More MacBook Pro reviews and speed tests

The best of the bunch is a very thorough writeup by 'controller2k' on Apple's discussion forums, but MacWorld's first look and Geek Patrol's benchmarks also make for interesting reading.

More on MacBook To Buy Or Not To Buy

This story from TUAW makes me glad I waited a few more days before brandishing the plastic. Hissing CPUs and bandy screens are most definitely not acceptable in a circa-£1500 laptop. In the meantime I shall continue to monitor the situation, and cross my fingers for the speedy introduction of a Rev-B model. I shudder to think what will happen to Apple stock if it turns out that every single MacBook has this hissing problem, and unfortunately for Apple it appears that this is very likely (at least according to TUAW's admittedly-anecdotal evidence and reader comments on the same).

OLED keys coming to the MacBook Pro?

Over the last couple of weeks I have pretty much decided that I am going to buy a MacBook Pro. All I've been waiting for were the first user reviews to start appearing on the web. The first have now started to appear, so it was only a matter of a few more days before I placed an order. But, as usual, it ain't that simple.

A new report from NewTechSpy suggests that Apple's next generation laptops will implement the OLED keys which we first saw on the Optimus mini keyboard. The idea is that Apple will replace all the function keys with OLED displays and also add three new OLED buttons on either side of the trackpad. This is supposed to happen as early as January 2007, which is blindingly cool, but remember this is still just a rumour. On the other hand it would certainly fit with Apple's reputation for adopting innovative new technologies.

Apple's MagSafe power connector - perhaps not such a bad idea after all

Isn't that bloody typical? Last month I wrote about the new MacBook and mentioned its highly touted MagSafe connector. The connector is designed to easily detach in the event of any sharp tugs on the power cord. At the time I said:

Apple are making a big deal of the new MagSafe power connector, which is a magnetized power connector which easily pops out if someone tugs (or trips over) the power cord. Whilst I've never had my PowerBook fly off my lap due to someone tripping over the power cable, it's a thoughtful design touch which embodies Apple's attention to the little details.

I should have just kept my mouth shut. My Powerbook's power cord had survived unscathed for over three years, yet within a week of writing the above passage I somehow managed to trip over it! The results? See for yourself: As is always the case when disaster strikes, this happened on a Friday evening, the worst possible time. I promptly ordered a new adapter (courtesy of these fine folks) but had to wait until Monday before the order was processed and Thursday for the adapter to actually arrive. Note to anyone else in the same boat: not all Powerbook adapters are the same wattage so make sure you buy the correct one for your model.