 resolution, which is beyond that supported by Apple’s official settings. My eyes suffer after 2048 x 1280, so that’s where I keep it, but even there you get so much screen real estate it feels positively sinful. If you’re used to a Cinema display or two at home, there’s nothing else that compares.
The hardware is up to Apple expectations, and while I’ve experienced case creak on the 15-inch version (a widely reported issue), I’ve never had a problem with the 13 inch’s fit and finish. It feels as sturdy as a laptop can (with the possible exception of Google’s leaden Chromebook Pixel) and it withstands rough treatment with gusto, as a busy blogger can attest.
In terms of Geekbench, the base Core i5 13-inch, which is the version I’m reviewing here, consistently scores between 6,000 and 7,000. That’s not a chart-topping number, but the machine hardly stutters, even under fairly demanding conditions. I thought I’d miss the dedicated graphics card or upgraded RAM from my 15-inch model, but I don’t, at least not for anything short of using Final Cut Pro X.
Another nice win for the 13-inch is battery life. The Pro can stretch itself to around seven and a half hours if I need it to, but even with my incredibly sloppy, multi-app setup with tons of things going on in the background and about a thousand Chrome tabs open, it seems to average around five.
Yes. The one complaint that designers might have with the Retina MacBook Pro is that its screen is still glossy and that the color rendering and contrast are a little exaggerated to make photos pop. But if you need a device for running Photoshop or Illustrator, the Retina scratches that itch, even with the minimum specs at the $1,499 level.
Plus, you can always power up to three external displays via Thunderbolt and HDMI out, but I’d only recommend doing this if you’re very cold and also enjoy the sound of a fan operating at maximum power. Still, in a pinch the Retina Pro becomes a solid companion for a 27-inch Cinema Display, giving designers even more flexibility.
Yes. John pointed out that entrepreneurs love MacBook Airs in his review of the Dell XPS Developer’s Edition, but that’s actually outmoded. If you’re a modern entrepreneur, and keeping a close watch on your company’s design and suitability for the future of HiDPI devices and displays, you’ll want the 13-inch Retina. It’s still light enough to carry with you everywhere, plus you can pile on the open applications thanks to the screen real estate benefits I mentioned above.
The 13-inch Retina is pretty much exactly like the successful entrepreneur: flexible where it needs to be, rigid when it doesn’t; equally comfortable doing their thing in the boardroom or working out of the small local coffee shop; equipped with enough endurance to keep producing through the day.
Yes. Programmers love Macs, and this is a Mac that’s easy to fall in love with. You want to run Xcode next to the iOS Simulator and still have room to keep a team chat window open? You can do that with the 13-inch Retina Pro, so long as you’re okay with squinting. You can build websites and watch them output and tweak on the fly without squishing anything inordinately. If there’s a development flaw on the Pro, it’s not an apparent one.
MG said this laptop was near perfect back when he reviewed it at launch, and it’s pretty hard to disagree. There are support threads filled with growing pains and other issues experienced by the inaugural 15-inch Retina Pro, but Apple seems to have worked out any kinks with this one, and the added portability is a big benefit besides. It’s still a pricey beast, but the use value to cost ratio is through the roof regardless.
Whispers of a full MacBook refresh at Apple’s WWDC 2013 this June look increasingly possible, with stocks of the 13-inch MacBook Air already tightening ahead of what’s believed to be an Intel Haswell-based upgrade. Apple was tipped to be updating its notebook line-up to Intel’s 4th-gen Core processors by analysts back in April, and now stock checks across US retailers would seemingly confirm that the last of the existing models are being mopped up.
The 13-inch Air is the first to go, it seems; according to AppleInsider‘s inventory checks, the 256GB version of the ultraportable – with Intel’s 1.8GHz processor – is showing extended shipping times in the region of 1-2 months at all the popular resellers bar Best Buy. Though the most expensive off-the-shelf model in the Air range, at $1,399, the 256GB version is a popular one give the absence of user-upgradable storage in the Air.
Beyond Haswell processors, there’s controversy over what exactly Apple will do to the MacBook range in terms of updates. One much-discussed possibility is a Retina display, bringing the Air into line with the top-end MacBook Pro notebooks, by introducing a high-resolution screen for smoother graphics.
Industry predictions about Retina technology have been mixed, primarily because of the cost and availability of the panels themselves. Some have argued that using such displays would make the Air range simply too expensive to also serve as Apple’s entry-level notebooks, or indeed that it would be unable to meet likely demand since yields of high-res screens are still tighter than the more typical panels.
That’s something even analysts who predict Retina will be on the table have conceded, with suggestions that – while WWDC will see the new versions announced – actual supplies won’t be available until after the developer event. There could also be a split in the line, with “normal” resolution models kept around to cater for the budget end of the market.
Of course, WWDC is also expected to see new details on the next version of Mac OS, OS X 10.9, shared. That updated platform is believed to further narrow the gap between desktop and mobile functionality, borrowing features and UI elements from iOS on the iPad.
MacBook Air stock shortage adds weight to WWDC range-refresh rumors is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
As I sat here today thinking about what I should write for my latest column here on SlashGear, I was distracted. I didn’t look at the latest news, like I usually do, and I wasn’t particularly interested in anything in particular. My mind was entirely dominated by one thought: the computer I was about to write the column on.
As I write this, I’m working on a Mac Pro that I bought several years ago. At the time, the computer was state-of-the-art and capable of handling all kinds of tasks. For me, it was a perfect solution: it offered me the flexibility to run three monitors, had the power to handle some video editing, and was running OS X – an operating system, I believe, is superior to Windows.
But now years later, I’m lamenting my purchase of the Mac Pro. Although it’s still chugging along, it’s not working as well as it once did. And despite my best attempts to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of this supposedly high-end computer, it’s falling short on several fronts.
While all this has been going on, Apple has been launching new Macs at a torrid pace. Since my Mac Pro purchase, the company has launched two new Mac designs – the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with Retina Display – and continued to update the iMac with outstanding design ideas. But it’s the Mac Pro that, save for a slight upgrade, has been ignored by Apple.
Now, I know that I’m not alone in wondering what is happening in Cupertino. Over the last few years, we’ve all been watching with baited breath as Apple hits the stage to unveil new Macs, hoping that a Mac Pro will be one of them. But each time, we’ve been disappointed. Apple’s customers have even e-mailed CEO Tim Cook to ask what in the world is going on. His response? Be patient.
“We’re watching friends running Windows do far more than we can”
Still, it’s hard for us to be patient. We’re watching our friends running Windows doing far more than we can with the Mac Pro. And it’s making us think twice about making the leap to a custom-built Windows desktop that, while not ideal, could actually deliver the enhanced power we need.
I’ve been holding off taking that plunge because I believe Apple has something up its sleeve for the Mac Pro. The trouble is, I just don’t know how much longer I can hang on. Yes, my Mac Pro is still doing its job, but it’s getting harder and harder to complete tasks. And I’m becoming more frustrated by the computer by the day.
So, I need to ask, Apple: where in the world is my new Mac Pro? If you’re not going to launch a new one, just put us out of our misery and tell us. If you are, make it quick; we’re losing faith that you’re actually going to launch a replacement. And the sooner we lose faith, the sooner you lose us to a Windows PC.
I never thought I’d say it, but it’s possible that I might just have to ditch my Mac Pro for a custom-built PC. Don’t make me do it, Apple. Don’t. Make. Me. Do. It.
Dear Apple: Where Is My Mac Pro? is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
When you think of Apple, what’s the first thing you think of? For the company’s fans, it’s undoubtedly Steve Jobs, Macs, the iPhone, and iPad. For the company’s haters, it’s typically issues they have with its control over its products, high prices, and its fans, who think their favorite company is superior to all others.
But what most people can agree on is that Apple truly understands hardware. For years now, the company has been delivering the most innovative hardware designs in the industry. And its success in the marketplace has largely been a result of that.
Still, I’m suspect of claims that Apple still holds the crown as the world’s best hardware designer. Yes, the company’s products are nice-looking and I’ll freely admit that the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro with Retina Display have rightfully earned Jonathan Ive his place in the spotlight. But when we take the entire industry as a whole, is it not possible for us to accept the idea that maybe – just maybe – Apple’s design cred has been hurt a bit?
“Is it not possible for us to accept the idea that maybe – just maybe – Apple’s design cred has been hurt a bit?”
Looking at Apple’s products, I’m not all that impressed any more. Although the iPhone 5 came with some design improvements, it’s basically the same device we’ve been seeing for years with a few changes here and there. And since so-called “major” updates only come out every other year, I sit and see nothing that’s so revolutionary that I’d commend the company on design.
Moving to the iPad, I think we can say the same thing. The iPad is certainly nice-looking, but is it really so much better looking than any other device on the market right now? Samsung, Google, and Amazon are all offering tablets that have similar designs, and they’re no less appealing.
But it’s in the notebook space that I think we need to seriously reconsider the idea that Apple is the world’s best hardware designer. Sure, the MacBook Pro with Retina Display is nice-looking, but is it really any better than any Ultrabook on the market right now? And when it comes to innovation, who can really take issue with what Lenovo is doing with half-tablet, half-notebook IdeaPad Yoga? It appears that Apple is the company that now likes to stay the course, and it’s allowing other companies to deliver the truly interesting products.
“Apple fans will instinctively say that it hasn’t.”
So, I pose this question: has Apple officially lost its credibility as the technology industry’s leading hardware designer? Apple fans will instinctively say that it hasn’t. But perhaps it’s best if we take a step back and evaluate what’s really going on in the marketplace. Apple is by no means a design slouch and its products are good-looking. But can we stop pretending like it’s the only company that truly understands what design is all about?
It might have taken competitors longer to catch up to Apple on design, but catch up they have. And it’s high time we accept that and give credit where it’s due.
Is Apple Losing Its Hardware Design Cred? is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Apple’s annual WWDC conference is coming up in June, and it’s expected that the company will reveal a host of new products, whether it’d be software-based or hardware-based. However, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it’s said that Apple will be releasing a refreshed line of MacBooks during WWDC.
These new MacBooks are said to be packing Intel’s latest Haswell processors, and it’s believed that while Apple puts a lot of focus on its Retina-equipped MacBook Pros, the company will continue to produce regular MacBook Pros for the foreseeable future, due to their continued popularity and lower price point.
Kuo thinks that updated regular MacBooks will start shipping soon after WWDC, but new Retina MacBooks will see a slight delay due to production issues. As for the MacBook Air, Kuo believes that the next update to the line will include Retina displays, but it’ll obviously come at a cost, just as with the other Retina MacBooks.
Earlier today, we also heard details about OS X 10.9, which could also make an appearance at WWDC this year, where the new operating system will come with even more iOS-like features. OS X 10.9 is expected to be yet another baby step towards closing the gap between OS X and iOS. Kuo also mentioned earlier today that the Retina iPad mini may not see a 2013 release due to production delays.
[via MacRumors]
Full MacBook refresh at WWDC tips analyst is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
![MacBook Pro, MacBook Air Could Be Refreshed During WWDC 2013 [Analyst]](https://i0.wp.com/cdnrss.ubergizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/macbook-pro-air-refresh.jpg?resize=600%2C256 "MacBook Pro, MacBook Air Could Be Refreshed During WWDC 2013 [Analyst]")
Apple announced its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference will start on June 10 and will mainly focus on iOS 7 and improvements to OS X. Even though Apple CEO Tim Cook said the earliest we should expect new Apple devices is September, that hasn’t stopped one analyst from predicting the company is expected to announce a refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro sometime during the conference.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says he believes new Apple notebooks will be unveiled on June 10 and are expected to sport Intel’s new Haswell processors with production of the new MacBook Pro expected to take place next month. Kuo also believes Apple will continue to manufacture the MacBook Pro as he says “the 13″ MacBook Pro remains the most popular product in the MacBook Line.” (more…)
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Apple OS X 10.9 Touted To Come With Multi-Monitor Fullscreen, iPad Display Unit Hacked To Run As External Monitor At Full Resolution, 
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Etsy stickers adorning your MacBook’s lid, oft making a cute play on the presence of that glowing Apple? That’s so 2012. Uncover, a Dutch company showcasing its talents here at The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam this week, has crafted a new method of customizing one’s MacBook lid. And, perhaps most importantly, it involves the seamless removal of the Apple logo altogether. In essence, these guys use a specialized laser cutting process that can etch out anything your brain can muster — from band logos to company mantras. And, as you’ll see in the gallery below, the Apple logo doesn’t have to be a part of the equation.
The outfit will take in any aluminum-faced MacBook from around the world, and once it lands in Holland, you’ll typically see it headed back to your domicile within four to five days. If you’re selecting one of Uncover’s designs, you can have your machine tweaked for as little as €249 (around $325), while completely custom work starts at €599 ($780). (And yes, you can just buy a totally new Mac from Uncover as well.) We spoke to Jasper Middendorp, the company’s CEO, and he confessed that only MacBooks are being accepted due to Apple’s unique backlighting arrangement. They’re obviously keen to offer similar work for PCs, but to date, every one he has seen blocks or covers the backlight in some way. For those looking to get it on the fun, allow the source link below to be your guide.
Gallery: Uncover MacBook lid modification
Filed under: Laptops
Source: Uncover
Just minutes ago SlashGear announced the on-sale marker for Apple’s developer conference WWDC 2013 – now they’re all sold out. Having literally hit refresh ourselves from the moment the tickets went on sale, it’s appearing from here that Apple sold tickets out from start to finish in under 2 minutes. You’ll find sources across the web suggesting 3 minutes and even 1 minute – stay tuned for official word from Apple as well.
This sale is a record, one way or another. Back in 2012 tickets sold out in right around two hours after they went on sale, that time working with an on-sale time that wasn’t announced in advance. The same situation occurred in 2011 where ticket sales took around 12 hours.
Here in 2013, the release of tickets was pre-announced and pinpointed for Apple developers, this allowing the masses to be on-point with clicks and credit cards. This event should prove to be an important one in Apple’s history as it will reveal not only a new iteration of their desktop operating system, but their mobile operating system as well, both of them with new leadership behind the scenes.
Have a peek at our still short history with WWDC 2013 in the timeline below and prepare for the big set of events starting on June 10th and lasting until the 14th of June, 2013. We’ll be live in-effect from start to finish, especially in regards to the major keynotes which have in the past proven themselves to be significant moments in the Apple road of events.
Apple’s WWDC conference sells out in 2 minutes is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
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