RUMOR: 17� MacBook Pros tomorrow
Posted by Lab Rat
Macenstein reader Jeff has popped up once again to provide us with his prediction for Apple’s 30th Anniversary Event tomorrow.
“Event?� you say. “ What event?�.
Exactly.
BUT, claiming to have “some degree of insider� knowledge�, Jeff claims we will see a 17’ PowerBook (er… MacBook Pro) tomorrow.
Sure he could be pulling our leg, but at the same time it is not HIS fault Apple was founded on April 1st.
For our part, we think that would be great and all, but for some reason we feel Apple has got nothing up its sleeve this time around. We feel our earlier info regarding another special sales event is more likely.
First, if they really WERE releasing a new product, Apple traditionally likes to create a media buzz first by pre-announcing their announcements. Second, if Apple were releasing a new “pro� Mac tomorrow, why would they release the Universal Binary versions of their Pro apps a mere 3 days before? Why not wait and do it all at once?
Still, Jeff was right once before, so we thought we’d post it if for no other reason than we know many of you are looking for a reason to live just one more day.
(And if you REALLY wanna get your hopes up, remember, if the 17-inchers DO arrive tomorrow, then there’s no reason we can’t assume that the 12-inchers will too!).
Just go ahead and TRY to sleep tonight!
[UPDATE:] Apparently Jeff knows nothing.
Deals: Get a free iPhoto book
Posted by Lab Rat
A company called mypublisher has created a new plug-in for iPhoto which allows you to bypass Apple’s iPhoto store when ordering photo books. The company claims they print higher quality books than those purchased via Apple, and deliver them faster and cheaper as well (although looking at the prices on mypublisher’s site, their hardcover book is only 19¢ cheaper than Apple’s, the softcovers were priced the same., and the 3-pack 3.5 inch books are 3¢ MORE expensive). Still mypublsher claims they have sales and discounts which Apple traditionally hasn’t, and if their quality claims are to be believed, then the deal is worth it.
To help publicize their entry into the Mac market, they are offering a special deal. Simply enter coupon code MAC241 during checkout and receive a free iPhoto book. The coupon is only good for orders of 2 or more (i.e. order 3 books, pay only for 2) but still it is a $30 savings.
The plug-in disables ordering through Apple for books, but can be uninstalled “with one simple click�, setting things back the way they were.
There is also a coupon for 50% off an entire order using code MAC2550, which expires April 30th.
Thanks to Macenstein reader Lazy Smurf for the tip.
[Disclaimer: We are not associated with mypublisher in any way]
Apple releases Final Cut Studio “Universal Binary�
Posted by Helper Monkey
Well, Apple said its pro apps would be universal binaries by April, and they were true to their word with 1 week to spare. Final Cut Studio is now available as a universal binary, and existing users can upgrade for as little as $99 (for a “cross-grade�), or $699 for older versions of the studio’s products.
From the Apple Store:
Final Cut Studio 5.1
Final Cut Studio puts everything professional editors need to elevate production values in a single box: Final Cut Pro 5, Soundtrack Pro, Motion 2 and DVD Studio Pro 4. Now available as a Universal application, this version runs natively on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs. 

Special offer: For as little as $99, upgrade to the complete Universal version of Final Cut Studio from Final Cut Pro 4, HD (4.5), or 5; Motion 2; SoundTrack Pro; DVD Studio Pro 4; or Production Suite.
Apple updates iPod software to combat hearing loss
Posted by Lab Rat
Apple will allegedly release iPod Software 1.1.1 for download later this afternoon. This update, which will allow users to set a maximum volume setting on their iPods, comes on the heels of lawsuits claiming the iPod can cause hearing loss if listened to for prolonged periods at excessively high volumes.
This measure seems largely designed to calm parents who are worried the iPod may damage their children’s hearing, as once the maximum volume level is set, it can be protected by a numeric code to prevent tampering.
[UPDATE:] iPod Updater 2006-03-23 is now available in software update for download, and contains iPod Software 1.1.1
Apple brightens up its 30-inch display
Posted by Lab Rat
Macenstein reader Gary B. noted that the spec page for Apple’s 30-inch Cinema display now claims it has a brightness level of 400 cd/m2, up from 270 cd/m2. The old specs are still listed on reseller pages such as Clubmac, so if you are not ordering directly through Apple, you may want to try to confirm the specs before placing a 3rd party order. The specs on Apple’s 20-inch and 23-inch displays seem to be unchanged.
Apple’s Macbook display is also much brighter than that of the PowerBooks it replaced. It would seem Apple’s future is getting brighter all the time (sorry, couldn’t resist).
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