January 2006

Save up to $350 with Apple Refurbished late-2005 PowerBook G4s
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:15 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished late-2005 PowerBook G4s available today for up to $350 off the price of new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2149 (MSRP $2499)
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $1699 (MSRP $1999)
- 12" 1.50GHz PowerBook: $1199 (MSRP $1499)

Save up to $250 with Apple Refurbished 2005 iBook G4s
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:15 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished iBook G4s available again today for up to $250 off the price of new models. Each iBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1049 ($250 off)
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $799 ($200 off)

Note that these models have been selling out quickly.

Update 2/1:
Sold out!

Updated MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4, and iBook G4 Price Trackers
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:14 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Mac laptop price trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers. The following trackers are available:

Updated iPod Prices
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iPod Price Trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availabilty from over 30 of Apple's Authorized iPod Resellers. The following price trackers are available:

- iPod shuffle Prices
- iPod nano Prices
- Video iPod Prices

Save $100 with build-to-order memory options on 1.83GHz MacBook Pro
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
The 1.83GHz 15.4" MacBook Pro is available at The Apple Store for $2499 including a single 1GB SO-DIMM module occupying one out of two available RAM slots. You can, as a build-to-order option, choose to have a single 512MB SO-DIMM module installed in each RAM slot, for a total of 1GB of RAM, for $100 less than the standard configuration. Total price for this setup is $2399 at The Apple Store.

$100 rebate on MacBook Pros, plus other freebies, ends today!
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:06 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection is offering a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form) on the purchase of a MacBook Pro through January 31st. Optional bundles (free after rebates) include a Mobile Edge carrying case, Epson C88 printer, and Lexmark Z735 Jetprinter. Look for item number 6317156 for the 1.67GHz MacBook Pro and item number 6317164 for the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro.

50% off MS Office for Mac with systems purchase; last day!
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 9:04 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store is offering a 50% discount on Microsoft Office for Mac with the purchase of any computer through January 31st. Use this PDF rebate form. The following discounts apply:

- Microsoft Office for Mac Professional Edition: $499.95 -> $249.95
- Microsoft Office for Mac Standard Edition: $399.95 -> $199.95
- Microsoft Office for Mac Student/Teacher Edition: $149.95 -> $99.95

You must make your purchase by midnight tonight to qualify for the discount.

OBR 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1699; save $300
Tuesday, January 31 2006 @ 8:53 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699.99. Look for item number 707442. That represents a $300 savings over new models.

Apple offers refurbished 15" PowerBook G4s starting at $1299
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:44 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished Aluminum 15" PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $1299. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1699 MSRP $1999
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1599
- 15" 1.50GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1399
- 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

Note that some of these models may sell out quickly.

Up to $200 off PowerPC Macs through Feb 7
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:40 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $200 off the price of a new PowerPC Mac through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this additional rebate (PDF form) to save 50% on a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with a new system, good through Janaury 31st. Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2299.99 MSRP $2499; sku B000ANZ5ES
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1799.99 MSRP $1999; sku B000ANZ54S
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1349.99 MSRP $1499; sku B0007KX4WY

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4: $1174.99 MSRP $1299; sku B0009U7XH4
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4: $899.99 MSRP $999; sku B0009U7WZM

- 1.42GHz Mac mini/SuperDrive: $674.99 MSRP $699; sku B0009U7YD2
- 1.42GHz Mac mini/Combo: $574.99 MSRP $599; sku B0009U7Y0U
- 1.25GHz Mac mini/Combo: $474.99 MSRP $499; sku B0009U7Y32

- 20" 2.1GHz iMac G5: $1549.99 MSRP $1699; sku B000AO3PH6
- 17" 1.9GHz iMac G5: $1174.99 MSRP $1299; sku B000AO1SN4

- 2.5GHz Power Mac G5: $3099.99 MSRP $3299; sku B0009U7YHI
- 2.3GHz Power Mac G5: $2299.99 MSRP $2499; sku B0009U7YFK
- 2.0GHz Power Mac G5: $1799.99 MSRP $1999; sku B000AO5PF6

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:25 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance Mac Laptops Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

Updated iMac Price Trackers
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:25 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iMac (Intel) Price Tracker and our iMac G5 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers.

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Monday, January 30th
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:24 AM ET | Article Link
Have you ordered one of the new MacBook Pros? The Apple Store is stating that the MacBook will ship in February. What does your order say specifically? If you've ordered one of the new MacBooks, we'd like to hear from you. Which reseller? When is your anticipated shipping date? Has it already shipped? Send your information here, and we'll post it anonymously. Check back daily for a list of fresh shipping reports. Here are today's shipping reports:

"I ordered the 1.67 macbook pro last night (january 28th) from amazon.com with no upgrades. i checked shipping dates this morning and it says shipping estimate APRIL 3RD with estimated delivery APRIL 5-6. oh well. i've waited this long. maybe by the time i actually get my 'book in my grubby hands, Adobe will have release universal binary versions ot the Creative Suite!"

"I ordered my Macbook Pro 1.67 sat. (today). I was waiting till I heard any rumors about the specs on the iBook. It seems (according to AppleInsider who has very been accurate as of late.) that the ibooks will be single core. I'd love a 13.3" screen but I need the 2nd core to speed up Windows. (Its my 2nd machine that i bought primarily to surf the net from the living room and do my windows testing.). Ordered from Amazon: Shipping estimate for these items: March 29, 2006 Delivery estimate: March 31, 2006. I emailed them and they said one can photocopy the invoice to make the rebate date. I also have been using A9.com for searching and received $31.71 off the price, rebate: $150 a9 discount: $31.71, total discount: $181.71, + I used my amazon card so @ 3 points for every dollar spent on the card one gets $25 gift card so that's about $75 worth of gift cards."

"I ordered my MacBook Pro 1.67GHz on the day of the announcement. The initial ship date was listed at Feb 15. A few days later, I changed the double 512K RAM to a single 1MB module and now the Ship Date is listed at Jan 30. I hope this is true, because my iBook's motherboard died unexpectedly."

"Ordered mine directly from Apple Jan 10, 2006 at 11:10 AM PST. No options, just the base 1.67GHz MacBook Pro. Says it'll ship Feb. 15 and arrive Feb. 23."

"I ordered the fancy model from the Apple Store on January 23rd. I upgraded to a 7200 rpm HDD. The estimated ship date is February 27th."

"I ordered from Apple the night of the keynote address and have received a ship date of Feb. 15th."

Click here for previous reports: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:11 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of new 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos for $1199 after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st. Look for item number 5591364.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to offer new, leftover, early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBooks for $1799 after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st. Look for item number 5591444. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

Free Apple USB modem with MacBook Pro
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:08 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection will bundle a free Apple USB modem with the purchase of a MacBook Pro. The 1.67GHz MacBook Pro is available for order for $1994 with the modem (sku 6358644), and the 1.83GHz model is available for $2494 with the modem (sku 6358652). The USB modem is a $49 value.

MacBook Pro available with free 1GB RAM upgrade or $150 discount
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 9:00 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has MacBook Pros available for preorder today including a free (after rebates) Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer, MacCase Messenger Bag, and Wacom 4x5 Graphics Tablet. MacMall will also include a free 1GB RAM upgrade with the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro (free after $229 mail-in rebate: PDF form) and a free 512MB RAM upgrade with the 1.67GHz model ($99 rebate: PDF form). There is a required $39.99 RAM installation fee, too. Their bundles give you a total of 2GB of RAM with the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro and 1GB of RAM with the 1.67GHz MacBook Pro.

Instead of the free RAM upgrade, take up to $150 off the price with this mail-in rebate (PDF), good through February 28th. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate discount:

- 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2344; sku 762692 $150 discount
- 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1894; sku 762691 $100 discount

Free Epson all-in-one printer with Mac purchase
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 8:58 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through April 17th to get $100 back when you purchase a new Mac and qualifying printer. This includes the $99.95 Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer, making this printer free after the rebate.

17" 1GHz PowerBook available for $1289
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 8:52 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 17" 1GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1299.99. Look for item number TR1489. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $1289.99.

In fact, use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive $10 off any order of $150 or more at TechRestore.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1899
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 8:47 AM ET | Article Link
CompUSA has new, leftover early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $1899.98. Look for item number 318704. No rebates are involved.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $177.95; save $21
Monday, January 30 2006 @ 8:39 AM ET | Article Link
IBuyDigital.com has 2GB iPod nanos, both Black and White, available today for $177.95. MSRP for the 2GB nano is $199, so that represents a $21 savings.

Apple refurbished 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4s available starting at $699
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:38 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4s available today starting at $699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty and free ground shipping:

- 12" 2004 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $719
- 12" 2004 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD: $699

Update:
Sold out!

$150 off MacBook Pros
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:36 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a mail-in rebate worth $150 off the price of a new Intel-based MacBook Pro February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 15" 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2349.99 MSRP $2499; sku B000BNHMIY
- 15" 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1849.99 MSRP $1999; sku B000BNP4RU

MacBook Pros are available for preorder today.

Updated MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4, and iBook G4 Price Trackers
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:33 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Mac laptop price trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers. The following trackers are available:

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Friday, January 27th
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:29 AM ET | Article Link
Have you ordered one of the new MacBook Pros? The Apple Store is stating that the MacBook will ship in February. What does your order say specifically? If you've ordered one of the new MacBooks, we'd like to hear from you. Which reseller? When is your anticipated shipping date? Has it already shipped? Send your information here, and we'll post it anonymously. Check back daily for a list of fresh shipping reports. Here are today's shipping reports:

"Ordered from Amazon.com on Jan 23. Scheduled ship date is 3/27/06.$150.00 Amazon rebate expires 3/7/06. So......I'll see how that works out."

"I ordered mine on 26th January estimated to ship 24th Feb and arrive by March 3/4th."

"I've ordered a macbook 1.83 with a 120gb harddisk on the day after the keynote of the austrian educational store and my shipped by date is the 2nd of february but I still don't have a delivery date and that somehow worries me. My shipping method says: Fast Ship (EMEA) What does this mean? Anyone from austria who has a delivery date for his macbook order?"

"I ordered a build to order MacBook Pro on January 23rd for the Apple Educational Store: 1 1-GB SODIMM (you can purchase a second 1-GB DIMM for $120-140 form a aftermarket supplier such as Crucial - much cheaper than purchasing it from Apple), 120 GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400 rpm, with iWorks pre-installed. Estimated Shipped By: FEB 15, 2006, Estimated Delivered By: FEB 23, 2006"

"I ordered the 1.83 Macbook pro from Amazon.com today. The shipping date is set at March 29."

Click here for previous reports: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Updated iPod Price Trackers
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:24 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iPod Price Trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availabilty from over 30 of Apple's Authorized iPod Resellers. The following price trackers are available:

- iPod shuffle Prices
- iPod nano Prices
- Video iPod Prices

Apple Refurbished 17" PowerBooks available starting at $1699
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:17 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699. They have refurbished early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $1849 and late-2005 models available for $2149. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are included for free with each PowerBook.

12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1049
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1049. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

17" 1.67GHz early-2005 PowerBook available for $1599
Friday, January 27 2006 @ 8:50 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1599. Look for item number 5682928. Their price is the lowest we've seen for a 1.67GHz 17" PowerBook.

Up to $200 off PowerBooks through Feb 7
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:42 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $200 off the price of a new PowerBook G4 through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2299.99 MSRP $2499; sku B000ANZ5ES
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1799.99 MSRP $1999; sku B000ANZ54S
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1349.99 MSRP $1499; sku B0007KX4WY
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1249.99; sku B0007KX4WO

Updated iMac Price Trackers
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:38 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iMac (Intel) Price Tracker and our iMac G5 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers.

Up to $25 off iPod videos through the 30th
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:35 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac is offering a $15 mail-in rebate on 30GB iPod videos through January 30th, reducing their price from $294 to $279. A $25 rebate is available on the 60GB model, reducing the price from $394 to $369.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1099
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:30 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available again today for $1099. Look for item number 5749521.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:29 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of new 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos for $1199 after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st. Look for item number 5591364.

AirPort Express available for $99; save $30
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:15 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished AirPort Express Base Stations with AirTunes available for $99. That represents a $30 savings over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Apple refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4s available starting at $899
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:11 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBooks available again today at prices starting at $899. The 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive is available for $999, while the 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo is available for $899. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive available for $1099
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1099. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

12" 800MHz iBook G3/CD available for $369
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 8:59 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 800MHz iBook G3/CDs available today for $379.99. Look for item number TR1528. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $369.99.

In fact, use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive $10 off any order of $150 or more at TechRestore.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $178.95; save $20
Thursday, January 26 2006 @ 8:45 AM ET | Article Link
IBuyDigital.com has 2GB iPod nanos, both Black and White, available today for $178.95. MSRP for the 2GB nano is $199, so that represents a $20 savings.

Save up to $350 with Apple Refurbished late-2005 PowerBook G4s
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:50 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished late-2005 PowerBook G4s available today for up to $350 off the price of new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2149 (MSRP $2499)
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $1699 (MSRP $1999)
- 12" 1.50GHz PowerBook: $1199 (MSRP $1499)

Updated MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4, and iBook G4 Price Trackers
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:46 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Mac laptop price trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers. The following trackers are available:

Apple offers Apple Certified Refurbished iMac G5s; save up to $250
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:45 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished iMac G5s available today for up to $250 off the price of new models. They have the 17" 1.9GHz iMac G5 available for $1099 ($200 savings) and the 20" 2.1GHz model available for $1449 ($250 savings). An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1549; save $450!
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:27 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to offer reconditioned late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $1549. Look for item number 6206106. That represents a $450 savings over new models.

Free Apple USB modem with MacBook Pro
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:25 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection will bundle a free Apple USB modem with the purchase of a MacBook Pro. The 1.67GHz MacBook Pro is available for order for $1994 with the modem (sku 6358644), and the 1.83GHz model is available for $2494 with the modem (sku 6358652). The USB modem is a $49 value.

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Wednesday, January 25th
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:19 AM ET | Article Link
Have you ordered one of the new MacBook Pros? The Apple Store is stating that the MacBook will ship in February. What does your order say specifically? If you've ordered one of the new MacBooks, we'd like to hear from you. Which reseller? When is your anticipated shipping date? Has it already shipped? Send your information here, and we'll post it anonymously. Check back daily for a list of fresh shipping reports. Here are today's shipping reports:

"I ordered my MacBook Pro on January 22nd, well after many others. Order status also puts mine at 'by February 15.'"

"I ordered the 1.83 macbook pro base model on january 14 from education store. ship date: feb. 15 arrival: feb 21"

"MBPRO 15/1.83 CTO. Ships Feb 24, 2006. Delivered by Mar 3, 2006. I hope that this gets shipped sooner. I currently have a 900mghz IBM Laptop that I can't stand. Been waiting for this since I hear about the Mac-intel-osh dual core laptops."

"Interesting thread on the actual Apple Discussion site about ship times. Seems there's a person in the UK with a Jan 27th ship date with arrival by Feb 3rd. Check it out. There are screen shots of the order confirm page."

"I ordered a 1.83GHz MacBook Pro on the day of the Expo, a few hours after the announcement. I've got a CTO, since I upgraded to the 7200rpm hard drive. The Apple Store says that it won't ship until Feb 15, and not arrive until Feb 21. I did get the rush shipping so maybe it will be a little quicker than the 21st..."

"I just ordered my Macbook Pro 1.83 with the 7,200 rpm HDD yesterday (22.01.05)... The order status says February 15; but i'd be surprised if it arrives before March 15..."

Click here for previous reports: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Hotrodding The Titanium PowerBook - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 9:06 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

For the past couple of years, the most popular older PowerBook for hotrodding projects has been the Pismo — aka the PowerBook G3 2000 FireWire. The Pismo is a wonderful computer, and I'm still getting great service from mine, which has been souped up with a RAM upgrade, a 550 MHz G4 processor upgrade from Daystar, a 40 gigabyte, 5400 RPM Toshiba hard drive, a FastMac 8x SuperDrive expansion bay module, and a Miglia FireWire 800 PC Card adapter. Thus tweaked, the old Pismo still provides amazingly satisfactory performance running OS 10.4 Tiger.

However, the Pismos are getting pretty long in the tooth, the newest ones now being more than five years old, which is elderly by any measure of computer service life. Aside from its general solidity and goodness, the big advantage of the Pismo as a hotrodding candidate is that its processor is mounted on a removable daughtercard, which facilitates upgrading, and the removable-device expansion bay. Unfortunately, the fastest G4 chip that is pin-compatible with the Pismo's daughtercard is the 550 MHz unit, which really doesn't cut it any more when the slowest new current Mac is 1.33 GHz. Read More...

OBR 20" 2.1GHz iMac G5 available for $1406; save $293
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 8:59 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return 20" 2.1GHz iMac G5s available for $1406.99. Look for item number 00410721. That represents a $293 savings over new models.

Free FM transmitter, engraving, and case with discounted iPod videos
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 8:56 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has all iPod videos in stock today including free laser engraving plus a Belkin TuneCast FM Transmitter and a Pacific Rim Technologies 5G Silicone case. The FM transmitter and case are both free after applicable mail-in rebates. Allow 1-2 days for engraving.

In addition to the available bundles, they will include a free instant rebate on both iPods. The 30GB model is available for $284.98, and the 60GB iPod is available for $379.98.

12" 800MHz iBook G3/Combo available for $519
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 8:53 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 800MHz iBook G3/Combos available today for $529.99. Look for item number TR1490. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $519.99.

4GB iPod minis available for $179
Wednesday, January 25 2006 @ 8:48 AM ET | Article Link
Overstock.com has 4GB iPod minis in Silver, Pink, Blue, and Green available for $179.99. Look for item number 10130451. We expect these to sell out quickly.

Intel Macs on sale! Up to $150 off MacBook Pros and iMacs through Feb 7
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:20 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $150 off the price of a new Intel-based MacBook Pro or iMac through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this additional rebate (PDF form) to save 50% on a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with a new system, good through Janaury 31st. Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 15" 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2344.99 MSRP $2499; sku B000BNHMIY
- 15" 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1844.99 MSRP $1999; sku B000BNP4RU

- 20" 2.0GHz iMac: $1544.99 MSRP $1699; sku B000BNLGJA
- 17" 1.8GHz iMac: $1169.99 MSRP $1299; sku B000BNNGUC

MacBook Pros are available for preorder today, while both iMacs are in stock.

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:17 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance Mac Laptops Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

Bluetooth Audio for Macs and iPods: Logitech Wireless Music
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:16 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

Logitech's Wireless Music System for iPod is a bit of a misnomer. Though the Bluetooth transmitter/reciever bundle is compatible with all versions of Apple's iPod music players, its usefulness extends to any device that outputs sound via a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo minijack - i.e. "headphone" - connector, including virtually every Apple computer you're likely to come across. Logitech does make a line of USB Bluetooth audio systems specifically for computers, but if you own an iPod (or other mp3, CD, or portable tape player) the iPod system is a better value. Seeing as the USB system's software-based functionality isn't Mac compatible, anyway, the Wireless Music System for iPod is the smart choice for Mac owners in search of Mac or iPod-based music without the wires. Read More...

17" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 (refurbished) available for $2149; save $350
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:10 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $2149. That represents a $350 savings over new models. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are both included for free.

Free Epson all-in-one printer with Mac purchase
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:06 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through April 17th to get $100 back when you purchase a new Mac and qualifying printer. This includes the $99.95 Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer, making this printer free after the rebate.

Save up to $250 with Apple Refurbished 2005 iBook G4s
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:04 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished iBook G4s available again today for up to $250 off the price of new models. Each iBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1049 ($250 off)
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $799 ($200 off)

2005 12" 1.5GHz Apple Refurbished PowerBook G4s available from $1099
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 9:00 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2005 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available today starting at $1099. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1199
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

Apple Store, Canada offers refurbished PowerBook G4s starting at $1319
Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 8:58 AM ET | Article Link
 The Apple Store, Canada has Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4s available today starting at CDN$1319. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available (all in CDN$):

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4: $2219
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1679
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1439
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1319

PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 10:20 AM ET | Article Link
Apple has announced a PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program to repair a long-standing memory slot defect:

"The PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program is a worldwide program covering repair or replacement of the memory slot in PowerBook G4 models manufactured between January 2005 and April 2005 (2005-01 through 2005-04) that are experiencing specific component failures. If your PowerBook G4 has a serial number within the eligible range and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it may be eligible for repair, free of charge. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) will determine eligibility under the program. Repairs will be covered by Apple for up to two years from the original date of purchase even if your computer is out of warranty."

Details are available on Apple's extension program page here.

Save $100 with build-to-order memory options on 1.83GHz MacBook Pro
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 10:04 AM ET | Article Link
The 1.83GHz 15.4" MacBook Pro is available at The Apple Store for $2499 including a single 1GB SO-DIMM module occupying one out of two available RAM slots. You can, as a build-to-order option, choose to have a single 512MB SO-DIMM module installed in each RAM slot, for a total of 1GB of RAM, for $100 less than the standard configuration. Total price for this setup is $2399 at The Apple Store.

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Monday, January 23rd
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 10:02 AM ET | Article Link
Have you ordered one of the new MacBook Pros? The Apple Store is stating that the MacBook will ship in February. What does your order say specifically? If you've ordered one of the new MacBooks, we'd like to hear from you. Which reseller? When is your anticipated shipping date? Has it already shipped? Send your information here, and we'll post it anonymously. Check back daily for a list of fresh shipping reports. Here are today's shipping reports:

"From the Apple Store: Shipping by Feb. 15th, Delivery by Feb. 23rd."

"Ordered my macbook pro January 10, at about Noon Pacific time, 1.83 with 120GB drive from Apple, Estimated shipped by feb 15, delivered by february 21."

"Ordered a Macbook 1.67mhz from Amazon. It is shipping the 23 of March. Spoke to Luki in the rebate center she said, "...there was no problem just send the rebate in when the package arrives." To be safe call the Amazon rebate center and check for yourself."

"Shipping Date Feb 15 MacBook Pro (1.83 Ghz100G 7200rpm) Ordered 1/17."

"I ordered on the 17th over the Apple Online Store and used the "Wire Transfer" payment method. Today I got my confirmation saying "Estimated ship-date: Feb/15" - Configuration: 1.83 MBP stock with 100GB 7200rpm HDD."

Click here for previous reports: 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Best MacBook, PowerBook, iBook bundle: Up to 1GB RAM, tablet, case, all-in-one printer
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:43 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has MacBook Pros available for preorder today including a free (after rebates) Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer, MacCase Messenger Bag, and Wacom 4x5 Graphics Tablet. MacMall will also include a free 1GB RAM upgrade with the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro (free after $229 mail-in rebate: PDF form) and a free 512MB RAM upgrade with the 1.67GHz model ($99 rebate: PDF form). There is a required $39.99 RAM installation fee, too. Their bundles give you a total of 2GB of RAM with the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro and 1GB of RAM with the 1.67GHz MacBook Pro.

Purchase a new PowerBook G4 or iBook G4 at MacMall and receive a free 512MB (iBooks) or 1GB RAM (PowerBooks) upgrade, for a total of 1.0-1.5GB of RAM, after mail-in rebate and a $39.99 installation fee. MacMall will also include an Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer, Wacom 4x5 Graphics Tablet, and a carrying case, all for free after applicable mail-in rebates.

Finally, use this coupon (PDF form) through January 31st to take 50% off the price of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with any Mac system.

Instead of the free RAM upgrade, take up to $150 off the price with this mail-in rebate (PDF), good through February 28th. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate discount:

- 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2344; sku 762692 $150 discount
- 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1894; sku 762691 $100 discount

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1394 sku 194027 $100 discount
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $1894 sku 683829 $100 discount
- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2344 sku 683832 $150 discount

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1244 sku 766222 $50 discount
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $944 sku 766221 $50 discount

Apple offers refurbished 15" PowerBook G4s starting at $1399
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:35 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished 15" PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $1399. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1699 MSRP $1999
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1599
- 15" 1.50GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1399

Up to $125 off iBook G4s
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:34 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $125 off the price of an iBook G4 through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this additional rebate (PDF form) to save 50% on a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with a new system, good through Janaury 31st. Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4: $1174.99 MSRP $1299; sku B0009U7XH4
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4: $899.99 MSRP $999; sku B0009U7WZM

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1099
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:28 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1099. Look for item number 5749521.

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1549; save $450!
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:25 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives now available for $1549. Look for item number 6206106. That represents a $450 savings over new models.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:19 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to offer new, leftover, early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBooks for $1799 after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st. Look for item number 5591444. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

Updated Mac laptop RAM price tracker
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:12 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our RAM Price Tracker at macprices.net with the latest information on RAM prices for PowerBooks, iBooks, and the new MacBook Pro from several top memory resellers. Only a couple of resellers, to date, offer RAM for the MacBook Pro, but we expect that to change in the next week or two, and certainly by the time the MacBook begins shipping to customers.

OBR 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1699; save $300
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699.99. Look for item number 707442. That represents a $300 savings over new models.

OBR 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook (1/05 model) available for $1569
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 9:07 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1569.99. Look for item number 487899.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $181
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 8:55 AM ET | Article Link
IBuyDigital.com has 2GB iPod nanos, both Black and White, available today for $181.99. MSRP for the 2GB nano is $199.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $180; save 10%
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 8:52 AM ET | Article Link
Use coupon code TCBBSTGST during the checkout process at Target to take 10% off the price of your entire order, including 2GB iPods nanos, in stock today for $180. The discount is valid through January 31st:

- Black 2GB iPod nano: $180 (MSRP $199) sku B0007Y79AI
- White 2GB iPod nano: $180 (MSRP $199) sku B0007Y7976

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1198
Monday, January 23 2006 @ 8:43 AM ET | Article Link
CompUSA continues to offer new, leftover 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos for $1198.98. Look for item number 318698. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

Updated Mac Laptop Price Trackers
Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 7:57 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Mac laptop price trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers. The following trackers are available:

Up to $150 off Intel iMacs; in stock today
Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 7:56 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a mail-in rebate worth up to $150 off the price of a new Intel-based iMac through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 20" 2.0GHz iMac: $1544.99 MSRP $1699; sku B000BNLGJA
- 17" 1.8GHz iMac: $1169.99 MSRP $1299; sku B000BNNGUC

Both models are in stock today. The 17" is available with 24-hour shipping, while the 20" iMac is available in 2-3 days.

Updated iMac Price Trackers
Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 7:53 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iMac (Intel) Price Tracker and our iMac G5 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers.

Updated iPod Price Trackers
Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 7:53 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iPod Price Trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availabilty from over 30 of Apple's Authorized iPod Resellers. The following price trackers are available:

- iPod shuffle Prices
- iPod nano Prices
- Video iPod Prices

$150 off MacBook Pros
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 1:24 PM ET | Article Link
Take $150 off MSRP for MacBook Pros with the following deals from Apple's resellers. These are the lowest prices we've seen for the MacBook Pro since it was introduced on January 10th:

- 15" 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2344 at MacMall, sku 762692; includes this $150 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through Feb 28.
- 15" 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1844.99 at Amazon, sku B000BNP4RU; includes this $150 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through Feb 7.

MacMall slashes PowerBook prices; up to $300 off MSRP
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 10:41 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has reduced prices on PowerBook G4s by as much as $150. Use this mail-in rebate (PDF), good through February 28th, to take up to an additional $150 off the price of the machine. Including their price reduction and rebate, prices are now as follows:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1294 sku 194027 $200 discount
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $1794 sku 683829 $200 discount
- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2194 sku 683832 $300 discount

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Friday, January 20th
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 10:11 AM ET | Article Link
Have you ordered one of the new MacBook Pros? The Apple Store is stating that the MacBook will ship in February. What does your order say specifically? If you've ordered one of the new MacBooks, we'd like to hear from you. Which reseller? When is your anticipated shipping date? Has it already shipped? Send your information here, and we'll post it anonymously. Check back daily for a list of fresh shipping reports.

Here are today's shipping reports:

"The other day I checked my online status, I notice that I now have an "Estimated Delivered By" of Feb 21,2006 on my status page. This gives me hope that perhaps the machine will ship on time. My ship date remains the same at Feb 15th."

"Latest update on my MacBook Pro order (1.83ghz & 120Gig hd)... ship 2/15, "estimated" delivery date: 2/23."

"I have just found out my MacBook new delivery date is 21 Feb 2006. Although I am not certain it can arrive earlier, at least I am now better informed."

"I ordered mine at 2:15 the same day it was announced. As recent as this afternoon my Order Status simply said: Estimated Shipping By: Feb 15th. Within the last few hours Apple added: Estimated Delivered By: Few 23rd. I ordered the 1.83Ghz model with the 7200rpm 100GB drive and saved $100 by having the 1GB of memory split into two 512MB cards rather than on just the one card."

"Well now it says estimated ship date of feb 15th and now they added delivery date of feb 23. I not sure what that is all about..."

"Amazon est ship date March 20th as of 8PM CST Jan 18 (!) but the rebate offered today actually expires Mar 7th."

"Internet order, Date of Macbook order: Jan 18, mentioned ship date: Feb 15. However, based on my conversation with apple representative today, one may not be able to cancel or change the shipping address on or after Feb 1, since the order will go to manufacturing. I also learned that preconfigured models will ship earlier and the built to order models will ship shortly after."

Click here for previous reports: 6 5 4 3 2 1

10% off iPods today; 2GB nanos for $180, 30GB iPod for $270; 60GB $360
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 9:49 AM ET | Article Link
Use coupon code TCBBSTGST during the checkout process at Target to take 10% off the price of your entire order, including 2GB iPods nanos, in stock today, and all iPod videos. The discount is valid through January 31st:

- Black 2GB iPod nano: $180 (MSRP $199) sku B0007Y79AI
- White 2GB iPod nano: $180 (MSRP $199) sku B0007Y7976
- Black 30GB iPod video: $270 (MSRP $299) sku B000A3WS84
- White 30GB iPod video: $270 (MSRP $299) sku B000A3WS16
- Black 60GB iPod video: $360 (MSRP $399) sku B000A3WS8O
- White 60GB iPod video: $360 (MSRP $399) sku B000A3WS20

AirPort Express available for $99; save $30
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 9:33 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished AirPort Express Base Stations with AirTunes available for $99. That represents a $30 savings over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Product Review: US Modular Dragon Drive 2.5" Portable Hard Disk
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 9:21 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

As big as the stock hard drives in today's Macs get, we find new ways to fill them up. Photos, audio, video - just as drive sizes increase, so do the sizes of things we fill them up with and the speed with which our broadband Internet connections allow us to download, email, and otherwise share all that data with our friends. Before you know it, that big internal hard drive is just about filled up and there's nowhere for that freshly downloaded episode of The Daily Show to be stored. Read More...

$100 rebate available on MacBook Pros
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 9:17 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection is offering a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form) on the purchase of a MacBook Pro through January 31st. Optional bundles (free after rebates) include a Mobile Edge carrying case, Epson C88 printer, and Lexmark Z735 Jetprinter. Look for item number 6317156 for the 1.67GHz MacBook Pro and item number 6317164 for the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro.

Amazon slashes $50 off 12" PowerBook/SuperDrive; now only $1299
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 9:01 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive available for only $1299 including their $150 mail-in rebate (PDF form). Look for item number B0007KX4WY. Their price represents a $200 savings over standard MSRP, and it's the lowest price we've seen by far.

17" Intel iMac in stock today for $1169; save $125
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 8:57 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a $125 mail-in rebate on the 17" Intel-based iMac through February 7th (PDF form), and it's in stock today with 24-hour shipping. To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the iMac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this additional rebate (PDF form) to save 50% on a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with a new system, good through Janaury 31st:

- 17" 1.83GHz iMac: $1169.99 MSRP $1299; sku B000BNNGUC

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Friday, January 20 2006 @ 8:53 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a $150 mail-in rebate on the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo through February 7th (PDF form). Their rebate lowers the price to $1199.99. Look for item number B0007KX4WO.

TechRestore offers overnight 160GB hard drive replacements for PowerBooks and iBooks
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 10:30 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore is now offering an overnight 160GB hard drive replacement service for PowerBooks and iBooks, the first available for laptop users:

"The service includes overnight pickup of the customers laptop from any location in the continental United States, installation of the new drive with data transfer within 24-hours and return overnight shipping back to the customers location. In addition, the customers old hard drive is returned so that they will have a backup of their data. The customer can choose to have their old hard drive installed in a portable case for only $19.99. The 160 Gigabyte overnight upgrade is $489 including the drive, all shipping costs and installation. The upgrade includes a 1-year warranty from TechRestore and a 5-year warranty on the hard drive from the manufacturer. The service is available immediately."

Use coupon code MACPRICES to take $10 off this upgrade.

PowerBook Mystique Mailbag - January 19, 2006
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 10:17 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

- PowerBook and MacBook Mystique
- Daystar XLR8 G4 upgrade
- Re: iBook vs pBook
- PowerBook name lives on
- Read More...

Updated Mac Laptop Price Trackers
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 10:12 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Mac laptop price trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers. The following trackers are available:

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 10:11 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of new 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos for $1199 after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st. Look for item number 5591364.

Apple offers refurbished 15" PowerBook G4s starting at $1299
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 9:52 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished 15" PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $1299. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1699 MSRP $1999
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1599
- 15" 1.50GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
- 15" 1.50GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1399
- 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

2004 12" 1.33GHz Apple Refurbished PowerBook G4s available from $1049
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 9:49 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.33GHz PowerBooks available today starting at $1049. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1099
- 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1049

12" 1.33GHz iBook G4 (refurbished) available for $799; save $200
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 9:46 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combos available for $799. That represents a $200 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are both included.

15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1948; save $51
Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 9:08 AM ET | Article Link
ABT Electronics has late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1948. Look for item number M9969LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen for that model, no rebate required.

Intel Macs on sale! Up to $150 off MacBook Pros and iMacs through Feb 7
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 10:07 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $150 off the price of a new Intel-based MacBook Pro or iMac through February 7th (PDF form). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this additional rebate (PDF form) to save 50% on a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac when purchased with a new system, good through Janaury 31st. Including the rebate, prices are as follows:

- 15" 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2344.99 MSRP $2499; sku B000BNHMIY
- 15" 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1844.99 MSRP $1999