“Apple is reportedly removing iPhone, iPod, and MacBook screen protectors from its online and retail stores, just a couple of weeks before the iPad hits the stand,” Sarah Jacobsson reports for PCWorld.

“Apple has yet to reveal the reason it is pulling protective products from its shelves. A popular speculation is that Apple wants to promote the idea that its product’s screens are sturdy enough that they don’t need to be protected (even though anyone who’s ever dropped an iPhone knows this is far from the case),” Jacobsson reports. “That’s no explanation for why Apple is also banning antiglare, mirrored, and privacy film, unless they also hope to promote the idea that their screens are easy to read in the sun, can double as mirrors, and have magical privacy properties.”

Jacobsson reports, “Another speculation is that the products, while popular, are hard to apply and thus have a higher rate of return than other products.”

Apple’s “latest iPhone and iPod Touch screens are surprisingly resistant to, well, everything — from finger oil to water to barbecue sauce, and don’t scratch very easily. Even my iPhone 3G (without the [3GS's] ‘oleophobic’ screen) is pretty resistant to scratches… Macworld points out that it’s probably no coincidence that Apple is pulling screen protectors right before the introduction of the iPad — but why? Could Apple be thinking of debuting its very own line of (OLEOPHOBIC) screen protectors?”

Full article here.

Source: MacDailyNews

“I decided to buy a new MacBook Pro this month, but I changed my mind at the last minute. And I’m glad I did. It’s looking like Apple is getting ready to release the next generation pretty soon,” Mitch Wagner reports for Computerworld.

“The rumors are starting to trickle out on Apple blogs. AppleInsider says that Best Buy is expecting new Apple hardware in March,” Wagner reports. “New MacBook Pros will likely use Intel’s new mobile processors.”

“I’ll decide whether to buy a MacBook Pro when I see what Apple offers in its next generation,” Wagner reports. “I expect to buy an iPad when they become available next month. Maybe two; my wife is eyeing them hungrily. And I also expect Apple will come out with a new iPhone this summer, as they’ve done for the last three summers; and when they do, I’ll upgrade my iPhone too. So even if I don’t get a new MacBook Pro, Apple’s going to be getting a lot of my family’s money this year.”

Full article here.

Source: MacDailyNews

White House staff and others use Apple MacBooks to monitor Barack Obama’s live interview on YouTube in the Library of the White House on February 1, 2010.

Reviewing the new MacBook, Michael DeAgonia (computerworld.com) calls it ”a solid laptop that feels sculpted instead of assembled and has the processing power users need.” DeAgonia concludes that the MacBook “is a compelling computer at a compelling price,” with “beauty that is more than skin deep.”

Fans of platinum-selling R&B artist John Legend bring the same high expectations for each new album to every live concert. On his current tour, Legend, music director Eugene “Man-Man” Roberts and his band meet and beat those expectations by playing their best studio sounds along with fresh live riffs through MacBook Pro laptops running Logic Studio and MainStage.

Technology Editor Peter Ha (time.com) includes both the MacBook and iPod touch among Time Magazine’s Best Travel Gadgets of 2009. Ha lauds new MacBook features like the stylish, durable unibody enclosure, efficient LED-backlit screen, built-in 7-hour battery, and consumer friendly glass trackpad. And reviewing the 32GB iPod touch, he concludes that its larger memory capacity, speedier processor, longer battery life, and useful Voice Control feature make it “perfect for long-haul flights or everyday commutes.”

Apple today updated its popular MacBook with a new, durable polycarbonate unibody design featuring a brilliant LED-backlit display, a glass Multi-Touch trackpad and Apple’s innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life. Inheriting technology and design features from the MacBook Pro line, the new MacBook is an ideal consumer notebook for students and new Mac users, and is available for $999.