Obsolete already?

Well, I have just had this MacBook Pro (MBP) for a couple of months and now Apple has come out with a new version that is 39% faster. The new model uses the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and more memory, but costs the same as the old one. Actually, my "old" MBP runs at the 50% idle even when recording video off my TV cable and playing two other videos at the same time. At the same time, I am using only 2/3 of of my 1 GB memory. I am not sure what I would do with the extra power though I am sure to find some benefit.

I am still appreciating the other technical features of my new system. For example, the MagSafe power connector has already been tested. Instead of using a conventional plug and socket, the power cord connects magnetically and comes off with any sidewards pull. When I accidentally jerked the power cable, it popped off rather than stressing the connection or pulling the MBP off on to the floor.

Now if the MBP does fall, it detects the movement with its Sudden Motion Sensor and parks the hard disk heads before it can hit the floor. Someone has hacked into this sensor to produce a program that can display the acceleration of the MBP in all three directions. Another programmer has written a program which can sound an alarm, take a picture of the thief and email it if it senses motion of the MBP.

There is much more unique technology in this computer, but that's all for now.

MacBook Pro LazyBoy

I didn't realize that it has been 6 months since I last posted here. Anyone who was checking has probably given up. I have no real excuses though I have been updating my other blog on a weekly basis. If you go back to my second entry on Feb 12, you will see an iMac G5 with VESA mount and my LazyBoy recliner. With demise of my wife's eMac, the iMac G5 was passed down to my son and I picked up a new computer from my daughter.

Shown here in my new 15.4" MacBook Pro coupled to a 20" Samsung Syncmaster LCD display with 1600 x 1200 resolution. On the big screen, you can also see that I have replaced my homemade support arm with an articulated arm, Model VM3 from Sanus Systems. Both displays are active effectively extending the image area. The video connection to the display is digital DVI, but I also have a composite video adapter to send the image to a TV.

This computer is fast with a 2.16 Ghz Intel Dual Core processor, effectively 2 computers in one. I also have the Parallels virtual desktop software that allows me to run Windows XP at the same time as Mac OSX. Windows XP is essentially running directly on the Intel processor at close to native speed.