Hello again from Other World Computing!

WWDC = World Wide Developer's Conference. Our expectations were focused around announcements concerning Snow Leopard (OS 10.6) and the iPhone v3 SDK. We of course hoped for some new hardware too.... But in that area, WWDC was the stage for more new releases than we've seen at the Macworld Expos over the past several years. Only three months after the March iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro line refreshes + quiet MacBook Pro 15.4" bumps - the entire MacBook line up has gotten a major refresh. It's been several years since there's been as many new models released at a Macworld show. With this on top of the 'real WWDC' scoop I have chosen to bust this month's newsletter into this 'part 1' and a part 2 that will be fired out next week.

Our Part#1 now covers the new MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models/updates. Part 2 will go into the iPhone, Apple OS 10.6, and other observations and comments towards what was and wasn't 'word' at this week at WWDC. For those who may be considering a new Mac, well, that's what set the priority. And for those thinking about buying an iPhone -we'll cover the new 3G S model next week as well... Incidentally, while the latest Macs are all available right now - the new iPhone model doesn't start shipping till June 19th.

The WWDC 2009 Keynote, which you can now watch here, dumps a ton of information out on Apple's latest and greatest now released and available, or soon enough to be so. From this and the WWDC week in general, we're working to break this down and make observations beyond just the 'key selling points' the keynote itself is there to call out. They don't do these events just for the fun of it and it's all about the most positive aspects with every intent to drive new and more Apple sales. The good news is that, for the most part, even under review it's all mostly good.

Really quick - before 'ending the intro' - did want to note again about our new 'Reader Loyalty Specials' system. The new system is in full swing and now, just by visiting that page - even when you leave the page, and at least so long as you don't clear your cookies or quit/close your browser, those specials will come through anywhere on the rest of our normal site. So.. you can check out what's on special via that page + not worry about missing a deal while you're doing you regular browsing too. This new system is real good about telling you what you're extra special saving too. While before your offers only appeared on that old specials page, you can now use our compatibility guides and standard searches that ensure you're getting the right product and you'll see the deal too. Thanks for being an OWC Newsletter Reader & Customer!

And now on to the show... :)

Just Before WWDC - MacBook 13" 'White' Gets an update
Under $1000 can be a key marketing/selling consideration, especially in tighter times - so it's nice that Apple continues to have a MacBook model for $999 and that it's now just a tad better than before too.

New and improved, the Apple MacBook now sports a 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo Processor (was 2.0GHz) and a 160GB hard drive (was 120GB).Also, while it still comes the same 2GB of memory, that memory is now PC6400 800MHZ instead of PC5300 667MHz. SuperDrive DL, Airport Extreme, USB2, FireWire, etc - all still the same standard as the prior 2.0GHz model. So - it's a little more Mac for all the same cash. There is a benefit to upgrading the to memory to 4GB + if you need a larger hard drive, options up to 500GB are easy to install. While you could pay Apple $100 to go to 4GB and another $200 to get to 500GB, the same from OWC will run you about 50% less + you also get the factory stock memory and/or hard drive for further use or trade-in for more savings.

WWDC: MacBook Pro 13" Introduced
What was the MacBook 13" (Unibody) is now MacBook Pro 13" and starts at $1199, $100 less than the non-Pro model it replaces. The big news on this one? FireWire is BACK! Not just the FireWire 400 that MacBook White and Black models have always had, we're talking FireWire 800. When they took it off the first Unibody 13", Steve Jobs suggested that buyers could simply replace needed FireWire devices with USB2 versions (not always true, slower, and either way - easy to say if your not the one paying), by popular demand (or lots of complaints) Apple listened to its customers and gave us what we've wanted - in this matter anyway. Either way - I think Apple has also recognized that it's not one size that fits all and many 'Pro Users' actually prefer the smaller laptop for it's greater portability + knowing they can connect it up to any size display when operating from home base.

The other new feature Apple introduced is a built in SD Card Slot. A large percentage of today's popular digital cameras and video recorders make use of SD (Secure Digital) memory cards. While USB2 readers (or connecting via USB to download right via the device) are easy and inexpensive, it is very convenient to have the slot built in and right there for the data transfer. The SD Card Slot can also be used for other possible expansion - but current SD cards (like for Wireless networking) only duplicate features already built standard into every MacBook Pro Apple builds. Either way, it's a nice additional bonus on these new Pro 13" models.

So - lets compare the new MacBook Pro 13" vs. the MacBook 13" (unibody) it replaces:

Priced at $1199 for the base model vs. $1299
Standard with 160GB hard drive vs. 120GB
Supports up to 8GB of of Memory vs. 4GB officially Apple supported, 6GB OWC Supported.
Internal 7 Hour battery vs. external removable shorter life battery
FireWire 800 Port vs. no Firewire at all
SD Card Slot vs. no SD Card Slot
Otherwise all the same 2GB memory, SuperDrive, Built-in Wireless, 9400M NVidia, USB Ports, mini-DisplayPort, etc.
Also, for $1499 - this $300 surcharge gets you up to a 2.53GHz Processor, memory increased from 2GB to 4GB, and hard drive bumped to 250GB.

Today's MacBook Pro 13" is what the 'Unibody' 13" should have been from the start. Solid performance, a great span of features - a professional grade value home, school, and professional user alike. And hey, we're hoping you aren't roped into those factory memory or hard drive options and rather have OWC cover ya there.This can save you some real cash (up to 42% vs. Apple factory installed) + in addition to the savings, the memory you've also got that original factory memory and/or hard drive for other uses or more savings from our available trade-in rebates - Win-Win. :)

WWDC: MacBook Pro 15" and 17" Model's get an update
For starters, there's two Microsoft 'I'm a PC' ads that I am pretty sure can no longer be run. The latest MacBook Pro 15" Models now start from $1699(was $1999) with 4GB (was 2GB on the $1999 model) of memory and the 17" is now from $2499(was $2799). Across the board, these models have gotten faster processors along with lower prices. Will break out the changes by 'model level' now:

*NEW Base Model, 2.53GHz MacBook Pro 15" For $1699:
Base price of $1699.00 with 2.53GHz vs. prior base with 2.4GHz for $1999.00
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M Video w/256MB of Shared Memory vs. 9400M + 9600M GT with 256MB of Dedicated GDDR3 Video Memory
Standard with 4GB of memory vs. 2GB + Upgradeable to 8GB vs. 4GB Apple Supported, 6GB OWC Supported
Built in SD Card Slot instead of ExpressCard expansion slot
Internal 7 Hour battery vs. external removable shorter life battery
No other feature differences.

2.66GHz MacBook Pro Model 15" for $1999:
This 2.66GHz is the more equivalent replacement to the prior model 2.4GHz when the NVidia Video is considered.
Same $1999 price as the prior 2.4GHz, but equipped with 2.66GHz Processor
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT Video w/256MB GDDR3 - same as prior 2.4GHz model
Standard with 4GB of memory vs. 2GB + Upgradeable to 8GB vs. 4GB Apple Supported, 6GB OWC Supported
320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive standard vs. Prior model standard with 250GB 5400RPM
Built in SD Card Slot instead of ExpressCard expansion slot
Internal 7 Hour battery vs. external removable shorter life battery
No other feature differences. Essentially same as the new 2.53GHz, except larger hard drive and the better Video chipset.

2.8GHz MacBook Pro Model 15" for $2299, but available from $2249:
With a 2.8GHz Processor from $2249 + $300 option to 3.06GHz vs. prior gen model 2.66GHz for $2499 + $300 option to 2.93GHz
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT Video w/512MB GDDR3 - same as model it replaces
Standard with 4GB (same as prior), but now officially supported for up to 8GB vs. 4GB Apple Supported, 8GB OWC Supported
Same 320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive available, or is $2299 as 'default configured' with 500GB 5400RPM option.
Built in SD Card Slot instead of ExpressCard expansion slot
Internal 7 Hour battery vs. external removable shorter life battery
No other feature differences. Same as New 2.66GHz Model except equipped with 512MB of GDDR3 Video Memory

2.8GHz MacBook Pro 17" Now $2499
Now $2499 with 2.8GHz with $300 option to 3.06GHz vs. prior $2799 for 2.66GHz with $300 option to 2.93GHz
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT Video w/512MB GDDR3 - same as before
Standard equipped with 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive vs. previous with 320GB 5400RPM
Memory remains Upgradeable to 8GB
Essentially a one up on the hard drive capacity, lower pricing, and faster processor. This model continues to be equipped with the ExpressCard slot whereas the 15" model had this replaced with an SD Card slot. There is no SD Card slot on the MacBook Pro 17" - but easy to add an external reader and personally, I think the ExpressCard slot is a better feature.

So there ya go. Some nice upgrades and price reductions... but I'm not as excited about the 15" having it's ExpressCard slot swiped for an SD Card Slot (see 2nd paragraph under the MacBook Pro 13" newsletter section for SD. Apple suggest that only a single digit percentage of customers we're using the ExpressCard slot as the reasoning for this. i am not so sure of that and I am 100% sure in saying that the ExpressCard Slot, essentially a PCI-Express slot for laptops, is a great option for keeping options open when new features come about. You can not add eSATA support, for example, via the SD Card Slot - not now at least and I'm not sure if it's even feasible. We shall see, but I see this ExpressCard slot removal off the 15" (and probably off some future 17" update) as just one less upgrade path left open vs. being forced to by a whole new computer should there be a new feature that's must have.

Alright - SD Card Slot comments aside... These are fantastic updates in performance and value for all the MacBook Pro line. If you've been waiting, you're now rewarded with more performance and at a better cost. Don't forget you can save some cost and/or get additional benefits from upgrading these latest systems via OWC vs. factory options too.

WWDC: MacBook Air gets a lift
The Apple MacBook Air is definitely not for everyone, but everyone wishes it was. Having said that -with each new update it's definitely been moving in a direction that makes it more and more appealing to a wider base of customers. It is the ultimate portable Mac.... feather light and super slim... but with no FireWire, only 2GB of memory (not upgradable), and what started out light in the processor portion + combine that with a fairly high price... This is the Mac everyone wishes they could have and that would fulfill their needs, but just doesn't fit the bill for most. That said, it's definitely got a customer type that it is the perfect fit for and this latest update and price drop only expands on that. So lets compare:

The New MacBook Air 1.86GHz for $1499:
Now standard with 1.86GHz Processor for $1499, was $1799 with 1.6GHz
Still 2GB Memory soldered, non upgradable.
Still 120GB SATA 1.8" Hard Drive.
Still NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shares 256MB of main memory for video)

The New MacBook Air 2.06GHz for $1799
'Top End' 2.06GHz Model now $1799, was $2499 for the prior step up 1.83GHz Model
Still 2GB Memory soldered, non upgradable.
Still 128GB SATA 1.8" Solid State Drive (SSD).
Still NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shares 256MB of main memory for video)

While there isn't a whole lot of point differences to map out, the new pricing is nothing short of a remarkable update. A good boost to the processor speed and a very substantial cut to the pricing. $300 is money well spent to get the top end with the SSD and the faster processor. If this is the Mac for you, certainly a lot easier to swallow than prior $700 premium for a then cost of $2499.
Now... if they'd only kick the memory up to 4GB. Even with 2GB, this current generation MacBook Air really packs a punch and leaves the original January 2008 model eating its dust. With the NVIDIA 9400M the MacBook Air first had standard with the update it got in Nov/2008, this thing can even drive an Apple 30" Cinema display... not quite the desktop replacement horsepower as you get with the MacBook Pros - but definitely getting there. It's a long ways off from being my ideal Mac laptop, but as Apple continues to make it ever more appealing in price and performance, that customer range it is right for continues to grow and maybe is now right for you.