Apple has updated the MacBook Pro line of notebooks with a number of small, but appreciable upgrades to speed, storage size and graphics.

The new MacBook Pros have the same look as the previous models, but have updated specs, something we had expected. Updating the specs, and leaving the exterior unchanged is common at this point in the MacBook Pro life cycle.

The new MacBook Pro models are available for purchase today at Apple stores and online. The new models retail for the same price as previous models.

New MacBook Pro Specs, Same Look

The new 13″ MacBook Pro has a hard drive bump up to 500GB and  faster Intel Core i5 2.4GHz or 2.8GHz processor options.

The 15″ MacBook Pro models now have 2.2GHz, 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz quad core Intel processor options. The new models also have better graphics options. The low end GPU is the AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB RAM and the high end offering is the new AMD Radeon HS 6770M with 1GB RAM. There are also new hard drive options, with up to a 750GB 7200 RPM drive available.

The 17″ MacBook Pro also gets a speed bump up to 2.3GHz and 2.5GHz quad core Intel processors. The graphics processor has also been bumped up to the new AMD Radeon HD 6770M GPU with 1GB RAM. There is also a new 750GB 7200 RPM hard drive option.

The new MacBook Pro Models have a number of improvements.

These new MacBook Pro models offer a collection of welcome upgrades. The new 500GB entry level storage option on the MacBook Pro is a nice touch, as 320GB was a paltry amount of storage for a $1,199 computer.

Will you be picking up a new MacBook Pro?

New MacBook Pro Models Bring Speed, Storage and GPU Updates is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Windows 7 has made great progress in replacing aging Windows XP and Windows Vista computers at home and in business and has clearly shown that Microsoft is ready to compete with usable and innovative operating systems. Not content to rest on the success, Microsoft has just shipped off a preview Windows 8 to manufacturers so that they can prepare for the new operating system. Based on the way Microsoft Launched Windows 7, we could realistically expect to see a public beta of Windows 8 later this year.

Windows 7 was, in a way, about catching up to the competition and putting the mistakes of Vista behind the company. With Windows 8, expect to see new features, expanded platforms, an embrace of 3D and further innovations.

New Features Coming in Windows 8:

• Support to run on ARM processors – Important for gaining more Windows Tablets
• 3D interface with the ability to adapt to the user
• Fast Hibernation system – saves all documents and hibernates in 6 seconds
• Dual User Interface – The standard method and a tile based interface
• System Reset – Return your computer to the original configuration with a click
• Kinect Motion Control – Rumored
• More to be announced

Windows 8 Beta

Numerous reports are also pointing to a Windows 8 public beta later this year, perhaps as early as September, during which users could try out the new Windows operating system for free. This is similar to how Microsoft launched Windows 7, and the process allowed the company to gain user feedback and make changes before the final product shipped.

Should You Wait for Windows 8

Windows 8 will likely bring about a large number of changes to Windows and could bring some great new features that you will want on your next computer. With this in mind, you may be tempted to wait for Windows 8, but we suggest that you don’t. While we expect that a beta of Windows 8 will be available later this year, Windows 8 may not ship until late 2011 or 2012. If you purchase a computer today it is likely that you will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 when it is released. As we get closer, we also expect to see manufacturers including free upgrades to Windows 8.

Windows 8 Announcement Video

Windows 8 Heads to Manufacturers, Windows 8 Beta Likely This Fall is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Redesigned MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive in the first half of 2011, according to DigiTimes. The new MacBook Pro models are expected in the first half of 2011 along with a new iMac model, possibly a 22″ size. DigiTimes expects that these new upgrades will lead to a growth of Apple notebook shipments of 30-40% in 2011.

Sources told DigiTimes that Apple will release “at least four upgraded MacBook Pros,” which will come with a new chassis design which some are expecting to model the recently released MacBook Air.

Based on past updates, expect to see an announcement of the new MacBook Pro models in February, or more likely in April alongside the announcement of the iPad 2.

MacRumor’s MacBook Pro buying guide suggests that you, “Don’t Buy – Updates soon,” but if you do need a new MacBook Pro keep in mind you might be in for a six month wait.

New MacBook Pros Rumored for Early 2011 with New Design is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

At today’s Apple Music Event in Yerba Buena Steve Jobs announced new versions of iOS for iDevices, a whole collection of new iPod models and iTunes 10 with a a music social network called Ping. Oh, and, “One more thing!”, Apple also announced the second generation of Apple TV complete with 99 cent TV show rentals.

Steve Jobs kicked off the Fall 2010 Apple Music Event by announcing iOS 4.1 which will be available next week for the iPhone and iPod touch as a free update and will include a fix for the proximity sensor. Jobs also announced iOS 4.2 which will arrive in November as a free update for the iPad as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch. iOS 4.2 catches the uPod up to the features iPhone users have been enjoying such as multi-tasking and threaded email. iOS 4.2 also adds the ability to print wirelessly and stream music local content from AirPlay, formerly known as AirTunes.

Game Center – Another part of the iOS 4.1 update is the kickoff of Game Center which makes it easy for developers to allow users to play against eachother in games on iDevices.

Being a music event it’s no surprise that Apple also announced updates to all of the iPods, shaving sizes, adding features and more power. All of the new iPods are available for pre-order today and will begin shipping next week.

iPod Shuffle – Buttons are back, Clip Still there, 15 hours music playback and VoiceOver. The iPod Shuffle will run $49.

iPod Nano – ClickWheel Gone, multitouch display in as well as a clip, 24 hours battery life, smaller and lighter. The 8GB model is $149 and the 16GB is $179.

iPod Touch – “An iPhone without the Contract” – Steve Jobs

One of the most impressive updates of the day came in the form of a new slimmer and more powerful iPod Touch. The new iPod Touch packs the same A4 processor as the iPhone and promises 40 hours of music playback. It also is packing a 3 axis gyroscope for gaming and a front facing camera for Facetime chatting. There is also a camera on the back capable of recording HD Video which users can edit with iMovie.

The new iPod Touch comes in three models:

• 8GB for $229
• 32GB for $299
• 64GB for $399

iTunes 10 and Ping

Available today, iTunes 10 ditches the CD logo it has had for a decade and adds many new features including Ping, a social music discovery tool that connects you to your friends and artists to help you find new music. Both iTunes 10 and Ping are available today for Mac and PC.

Apple TV

The final announcement was, in true Apple fashion, a whopper — the newer, smaller and cheaper Apple TV device that streams 99 cent HD TV shows, $4.99 HD first run movies, Netflix, content from your local Mac or PC as well as many other sources. The silent and slim Apple TV has no local storage, instead it connects over Ethernet or built in Wifi and connects to your TV over HDMI.

The Apple TV is available for pre-order today at $99 and will begin shipping in 4 weeks.

Apple Fall 2010 Announcements: iOS updates, Game Center, iPods, Apple TV and iTunes 10 is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Android phones have finally hit Verizon Wireless. November 6th saw the launch of both the Motorola Droid ($199 after MIR) and the HTC Droid Eris ($99 after MIR) which brought an air of excitement to Verizon; not seen for quite some time. The Motorola Droid brings a huge screen, 5MP camera, Android 2.0, Google Nav and much more to the Verizon Network.

Check out our impression and Motorola Droid Review Roundup.

After spending a day with the Motorola Droid, I shared my initial impressions at WalletPop in regards to how the Motorola Droid will affect the cell phone industry –it’s already rumored that AT&T will be rolling out an 8GB iPhone 3GS to compete with the Droid!

“Yes, it has a keyboard; but it isn’t the greatest. Yes, it has an amazing screen, but there’s no dedicated place to buy TV shows and movies. And finally, yes, the Droid has a 5MP camera, but it won’t replace your point-and-shoot.

That said, the Droid has a great network, an app store free of Apple’s tight grip, turn-by-turn navigation with Google Nav, and the much-improved Android 2.0 operating system, which all combine for an enjoyable experience. … but the bottom line is, if you’re a Verizon customer, this is the droid you’ve been looking for!”

With that said; here are a collection of Motorola Droid reviews from across the web to help you decide if the Motorola Droid fits your needs.

PC Mag: “The Motorola Droid is the first truly lust-worthy smartphone from Verizon Wireless, and it puts all other Google Android phones to shame. Motorola may have stinted on a few of the basics in its quest for mind-blowing smartphone power. But the first Android 2.0 phone is definitely the most advanced and exciting device connecting to Verizon today.” – Sascha Segan

Engadget: “A physical keyboard can be a blessing or a curse, depending on just how well (or poorly) it performs. In the case of Android devices, QWERTYs have definitely been hit or miss. We think the closest case for comparison with the DROID’s version would be the G1; both have shallow, clicky keys, and both force your right hand into a bit of an awkward position. On the G1, it’s due to the placement of the “chin,” and with the DROID, it’s all down to the five-way rocker living next to the ‘board itself. We’re happy to report, however, that after a short adjustment period, typing on the DROID is a reasonable experience. It’s not as slick or comfortable as a nice, portrait-oriented Tour or (better yet) Bold layout, though it bests the CLIQ, and holds its own against other landscape contenders like the Moment.” – Joshua Topolsky

Boy Genius Report: “Design is always going to be subjective, but in a world of curves and tapered edges, it’s downright thrilling to see a handset that’s angular, retro-looking and extremely masculine. Sorry, ladies. You’ll always have Droid Eris… We just love the styling of the DROID. It’s minimalistic in a lot of ways, not cluttered with useless buttons and switches, and overall is solid as a rock. The slide mechanism is not spring-assisted, but the click is reassuring enough to warrant a comforting feeling when opening or closing the handset. One thing physically we’re not thrilled with is the looseness of the volume up and down key. It slides up, down, front and back and generally feels like it’s just going to fall off over time. Both the unit we received from Verizon as well as our older unit exhibit the same behaviors.” – Boy Genius

Gizmodo: “Droid’s 3.7-inch, 854×480 display with an eye-popping pixel density of 267ppi, is the kind of screen you ache for. An analogy: Do you remember how amazing you thought Nintendo 64 games looked, ten years ago? Have you looked at them lately? Do you remember the sinking feeling you got, realizing just how ugly they are now? That’s how’ll you’ll feel looking at every other phone with the now-standard 480×320 screens we thought were so gorgeous a couple of years ago. They’re lo-fi and lifeless by comparison.” – Matt Buchanan

SlashGear: “Call quality has been a pleasant surprise coming from the iPhone 3GS, and we’ve had nearly a 100-percent success ratio avoiding dropped calls. Verizon’s network has offered speedy EVDO Rev.A downloads and consistent coverage, and sound quality from both the earpiece and the speakerphone were top notch. You need to turn the DROID screen-down to get the very best out of the speakers which are mounted behind the narrow gold mesh strip along the back of the smartphone but once you do that there’s volume to spare.” – Vincent Nguyen

All Things Digital: “But this week, Verizon (VZ) is rolling out a device that finally gives it a more credible alternative. This new $200 phone is the Motorola Droid and it’s the first Verizon model to run Google’s (GOOG) Android smart-phone operating system. I’ve been testing the Droid, and while it has some significant drawbacks, I regard it as a success overall. It’s the best super-smart phone Verizon offers, the best Motorola (MOT) phone I’ve tested and the best hardware so far to run Android. I can recommend the Droid to Verizon loyalists who have lusted for a better smart phone, but don’t want to switch networks.” – Walter S. Mossberg

Phandroid: “I turned the phone on 100% brightness, set the screen to Never Sleep”, loading a bundle of MP3s on my SD Card and opened the media player to Play All” with Repeat All Songs”. I also used Google Navigation for an hour… WHILE the music was still playing and phone was on full brightness. Here are the results:

So there you have it… 7 hours and 1 minute. That is REALLY good.” – Rob Jackson – Also Full Motorola Droid Review on Phandroid

Chicago Sun Times: “Buy the Droid if you feel you must have a mechanical keyboard. Buy it if you prefer Verizon’s 3G coverage. Buy it if you prefer an open file system and an open app distribution scheme as a matter of principle. Don’t allow those two things to shape your thinking if you expect them to come with a great many practical advantages; they won’t.

Personally, I think the App Store tips the scale solidly in the iPhone’s favor. But the Droid and the iPhone are pretty damned close. If none of the above advantages sway you, you could buy either phone and be equally happy.” – Andy Ihnatko

NY Times: “In addition to great speed, great audio and great cell signal, the Droid offers Android 2.0′s new navigation software. It’s as close to a suction-cup GPS unit as you can get on a cellphone, with spoken street names, color coding to indicate traffic, map icons (for parking, gas and so on), satellite view and even street photos of any address. Buy the $30 windshield bracket, which fires up the GPS automatically when you insert the Droid, and nobody will know you’re not running some $500 GPS unit.” – David Pogue

The Motorola Droid Review Roundup – !DROID! is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Today, Fujitsu announced several major modifications to its product line-up and unveiled a host of new computers. These releases are additions to the Lifebook series, expanding  the selection with a couple of new tablets, an ultra-thin notebook, a desktop-replacement notebook, and a mini-notebook. Let’s take a peek at the full details and specifications!

The LifeBook T4310 and the T4410 are the latest convertible tablets from Fujitsu. You can see the lightweight T4310 model pictured above; these computers can weigh as little as 3.9 pounds. The laptops are equipped with a dual digitizer for advanced multitouch capabilities and are highly customizable- you can add an additional battery, an extra hard drive, or even an optical drive without modifying the tablet’s size! You can also opt for a webcam, integrated fingerprint scanner, and HDMI, VGA, FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3 USB ports to the tablets as well.  The two new tablets are preloaded with Windows 7 Home Premium, as well as the helpful Fujitsu Touch Launcher which allows easy access to installed applications and improves navigation.

The computers come with a 12.1-inch WXGA LED backlight display, attached to a bi-directional hinge for easy conversion from a notebook to tablet and vice-versa. They’re powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6670 (2.20 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB) and can come with up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Hard drives sizes can vary but can go up to 320GB; a SD slot is also included for easy access to flash memory cards. The LifeBook T4310 starts at $1,099 and is designed for students and consumers while the T4410, which is marketed for mobile professionals, can cost up to $1,299.

The LifeBook P3010, pictured above, is the new ultraportable machine. It comes with a 11.6″ Crystal View WXGA HD display, has a full keyboard, and weighs a light 3.5 pounds. It is powered by the AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 Processor (1.60 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache) and can be configured with to 2GB of RAM. It can have up to 3 USB ports and comes at a great price- $549. An external optical drive can be purchased for an additional fee.

The LifeBook A1220 is Fujitsu’s best-equipped model, designed to compete against desktops. As you can see above, it’s a 15.6″ notebook with a built-in optical drive, which can be upgraded from a Dual-Layer Multi-Format DVD Writer to a Blu-Ray Reader. For easy online communication, a web camera and microphone are integrated into the notebook. You can choose between a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.20 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB) or a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P7450 (2.13 GHz, 3 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB) and can have up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. As you may expect, there are plenty of ports and slots, including one for HDMI support, four USB 2.0 ports, MemoryStick/SD slot, and ExpressCard slot. The Lithium ion 6-cell battery promises up to 5 hours of battery life. Depending on the features you select, the A1220 can cost between$749 to $999.

The newest mini-notebook, the Fujitsu M2011,  is very similar to the older model, the M2010. The main difference is the upgrade to Windows 7 Starter and an increase in hard drive size. The M2011 is has a 10.1-inch LCD display and is a very light 2.83 pound netbook. It’s powered by the Intel Atom N280 processor and can have up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM.

Fujitsu Updates Offerings for Windows 7 Launch is a post by Bogdan Semida from Notebooks.com.