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; sku B000BNP4RU

- 20" 2.0GHz iMac: $1644.99 MSRP $1699; sku B000BNLGJA
- 17" 1.8GHz iMac: $1169.99 MSRP $1299; sku B000BNNGUC

All four models are available for preorder today.

Up to $200 off PowerPC Macs; extended through Feb 7
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 10:01 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: $673.99 MSRP $699; sku B0009U7YD2
- 1.42GHz Mac mini/Combo: $573.99 MSRP $599; sku B0009U7Y0U
- 1.25GHz Mac mini/Combo: $473.99 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

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Wednesday, January 18th
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:58 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 by phone from apple and they said 1st of february is ship date. i asked several times just to go sure i understood right. though im not very confident in that date."

"I ordered the 11th of Jan. and the due date is as following. This hasnˆt changed yet but I hope it does: Feb 15, 2006, 1MacBook Pro - 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Z0CN, 2GB 667 DDR2 - 2x1GB SO-DIMMs, 100GB Serial ATA drive @ 7200 rpm"

"I ordered a macbook pro 01/15/06 with more ram and extended warranty. They gave me a Feb 15th ship date......but the good news is my warranty has shipped today.. YEA!!!!!!"

"I ordered immediately after the keynote- continues to say ship by Feb 15. Unfortunately rechecking it every day doesn't seem to improve the situation"

"I ordered mine from apple edu around 3 PM on the day they were announced with a ship date of Feb 15. I ordered the base model and bumped the ram to 1gig."

Click here for previous reports: 5 4 3 2 1

Best MacBook, PowerBook, iBook bundle: Up to 1GB RAM, tablet, case, all-in-one printer
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:53 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:

- 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2494; sku 762692
- 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1994; sku 762691

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), extended through January 31st. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate 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

PowerBook Mystique Review - surfACE I 1.5 Laptop Stand with Tripod Adapter
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:45 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

The surfACE I 1.5 laptop stand from edgeBlur, Inc. puts me in mind of a variety of modular children's toys, like Erector sets and Tinkertoy of my own childhood and the Lego my kids played with. That's not coincidence, surfACE designer Bo Eriksson tells me. "Yes, I really liked my Legos and the Erector set," says Eriksson, "but in Sweden where I'm from it was called Meccano." Well, actually this British product was sold in Canada under the Meccano brand name as well, but I digress.

I don't want to give the impression there is anything toy-like about the surfACE I 1.5 other than that it is fun to explore the variety of possibilities its modular, customizable construction facilitates. This product is a serious and functional piece of industrial design. Read More...

14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive (refurbished) available for $1049; save $250
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:39 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has restocked Apple Certified Refurbished 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrives for $1049. That represents a $250 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
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:39 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" 867MHz PowerBook G4s available starting at $689
Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 9:06 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 867MHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $699.99. Look for item number TR1496. They have 12" 867MHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $869.99. Look for item number TR1560. 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 $689.99 and $859.99, respectively, for the Combo and SuperDrive models.

Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive $10 off any order of $150 or more at TechRestore.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1198
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:53 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.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:52 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.

Apple Store, Canada offers refurbished PowerBook G4s starting at $1319
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:50 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

Apple extends cash-back printer offer with Mac purchase through April 17th
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:47 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store is offering $100 cash-back on select printers with the purchase of a new Mac through April 17, 2006 (PDF rebate form):

"Get up to a $100 rebate when you buy any Mac and a qualifying printer. Qualifying printers are the Canon i9900, PIXMA iP4200, PIXMA iP6220D, PIXMA iP6600D, PIXMA MP450, PIXMA MP500, PIXMA MP800; HP Deskjet 5940, Deskjet 6540, Deskjet 6840, Photosmart 8050, Photosmart 8750, Photosmart 385, Photosmart 425, PSC 1610, PSC 2575, PSC 3210, PSC 3310; and Epson Stylus Photo R320, Epson Stylus Photo R340, Stylus CX4200, Stylus CX4800, Stylus CX7800, Stylus Photo RX620, Stylus Photo RX700, Stylus Photo R800, Stylus Photo R1800, Stylus Photo R2400, PictureMate Deluxe, and PictureMate Express Edition. "

The Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer is available for $99.95, making this printer free after the rebate.

Apple refurbished 512MB Mac minis available starting at $429; save up to $100
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:40 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 512MB Mac minis available today starting at $429. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following minis are available:

- 1.25GHz 512MB Mac mini: $429 $70 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/Combo: $519 $80 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/SuperDrive: $599 $100 off new

14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive (refurbished) available for $999
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:37 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrives available for $999. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $719
Tuesday, January 17 2006 @ 10:34 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available again for $719. An Apple one-year warranty and free ground shipping are included. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

MacBook Pro available with free 1GB RAM upgrade plus all-in-one printer
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 11:15 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has MacBook Pros available for preorder today including a free (after rebates) Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer. 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:

- 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2494; sku 762692
- 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1994; sku 762691

Intel iMacs available with free 512MB RAM upgrade; 17" model in stock today
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 11:04 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has Intel-based iMacs available with a couple of free bundles. They'll include a free 512MB RAM upgrade after a $99 rebate and $40 installation fee, and an Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer is free after applicable mail-in-rebates. The 17" iMac is in stock today:

- 20" 2.0GHz iMac: $1694; sku 762687
- 17" 1.8GHz iMac: $1294; sku 762684 in stock today!

Up to $200 off PowerPC Macs; last day!
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:54 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $200 off the price of a new PowerPC Mac through January 17th (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: $673.99 MSRP $699; sku B0009U7YD2
- 1.42GHz Mac mini/Combo: $573.99 MSRP $599; sku B0009U7Y0U
- 1.25GHz Mac mini/Combo: $473.99 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

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Monday, January 16th
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:49 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 a MacBook Pro (upgraded version) from the Apple site about 10 min. after the press conference this week and immediately got a Feb. 15 ship date email response --- which continues to be the same when I check back. Appreciate your shipping updates."

"AppleStore, MBPRO 15/1.67 (BTO: 120 MB HD). Est: Feb 15"

Click here for previous reports: 4 3 2 1

Updated Mac Laptop Price Trackers
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:47 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 iMac Price Trackers
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:45 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 Clearance Price Trackers
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:44 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.

Apple Refurbished 17" PowerBooks available starting at $1699
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:39 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699. They also have refurbished early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $1849. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are included for free with each PowerBook.

2005 12" 1.5GHz Apple Refurbished PowerBook G4s available from $1099
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:38 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

Free Epson all-in-one printer with Mac purchase through January 16th; last day!
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:34 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through January 16th 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. You must make your purchase of a shipping Mac by midnight tonight to qualify for the rebate.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:31 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.

15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1499
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:30 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned early-2005 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1499. Look for item number 5673597.

OBR 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1699; save $300
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:26 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.

Reconditioned 1.9GHz iMac G5 available for $1149; save $150
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:22 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 1.9GHz iMac G5s available for $1149. Look for item number 6219679. That's a $150 discount over new models.

$20 off iPod videos; all models in stock today
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:19 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate (PDF form) at MacConnection to take $20 off the price of an iPod video through January 31st. Their discount lowers the price of 30GB models to $274 and 60GB iPods to $374. All models are in stock today.

$10 rebate available on iPod nanos
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:18 AM ET | Article Link
Use this $10 mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 31st to take $10 off the price of an iPod nano at MacConnection. Including the rebate, the 2GB nano goes for $184, while the 4GB nano has a final price of $234. All models are in stock today.

OBR late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2024; save $475
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:16 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone continues to report stock of open-box return late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $2024.99. Look for item number 00410117. That represents a $475 savings over unopened boxes.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today with free $10 iTunes gift card
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 10:14 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has 2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $199.98 including a free $10 iTunes gift card. No fees or rebates are involved. Look for item number 00390470 (White) and item number 00390473 (Black).

Free FM transmitter, engraving, and case with iPod videos
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 9:20 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.

iPod nanos available with free laser engraving, FM transmitter, and case
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 9:20 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has black and white 2GB and 4GB iPod nanos available for $194 and $244, respectively. A Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter is included for free after mail-in rebate, as is a Pacific Rim Technologies Silicone Case. Finally, MacMall will include free laser engraving should you choose that option. Allow 1-2 days for the engraving. 2GB nanos are in stock today, while there is 3-5 day wait for 4GB models.

Discounted White iPod videos
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 9:17 AM ET | Article Link
IBuyDigital.com has White iPods on sale. The 30GB iPod video is available for $284 (MSRP $299), with 3-5 day shipping, and the 60GB White iPod video is available for $367.95 (MSRP $399) with 1-2 business day shipping.

17" 1GHz PowerBook available for $1369; 1.33GHz for $1539
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 9:09 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 17" 1GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1379.99. 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 $1369.99. The 17" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive is available for $1539.99 using the same $10 discount. Look for item number TR1997.

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

10% off iPods today; 2GB nanos for $180, 30GB iPod for $270; 60GB $360
Monday, January 16 2006 @ 8:57 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

Update of current MacBook Pro deals and bundles
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:53 AM ET | Article Link
The new MacBook Pro isn't slated to ship from The Apple Store until February, but that doesn't mean you can't order one today and still get a good deal or a nice bundle. Here is an update of the bundles and deals currently being offered by Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers (note that most, if not all, of the bundles require applicable mail-in rebates):

 The Apple Store: $100 off 1.83GHz MacBook with choice of two 512MB RAM modules as BTO option
 The Apple Store for Education: $200 discount on both MacBook Pros, plus discounted build-to-order items
 ClubMac: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case
 MacConnection: Mobile Edge carrying case + Lexmark Z735 Color Jetprinter + Epson C88 printer (site not updated at press time)
 MacMall: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case
 OnSale: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case

All of these resellers are also offering a 50% discount on a copy of MS Office for Mac along with the purchase of a MacBook Pro.

Updated MacBook Pro Price Tracker
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:37 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our MacBook Pro Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Clearance Prices
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:35 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook 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.

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Friday, January 13th
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:31 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 too ordered the 1.83GHz MacBook Pro on the day of the keynote address and my estimated ship date is on or before 2/15. Hopefully itˆll ship sooner!"

Click here for previous reports: 3 2 1

Updated iMac Price Trackers
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:28 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.

Apple refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4s available starting at $899
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:16 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBooks available 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.

Update:
Sold out!

Save up to $250 with Apple Refurbished 2005 iBook G4s
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:12 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)

Update:
Sold out!

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:09 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 Epson all-in-one printer with Mac purchase through January 16th
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:07 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through January 16th 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. Your Mac must ship before the 16th to qualify for the rebate (meaning that the MacBook Pro will not qualify).

Up to $150 off PowerBook and iBooks, plus free all-in-one printer, case, and up to 1GB RAM
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:05 AM ET | Article Link
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 and a carrying case, both 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), extended through January 31st. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate 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

Custom 1.42GHz iBook available for $1199; save $100
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 10:02 AM ET | Article Link
Choose an internal Combo Drive instead of the standard SuperDrive with your custom-configured 14" 1.42GHz iBook at The Apple Store, and take $100 off the price for a total of $1199. As configured, these iBooks are shipping in 1-3 business days. Use this option only if you have no need to burn DVDs.

512MB iPod shuffle available for $84; save $15
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 9:43 AM ET | Article Link
Overstock.com has new 512MB iPod shuffles available for $84.99. Look for item number 10049520. That's $15 off standard MSRP.

Comments on MacBook Pro battery life
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 9:32 AM ET | Article Link
by Steve Hildreth

Apple has remained silent on the MacBook Pro's battery life, claiming that it has a 60-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery and that battery life depends on your particular configuration and settings. The PowerBook G4 has a 50 watt-hour lithium ion battery that Apple claims can provide up to 5.5 hours of use under ideal conditions. Brad Laue, one of our readers, had this to say with regards to the MacBook's battery life:

"Just sending in a quick note regarding the battery life of the MacBook Pro. An Acer TravelMate with similar specifications (Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz CPU, Radeon X1600, 1GB DDR2 667, 160GB SATA 5400RPM, 15.4 WSXGA+ screen) has a runtime of approximately 6 hours when CPU performance is set to the MacOS X equivalent of 'automatic' (CPU frequency scaling during idle)."

With 10 more watt-hours than the PowerBook G4, we can expect the MacBook Pro to provide up to 6 hours of battery life under ideal conditions. Real world times will likely be less than 6 hours but still more than the PowerBook G4. Send us your results after you receive your MacBook Pro in February.

Another reader, B.C. McKinney, thinks that the battery life may be much shorter than that:

"I've read that (the) Acer TravelMate 8200 has an 87Wh battery, 45% greater than the MacBook. I don't know what settings were used, but Acer only claims 3.5hr usage, and PC Mag's MobileMark 2005 test produced 3.8hr.

Even if the batteries were the same capacity, it's likely the MacBook Pro has shorter battery life than the PowerBook G4 (of course, that claimed 5.5hr is inflated as well), possibly much shorter. If it were actually 6hr, I'm sure Apple would not be concealing it, but we'll have to wait for shipping products to find out the reality. If it's less it wouldn't be surprising; the performance version Intel Core Duo's power draw is probably at least twice that of a PowerPC 7447; it's raison d'etre is supposed to be performance per watt, not low power usage. "

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1198
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 9:19 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 RAM price tracker
Friday, January 13 2006 @ 9:17 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.

Save $100 with build-to-order memory options on 1.83GHz MacBook Pro
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 10:49 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.

Up to $125 off iBook G4s through the 17th
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 10:26 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a mail-in rebate worth up to $125 off the price of a new iBook (PDF form) through January 17th. In addition, save up to 50% on the price of MS Office for Mac with your iBook purchase with this rebate (PDF), good through the 31st. To qualify for the rebates, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). 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

Both iBooks are in stock today with 24-hour shipping.

MacBook Pro shipping reports for Thursday, January 12th
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 10:19 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 the 1.83 model, with the 100gb 7200rpm drive. Initially had the vague date of February, but now it says on or before Feb 15th. I hope that date holds true. My current laptop (first gen 17" powerbook) went through several shipping delays after I ordered it on the day of the keynote."

"Ordered the 1.67mhz stock model yesterday as soon as the Apple Store came back up online:

MBPRO 15/1.67/1X512/80/128VRAM/SD-USA MA090LL/A

Order status pages says Estimated Shipped by Feb 15. Can't wait!"

"Ordered a MacBook Pro yesterday after the announcement. With my education discount I got it for about 2299.00 plus tax. Downgraded to a 1GB configuration with 2 512MB card to shave off 90 bucks in order to get a 100GB 7200 RPM drive for an extra 90 bucks. Everything else I kept the same. Ship Date is February 15 2006."

"I, too, ordered a 1.83gHz MacBook Pro yesterday, and I requested a default build. I got a hipping date of February 15. Thanks for a great site!"

"Ordered a 1.83 GHz with 120GB hard drive upgrade as soon as the store opened. My confirmation only says February for a shipping date."

"Hello - just a little while ago I sent you an email stating that my 1.83 GHZ book with a 120GB hard drive upgrade ordered just minutes after the Apple Store came back online had a stated shipping date of February only. I just checked my order on my Apple Store account online and it has been changed to February 15."

"Ordered mine this afternoon (about 11:30 EST on 1/11) and my ship date is 2/15. This is the 1.83 Ghz model with no BTO options."

"I ordered a MacBook Pro 1.83 GHz with the larger 120 GB Hard drive option.ï Order status this afternoon says, "Estimated Ship Date Feb 15." Keeping fingers crossed! Hope this info helps"

"I ordered one from Amazon yesterday -- the 1.67 model, and it says shipping march 16th..."

"Cheers, currently listed as 15 Feb on a 1.83 w/7200 rpm drive. ordered about a minute after the apple store came online."

"Order Date: Jan 10, 2006 at 11:12 AM PST:

MBPRO 15/1.83/1X1G/100/256VRAM/SD-USA MA091LL/A

Estimated Shipping Date:ï Feb 15, 2006. Initially the receipt given from the Apple Store Online just gave the vague February shipping date.ï After checking the order status later it stated the above information."

Click here for previous reports: 2 1

Apple refurbished 512MB Mac minis available starting at $429; save up to $100
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:53 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 512MB Mac minis available today starting at $429. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following minis are available:

- 1.25GHz 512MB Mac mini: $429 $70 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/Combo: $519 $80 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/SuperDrive: $599 $100 off new

15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (refurbished) available for $1299
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:51 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combos now available for $1299, representing a $100 price drop. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are included for free.

Apple Store, Canada drops prices on refurbished PowerBooks
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:46 AM ET | Article Link
 The Apple Store, Canada has dropped prices on Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4s by as much as CDN$180. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models have been reduced in price (all in CDN$):

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4: $2399 -> $2219
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1749 -> $1679
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1549 -> $1439
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1499 -> $1319

Up to $200 off PowerBooks through the 17th
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:40 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com's mail-in rebate takes up to $200 off the price of a new PowerBook (PDF form) through January 17th. To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Use this 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

All models are in stock today with 24-hour shipping.

OBR late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2024; save $475
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:36 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone continues to report stock of open-box return late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $2024.99. Look for item number 00410117. That represents a $475 savings over unopened boxes.

OBR 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1699; save $300
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:26 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.

New Intel iMacs available for order with free all-in-one printer plus 512MB RAM upgrade
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:22 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has the new Intel-based iMacs available for order today including a couple of free bundles. They'll include an extra 512MB of RAM after a $99 mail-in rebate plus a $40 installation fee plus a free (after rebates) Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer. Use this rebate form (PDF) through January 31st to take 50% off the price of MS Office for Mac with your iMac purchase. The 17" iMac is available for $1294 (sku 762684), and the 20" iMac is available for $1694 (sku 762687).

iPod nanos available with free laser engraving, FM transmitter, and case
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:12 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has black and white 2GB and 4GB iPod nanos available for $194 and $244, respectively. A Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter is included for free after mail-in rebate, as is a Pacific Rim Technologies Silicone Case. Finally, MacMall will include free laser engraving should you choose that option. Allow 1-2 days for the engraving. 2GB nanos are in stock today, while there is 2-3 day wait for 4GB models.

Free FM transmitter, engraving, and case with iPod videos
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:09 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.

White 60GB iPod video available for $369; save $30
Thursday, January 12 2006 @ 9:03 AM ET | Article Link
IBuyDigital.com has White 60GB iPod videos available today for $369.95. Look for item number APPIPOD60GBVIDW. That represents a $30 savings over standard MSRP.

Roundup of current MacBook Pro deals and bundles
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 3:41 PM ET | Article Link
The new MacBook Pro isn't slated to ship from The Apple Store until February, but that doesn't mean you can't order one today and still get a good deal or a nice bundle. Here is a roundup of bundles and deals currently being offered by Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers (note that most, if not all, of the bundles require applicable mail-in rebates):

 ClubMac: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case
 MacConnection: Mobile Edge carrying case + Lexmark Z735 Color Jetprinter
 MacMall: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case
 OnSale: Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer + Carrying case

All of these resellers are also offering a 50% discount on a copy of MS Office for Mac along with the purchase of a MacBook Pro.

Updated Mac laptop price trackers; new MacBook Pro page
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 10:53 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. This includes the new MacBook Pro introduced yesterday. The following trackers are now available:

Hands on with the MacBook Pro
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 10:36 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

Dead on my feet after an eleven hour day at MacWorld, I finally got a chance to try out the new Intel-powered MacBook Pro laptop for myself. For a second. Mainly I got to watch a nice guy from Apple demo it for me and a few other people -- even at five minutes before closing as they were literally taping the giant Apple booth off with yellow police tape, there was still a crowd two deep trying to get our hands on the new Mac with the funny name. All day long, the Apple booth in the middle of the expo floor had been nuts, and most of the activity had centered around the wall devoted to the PowerBook's successor.

But I did touch it and scroll around for a second. It feels alot like an Aluminum PowerBook G4. And it acts like an Al-Book, too. Except faster. Yeah, a lot faster. Read More...

Call for MacBook Pro shipping reports
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 10:31 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 the most recent reports we've received:
"This morning my ship date from the Apple Store changed from just Feb to Feb 15th. Hope it holds."

"The Apple Store shipping dates they're giving people who order are also that vague: just "February." One of my developers ordered a 1.83 model, and that's all he got."

"I just ordered a 1.83Ghz model from the Apple Educational store and received a vague date of February. Mine is a BTO because I decided to save $90 and go with two 512MB modules instead of one 1GB module. Figure I can use that $90 to buy an aftermarket 1GB model and end up with even more."

"I ordered a 1.83GHz MacBook Pro. Est. Ship Date is Feb 15."

Welcome To The The MacBook Mystique - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 10:23 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

Yesterday at Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs raised the curtain on the new MacBook era, confounding rumoristas who had been confidently predicting that consumer level iBooks with single-core processors would appear first, and unveiling the new MacBook Pro with an Intel Core Duo Processor claimed to be up to four times faster than a PowerBook G4.

This sequence of introduction makes more sense to me. Why burn of the first wave of pent-up enthusiasm and demand for Intel based laptops on your low-priced, entry-level machine? Read More...

Macworld Expo Photo Galleries [updated]
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 10:20 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

Noah Kravitz, our Reviews Editor, has posted a series of pictures from the Macworld Expo show floor:

- PowerBook Central MWSF 2006 Photo Gallery
- PowerBook Central MWSF 2006 Photo Gallery - The Non-Apple Stuff
- PowerBook Central's MWSF 2006 Photo Gallery - More of the Non-Apple Stuff

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $719
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:21 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available again for $719. An Apple one-year warranty and free ground shipping are included. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive available for $1099
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:19 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1099. That's a $100 discount from yesterday. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

10% off some iPods today
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:10 AM ET | Article Link
Use coupon code TCBBSTGST during the checkout process at Target to take 10% off the price of your entire order, include some iPods in stock today. The discount is valid through January 31st. The following nano and video models are in stock today:

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

2GB iPod nanos in stock today with free $10 iTunes gift card
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:07 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has 2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $199.96 including a free $10 iTunes gift card. No fees or rebates are involved. Look for item number 00390470 (White) and item number 00390473 (Black).

$10 rebate available on iPod nanos
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:03 AM ET | Article Link
Use this $10 mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 31st to take $10 off the price of an iPod nano at MacConnection. Including the rebate, the 2GB nano goes for $184, while the 4GB nano has a final price of $234. All models are in stock today.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Wednesday, January 11 2006 @ 9:00 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.

MacBook vs. PowerBook; changes in ports and connections
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 10:08 PM ET | Article Link
by Steve Hildreth

The new MacBook does away with a couple of ports and connections found on PowerBook G4s, and introduces one new standard. To begin, the MacBook Pro does not include the FireWire 800 port which has been included on many Pro systems for the past couple of years. Instead, there is a single FireWire 400 port. The new SuperDrive is not dual-layer, as was rumored, and the internal modem has been canned in favor of an optional $49 external USB modem. Apple's MagSafe Connector for the power cord is also new.

Finally, the MacBook introduces the ExpressCard/34 slot, a replacement for the older PC Card slot on PowerBooks. ExpressCard technology is the name of a new standard introduced by PCMCIA in spring 2003. The ExpressCard standard promises to deliver thinner, faster and lighter modular expansion to laptop users. Users will be able to add hardware capabilities such as memory, wired and wireless communications cards and security devices by simply inserting these modules into their systems. ExpressCard modules are roughly half the size of PC Cards, as well as being lighter, so your current PC Card may not work with the new MacBook.

MacBook Pro available with free printer plus free carrying case
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 6:46 PM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has the 1.67GHz and 1.83GHz MacBook Pro available for $1994 and $2494, respectively, including a free (after rebates) Lexmark Z735 Color Jetprinter plus a free Mobile Edge Carrying Case. Use this mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 31st to take 50% off Microsoft Office for Mac with the purchase of a MacBook Pro. Both models are available for preorder today. Look for item numbers 6317156 (1.67GHz MacBook) and 6317164 (1.83GHz model).

New iMac Price Tracker, get all-in-one printer with new iMac through the 16th
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 6:39 PM ET | Article Link
We've created a new iMac (Intel) Price Tracker at macprices.net with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. We'll be updating the tracker continuously as information comes in from the various resellers.

The Apple Store is reporting a 1-3 day wait for both new iMacs, and they are the only reseller currently reporting stock of the new Intel-based iMacs. Use the following mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 16th to get $100 back on a qualifying printer at The Apple Store with the purchase of your iMac. The Epson CX4200 all-in-one printer is available for $99.95, and the rebate makes this printer essentially free with your iMac.

New MacBook Pro price tracker available at macprices.net
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 2:14 PM ET | Article Link
We've posted a new MacBook Pro Price Tracker at macprices.net including the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. We plan to update the tracker continuously as information comes in. Check back often.

Call for MacBook Pro shipping reports
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:53 PM 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 the first reports we've received:
"The Apple Store shipping dates they're giving people who order are also that vague: just "February." One of my developers ordered a 1.83 model, and that's all he got."

"I just ordered a 1.83Ghz model from the Apple Educational store and received a vague date of February. Mine is a BTO because I decided to save $90 and go with two 512MB modules instead of one 1GB module. Figure I can use that $90 to buy an aftermarket 1GB model and end up with even more."

"I ordered a 1.83GHz MacBook Pro. Est. Ship Date is Feb 15."

Apple lowers prices on Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBooks by as much as $150
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:47 PM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store lowered prices on Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4s by as much as $150 today. Several generations of models are available, and each comes with an Apple one-year warranty and free ground shipping:

- 17" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1849
- 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1699
- 15" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1599
- 15" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1399
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1049

MacBook Pro build-to-order options
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:40 PM ET | Article Link
Several build-to-order options are available with the new MacBook Pro when you place your order at The Apple Store.

15.4" 1.83GHz MacBook Pro:
- External USB modem: $49
- 120GB 5400RPM HD: $100
- 100GB 7200RPM HD: $100
- 1GB 667 DDR2 - 2x512 SO-DIMMs: -$100
- 2GB 667 DDR2 - 2x1GB SO-DIMMs: $300

15.4" 1.67GHz MacBook Pro:
- External USB modem: $49
- 100GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400 rpm: $100
- 100GB Serial ATA drive @ 7200 rpm: $200
- 120GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400 rpm: $200
- 1GB 667 DDR2 - 2x512 SO-DIMMs: $100
- 1GB 667 DDR2 - 1 SO-DIMM: $200
- 2GB 667 DDR2 - 2x1GB SO-DIMMs: $500

Apple Store for Education prices; $200 off new MacBooks
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:30 PM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store for Education has released prices for the new Intel-based MacBook Pro and iMac. K-16 faculty and students can save $200 on the price of a new MacBook Pro:

- 1.67GHz MacBook Pro: $1799 ($200 off)
- 1.83GHz MacBook Pro: $2299 ($200 off)
- 20" 2GHz iMac: $1599 ($100 off)
- 17" 1.83GHz iMac: $1199 ($100 off)

iMacs are available within 1-3 business days, while the MacBook will ship in February.

MacBook Pro details and specifications
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:22 PM ET | Article Link
by Steve Hildreth

The MacBook Pro ushers in a new era for Apple laptops. The most important difference between the MacBook Pro and older PowerBooks and iBooks is the inclusion of an Intel Core Duo processor. According the Apple, "It's actually two processors built into a single chip, which makes this by far the biggest leap in mobile Mac power you've ever seen." Other new additions include a built-in iSight camera, Front Row and Apple Remote, iLife '06, and new power adapter with MagSafe Connector (a magnetic DC plug that both ensures a tight connection and enables a clean break from the power port when there is undue tension). Basic specifications are as follows:

The MacBook Pro is available for order from The Apple Store today. It's expected to ship in February.

The MacBook Pro also features a full-size backlit keyboard, AirPort Extreme wireless networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, ExpressCard/34 slot, dual-link DVI video out, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and optical digital and analog audio in/out.

Apple introduces Intel-based iMac and new MacBook Pro laptop
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 1:05 PM ET | Article Link
by Steve Hildreth

Apple released their first Intel-based Macs today at Macworld Expo. Two models were introduced today, while the rest of the line is expected to move to Intel-based processors by the end of the year.

A new iMac was released today with 1.83GHz and 2GHz Intel Core Duo processors. Two to three times faster than the previous G4-based iMacs, the new models retain their present form factors and features. Prices also remain the same -- $1299 for the 17" 1.83GHz iMac, and $1699 for the 20" 2GHz model. The new iMac is available today at The Apple Store with 1-3 day shipping.

Apple also introduced a new laptop called the MacBook Pro. Slated to replace the current line of PowerBooks, the MacBook Pro is initially offered in a $1999 15.4" 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo configuration and a $2499 15.4" 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo model. The new MacBook is available for order today at The Apple Store and will ship in February.

Welcome to PowerBook Central's Live Coverage of the MacWorld San Francisco 2005 Keynote
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:39 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

PowerBook Central's live coverage of Steve Jobs' Keynote of the MacWorld San Francisco 2006 Conference and Expo will hopefully begin at approximately 8:30 AM PST, Tuesday January 10, 2005.
Click here for the live coverage

Noah has also posted a photo gallery, which he will update throughout the day:
PowerBook Central MWSF 2006 Photo Gallery

Save up to $250 with Apple Refurbished 2005 iBook G4s
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:29 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)

12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1099
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:27 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available this morning for $1099. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1499
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:22 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned early-2005 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1499. Look for item number 5673597.

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1799; save $200
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:20 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of reconditioned late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $1799. Look for item number 6206106. That represents a $200 savings over new models.

Deal Alert! OBR late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2024; save $475!
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:19 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return late-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2024.99. Look for item number 00410117. That represents a $475 savings over unopened boxes. It goes without saying that we expect this model to sell out quickly at this price.

OBR 17" 1.9GHz iMac G5 available for $1075; save $224
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:14 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return 17" 1.9GHz iMac G5s available today for $1075.99. Look for item number 00410209. That represents a $224 savings over unopened boxes.

Reconditioned 1.9GHz iMac G5 available for $1149; save $150
Tuesday, January 10 2006 @ 9:10 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 1.9GHz iMac G5s available for $1149. Look for item number 6219679. That's a $150 discount over new models.

Updated laptop and desktop price trackers at macprices.net
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 10:27 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our price trackers at macprices.net with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability on new and clearance systems from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. The following trackers are available:

PowerBooks | iBooks

Power Macs | iMacs | eMacs | Mac minis

Clearance laptops | Clearance desktops

iPods | iPod nanos | iPod shuffles

Keep an eye on the trackers as new products (if any) are introduced at Macword Expo on Tuesday. We'll be updating them continuously with the latest information.

MacWorld 2006: What to Watch For
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 10:04 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

The world's premier consumer electronics trade show just wrapped up yesterday in Las Vegas, but CES 2006 was just the warm up act to the Apple Faithful gathering today in San Francisco, CA. MacWorld 2006 kicks off this morning in the City by the Bay, but the real action starts tomorrow morning at 9, Pacific Time, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs takes the stage for his annual Keynote address.

I'll be at San Francisco's Moscone Center covering the Keynote live for PowerBook Central, and providing further coverage throughout the week. Read More...

2005 12" 1.5GHz Apple Refurbished PowerBook G4s available from $1199
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:59 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today starting at $1199. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1199

The Apple Store, Canada offers Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4s
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:56 AM ET | Article Link
 The Apple Store, Canada is offering Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4s starting at CDN$1499. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available (prices are in CDN$):

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4: $2399
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1749
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1549
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1499

Up to $200 off PowerBooks and iBooks through the 17th
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:49 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com's mail-in rebate takes up to $200 off the price of a new PowerBook or iBook (PDF form) through January 17th. 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 form (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

All models are in stock today with 24-hour shipping.

Best PowerBook and iBook bundle; 1GB RAM, all-in-one printer, case, MS Office, and more
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:48 AM ET | Article Link
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 and a carrying case, both 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) through January 9th. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate 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

Free Epson all-in-one printer with Mac purchase through January 16th
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:38 AM ET | Article Link
Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through January 16th 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" 1.67GHz early-2005 PowerBook available for $1699
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:37 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699. Look for item number 5682928. Their price is the lowest we've seen for a 1.67GHz 17" PowerBook.

OBR 15" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $1619; save $380
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:35 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1619.99. Look for item number 00389441. That represents a $380 savings over new, unopened boxes.

Up to $200 off Mac desktops through January 17th
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:20 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $200 off the price of a new Mac through January 17th (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 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:

- 1.42GHz Mac mini/SuperDrive: $619.99 MSRP $699; sku B0009U7YD2
- 1.42GHz Mac mini/Combo: $519.99 MSRP $599; sku B0009U7Y0U
- 1.25GHz Mac mini/Combo: $469.99 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

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1198
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:12 AM ET | Article Link
CompUSA has new, leftover 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1198.98. Look for item number 318698. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

1.25GHz Mac mini available for $488
Monday, January 9 2006 @ 9:05 AM ET | Article Link
ABT Electronics has the 512MB 1.25GHz Mac mini available for $488. That's $11 off MSRP, and no rebates are involved. Look for item number M9686LL/B. Free ground shipping is included.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Clearance Prices
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 10:01 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook 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.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 10:00 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Tracker and iBook G4 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:58 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.

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1799; save $200
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:55 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of reconditioned late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $1799. Look for item number 6206106. That represents a $200 savings over new models.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:54 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.

17" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 (reconditioned) available for $2249; save $250
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:53 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 17" late-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $2249. That represents a $250 savings over new models. Look for item number 6190642.

10% off some iPods today
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:49 AM ET | Article Link
Use coupon code TCBBSTGST during the checkout process at Target to take 10% off the price of some iPods today. The discount is valid through January 31st. The following nano and video models are in stock today:

- Black 2GB iPod nano: $180 (MSRP $199) sku B0007Y79AI
- White 60GB iPod video: $360 (MSRP $399) sku B000A3WS20

15" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1559
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:44 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 15" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1569.99. Look for item number TR2046. 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 $1559.99.

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

Refurbished 17" PowerBooks available starting at $1799
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:42 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1799. They also have refurbished early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $1999. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are included for free with each PowerBook.

2GB iPod nanos in stock today with free $10 iTunes gift card
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:32 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has 2GB iPod nanos in stock today for $199.96 including a free $10 iTunes gift card. No fees or rebates are involved. Look for item number 00390470 (White) and item number 00390473 (Black).

$10 rebate available on iPod nanos
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 9:22 AM ET | Article Link
Use this $10 mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 31st to take $10 off the price of an iPod nano at MacConnection. Including the rebate, the 2GB nano goes for $184, while the 4GB nano has a final price of $234. All models are in stock today.

Reconditioned Power Mac G5/2.5GHz/Quad available for $2999; save $300
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 8:30 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 2.5GHz Quad-core Power Mac G5s available today for $2999. Look for item number 6244348. That represents a $300 savings over new models.

AirPort Express available for $99; save $30
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 8:25 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 512MB Mac minis available starting at $429; save up to $100
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 8:24 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 512MB Mac minis available today starting at $429. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following minis are available:

- 1.25GHz 512MB Mac mini: $429 $70 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/Combo: $519 $80 off new
- 1.42GHz 512MB Mac mini/SuperDrive: $599 $100 off new

Save up to $400 with Apple refurbished Cinema Displays
Friday, January 6 2006 @ 8:20 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished Cinema Displays available today for up to $400 off the price of new models. Each display comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 30" Display: $2099 MSRP $2499
- 23" Display: $1099 MSRP $1299
- 20" Display: $699 MSRP $799

Best PowerBook and iBook bundle; 1GB RAM, all-in-one printer, case, MS Office, and more
Thursday, January 5 2006 @ 8:45 AM ET | Article Link
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 and a carrying case, both 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) through January 9th. The price discount and RAM upgrade offers cannot be combined. Here are the model numbers -- prices reflect mail-in rebate 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

Up to $200 off PowerBooks and iBooks through the 17th
Thursday, January 5 2006 @ 8:43 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com's mail-in rebate takes up to $200 off the price of a new PowerBook or iBook (PDF form) through January 17th. 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 form (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

All models are in stock today with 24-hour shipping.

Current Apple Store promos and savings
Thursday, January 5 2006 @ 8:42 AM ET | Article Link
Take advantage of the following savings and promotions at The Apple Store when you buy a new Mac:

(1) Use this mail-in rebate coupon (PDF form) at The Apple Store through January 16th 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. All new Macs are in stock today, but there is a 5-7 wait for the Epson printer.

(2) The Apple Store is offering a 50% discount on Microsoft Office for Mac with the purchase of any computer through January 31st, 2006. Use this PDF rebate form. The following discounts apply:

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

(3) The Apple Store allows you to choose an internal Combo Drive as opposed to the standard SuperDrive available with each new PowerBook. This saves $50 on the price of a new 'Book and also increases the wait time from 24 hours to 1-2 business days:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook/Combo: $2449
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1949
- 12" 1.50GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1449

Choose an internal Combo Drive instead of the standard SuperDrive with your custom-configured 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4, and take $100 off the price for a total of $1199. As configured, these iBooks are shipping in 1-2 business days. Use this option only if you have no need to burn DVDs.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:48 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Tracker and iBook G4 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

PowerBook Mystique Review: Laptop Stands For Serious Road Use - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:48 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

There are possibly two-dozen different laptop stands on the market, in a fascinating variety of configurations, but most are suitable only for use in desktop-substitute mode, being too bulky and heavy to take along on serious road-warrioring forays.

However, there are some notable exceptions, small and light enough to fit conveniently in a typical laptop carry-case or backpack, but capable of elevating your 'Book from the lap or work surface to improve cooling and/or ergonomics, especially in conjunction with a lightweight, take-along external keyboard § which will be the topic of a future PowerBook Mystique column. Read More...

Product Review: DLO HomeDock for iPod
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:46 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

The iPod accessory market just grows and grows, and every new generation of the little gadget that turned Apple's bottom line around brings with it a slew of new (or slightly renewed) gizmos to extend the media player's capabilities. While few of these accessories actually give the iPod new functionality, the best of them let you use it in more places, more easily, and with better results.

DLO's new HomeDock is one of those accessories. Built to fit most any full-sized iPod or iPod nano, the HomeDock combines versatility and simplicity with a sharp design that makes it a winner. If you're looking for a way to integrate your iPod into your home entertainment center, particularly if you've got a newer iPod or nano that features photo and/or video playback, the HomeDock is well worth a look. Read More...

OBR 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/SuperDrive available for $1619
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:35 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return early-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1619.99. Look for item number 00389441.

iMac G5s available with wireless keyboard and mouse for $39 + up to $75 off MSRP
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:30 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has the 1.9GHz iMac G5 available today for $1333 including a free Apple Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mouse. Look for item number 6125795. Purchased separately, the keyboard and mouse would cost $119, but they're only $39 in this bundle. The 20" 2.1GHz iMac G5 is available for $1733 with the same bundle. Look for item number 6125816.

Use this mail-in rebate (PDF form), good through January 31st, to take $50 off the price of the 1.9GHz model and $75 off the 2.1GHz iMac. This rebate lowers the price of the iMac + bundled keyboard and mouse to $1283 for the 1.9GHz iMac G5 and $1658 for the 20" 2.1GHz model.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1198
Wednesday, January 4 2006 @ 7:26 AM ET | Article Link
CompUSA has new, leftover 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1198.98. Look for item number 318704 . Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

Up to $200 off new Mac desktops through the 17th
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 7:07 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering mail-in rebates worth up to $200 off the price of a new Mac through January 17th (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 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:

- 1.42GHz Mac mini/SuperDrive: $619.99 MSRP $699; sku B0009U7YD2
- 1.42GHz Mac mini/Combo: $519.99 MSRP $599; sku B0009U7Y0U
- 1.25GHz Mac mini/Combo: $469.99 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 Desktops Price Tracker
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 6:56 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. Note the impressive offerings available today from The Apple Store.

Save up to $400 with Apple refurbished Cinema Displays
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 6:47 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished Cinema Displays available today for up to $400 off the price of new models. Each display comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

- 30" Display: $2099 MSRP $2499
- 23" Display: $1099 MSRP $1299
- 20" Display: $699 MSRP $799

2004 12" PowerBooks available starting at $1099
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 6:43 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.33GHz 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" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1149
- 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $719
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 6:43 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available again for $719. An Apple one-year warranty and free ground shipping are included. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

Apple refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4s available starting at $999
Tuesday, January 3 2006 @ 6:42 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 14" 1.33GHz iBooks available 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.

$10 rebate available on iPod nanos; extended through the 31st
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 9:08 AM ET | Article Link
Use this $10 mail-in rebate (PDF form) through January 31st to take $10 off the price of an iPod nano at MacConnection. Including the rebate, the 2GB nano goes for $184, while the 4GB nano has a final price of $234. 2GB nanos are in stock today.

10% off at Target extended through the 31st
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 9:05 AM ET | Article Link
Use coupon code TCBBSTGST during the checkout process at Target through January 31st to take 10% off your entire order. This includes iPods and accessories. Coupon can only be used online, and it expires at midnight on the 31st. Several models of iPod nanos, shuffles, and videos are in stock today.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 9:04 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Tracker and iBook G4 Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Clearance Prices
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 9:03 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook 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.

PowerBooks and iBooks available with 1GB RAM upgrade plus all-in-one printer
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 9:02 AM ET | Article Link
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 and a carrying case, both 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.

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1494 sku 194027
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $1994 sku 683829
- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2494 sku 683832

- 14" 1.42GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1294 sku 766222
- 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $994 sku 766221

Refurbished 17" PowerBooks available starting at $1799
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:55 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1799. They also have refurbished early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $1999. An Apple one-year warranty and ground shipping are included for free with each PowerBook.

2005 12" 1.5GHz Apple Refurbished PowerBook G4s available from $1199
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:54 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today starting at $1199. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1199

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1199
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:52 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. Their price is the lowest we've seen for that model.

17" 1.67GHz early-2005 PowerBook available for $1699
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:50 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned early-2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699. Look for item number 5682928. Their price is the lowest we've seen for a 1.67GHz 17" PowerBook.

50% off MS Office for Mac with systems purchase
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:48 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, 2006. Use this PDF rebate form. The following discounts apply:

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

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1799; save $200
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:47 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection continues to report stock of reconditioned late-2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives for $1799. Look for item number 6206106. That represents a $200 savings over new models.

17" early-2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 available for $1799
Monday, January 2 2006 @ 8:45 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.

Up to $200 off PowerBooks and iBooks through the 17th
Sunday, January 1 2006 @ 1:44 PM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com's mail-in rebate takes up to $200 off the price of a new PowerBook or iBook (PDF form) through January 17th. 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 form (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

All models are in stock today with 24-hour shipping.

Week's Best PowerBook and iBook Deals
Sunday, January 1 2006 @ 1:41 PM ET | Article Link
We've posted the Week's Best PowerBook Deals and the Week's Best iBook G4 Deals at macprices.net for Sunday, the 1st of January. And don't forget to check out the Deal of the Week, where we point you to one great deal each week.

MacConnection extends mail-in rebates on systems and iPods
Sunday, January 1 2006 @ 1:38 PM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has extended their mail-in rebates (PDF form) on systems and iPods through January 31st. Save up to $200 on the price of a new Mac system, and take up to $20 off the price of a new iPod with these rebates. See the PDF form for more details, or view the discounts for each system on the price trackers at macprices.net.