The wait is over. The debut of Intel notebooks at MacWorld arrived today during Apple CEO Steve Jobs' keynote speech.

The 15.4-inch MacBook Pro features the Intel Core Duo processor, a blazingly faster and more efficient processor than the previous G4 chip. Apple is also moving away from the Powerbook moniker in favor of the Mac name in their products. On paper, we believe that users should see performance gains comparable to the new MacBooks' competing Windows-based rivals. (For comparative purposes, check out reviews of the Acer Travelmate 8204WLMi and the HP Pavilion dv1000t).


In addition, Front Row, Apple's home theater interface, is built right in to the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. You'll get the awesome remote to go with it, as well as Apple's iSight. A magnetic power adapter is built right into the notebook, helping negate the possibility of tripping it accidentally. The specifications: a 1.67-GHz Intel Core Dup microprocessor at 1.67 GHz; 512 MB RAM; a 80 GB, 5400rpm hard drive; a 4x Superdrive; and Airport Extreme Wi-Fi connectivity, all for $1999. Prices will extend up to $2499 for faster models. ZThe first systems will be available in February.


Dual-Core Intel iMac
Accompanied by Intel CEO Paul Otellini, Jobs also announced the new desktop iMac with the Intel Core Duo processor, which will begin shipping today. Formerly expected to ship in June, the new iMac will be housed inside a chassis similar to the previous iMac G5, ship with the same 17- and 20-inch displays, and will carry the same $1,299 and $1,699 price tags as the previous iMac G5 model.


The new iMacs will use dual-core processors across the board, and Mac OS 10.4.4 (available today) will be run natively on both Intel and PowerPC Macs. Apple brand applications (iLife, iWork, Aperture, etc.) will be released in Intel-native versions as well, priced at $49 for those who are upgrading from the current version of Apple's OS.


iPod FM Remote
Also announced was a remote control for the current-generation iPod that has an integrated FM tuner. When you tune into a radio station, the station is displayed on the iPod's screen. It's pretty small, and people have been asking for something like this for a long time, though we're still wishing for this feature to be integrated into the iPod itself. The remote is available for $49 directly from Apple.


New Shows for iTunes
Jobs also added that the iTunes Music Store will offer new video content as well: NBC's (in)famous Saturday Night Live. "Best of" collections for comedians including John Belushi, Chris Farley, Dan Akroyd, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Dana Carvey, Adam Sandler, Christopher Walken, and Gilda Radner are all available today for $11.99 each. Also released are two collections of some of the best SNL sketches of all time, each containing 16 classic sketches, available for $14.99 for each collection. There's also a collection of 24 classic commercial parodies from the last 30 years, available for $9.99.



Stay tuned. We'll update with more Apple news from the Macworld Expo show floor as the day progresses.

So when are you going shopping Frank?

yamomma said:

Let's go , my supernatural harvest has come in! It's new Mac Book time for the kid!
[Edited 1/11/06 11:28am]

me too...I'm coming shopping with U.

Here's a cool video showing the new Mac Book

http://www.youtube.com/w/...1OD4jeCra0