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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With a product as good as this, I’m ready to put away the other tools for a while. If your using a pen and tablet already, this one is worth saving up for. 2g rand is worth spending for. The ease of use and features are very impressive. I really recommend it. The sensitivity of the pen is amazing and seamless. It’s as if you’re really drawing on actual paper.

Over-all, this should be a real time saver when you’re working with graphics. But what I love most is the fully customizable buttons which you can assign all the common key combination you can think of.

Thank you Wacom Philippines for letting me have this toy. They’re supposed to send me another one in the coming weeks and I am not sure what this is yet, but I’m hoping I’d get to try their Intuos4, as well. Try to imagine me, a mouse lover, doing a review for a pen and tablet and loving every moment of it. It only means it’s so easy to like the Cintiq. I have nothing negative to say about it. What a way to end the year, thanks to my new Santa.