Nov 16

idf2_arrandaleDigitimes is reporting that when new generation netbooks are launched as early as January of next year, it will be powered by Intel’s latest chip called the Arrandale.

This chip is rumored as the core that will help new generation Macbook Airs run.

The chip is quite powerful, specs below:

The Intel Core i5-430M runs at a clock speed of 2.26GHz, but with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, it can run up to 2.53GHz for a single core. The Intel Core i3-350M also runs at 2.26GHz, but does not support Turbo Boost technology; Intel Core i3-330M runs at 2.13GHz and also does not support Turbo Boost technology.

Core i5 CPUs will feature a graphics clock that runs at a base speed of 500MHz but can also run at speeds up to 766MHz. The Core i3 also runs at 500MHz but can also run at speeds up to 667MHz. Both series support DDR3 memory up to 1066MHz and feature 3MB L3 Cache with a TDP of 35W.

intel_32nm_Westmere_IGP

The processor is particularly best for thinner and lighter netbooks, like the MacBoor Air.

What that means in layman’s terms, is that for these newer, smaller, thinner, next generation netbooks, there will be less power consumption, delivering more battery life.

Apple usually gets first dibs on many of Intel’s products, which means that we could also see the launch of the latest MBA as early as the first quarter of next year.

Bookmark and Share Tagged with:
Nov 12

171-macbook-air-apple-1I did have to double check this bit of detail but apparently, Apple does free service to your MacBook Air’s hinge problem, even if they are not under the warranty anymore. This was one of the more problematic features of the MBA, and the company indeed acknowledge there was some fault with its production. Hence, replacement for this is optional, but free.

You can read about it here.

Here are the symptoms that might qualify you for this:

  • Unable to close lid completely.
  • Broken or cracked plastic near one or both of the hinges.
  • More than one inch (2.54cm) of free play while opening or closing the lid.
  • Lid falls freely into closed position from a 30-degree open position. (From a closed position, open the lid approximately 30 degrees and let go.)

Do take note that only MacBook Air is covered with this free service. But free parts are, as always, is subject for investigation by Apple to determine if this is an actual production problem or due to user’s negligence.

mba-broken-hinge-12

Inquiring from Apple Service centers, I was told that a replacement like this should cost around P40k, at least, since it would have to involve the whole panel with an LCD and not just the hinged parts.

Take really good care of your MBA’s. Just a thought.

Bookmark and Share Tagged with:
Nov 11

IMG-2892Santa Claus came early for me this season again. I was rather caught off guard because I’ve been wondering how I’ll ever get to at least try this product. But, as they say, good things come to those who wait.

I have a bit of apprehension as I thought using a pen and tablet gadget (for working with photos and other graphic needs) takes some getting use to. But Santa’s gift sprung another surprise. I do have a Graphire4, a Wacom product, which had been another gift to me (Thanks, Dixie!). This, however, needed a little good hand-eye coordination, which I sadly lack so it hasn’t been used and abused much.

Now, this beautiful baby, the Cintiq 21UX, also from Wacom, is something else. Wacom Philippines sent this to me and I tried using this for my workshop last weekend. It was the first time for me to use it and I didn’t even had a difficult time. Cintiq has made it so much easier for me. This must be a dream gadget for those working with digital post processing and graphics.

Continue reading »

Bookmark and Share Tagged with:
preload preload preload