Macintosh Topic Center

Reviews, news, in-depth analysis and more about Macintosh computers

Vanishing into thin [MacBook] Air: Shortages signal WWDC refresh

Apple's lowest-priced MacBook Air was out of stock on Amazon.com as of Friday, hinting that rumors of a refresh in two weeks are on target.
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Apple to build Macs in low-tax Texas

Apple will build Macs in Texas using some parts made in the U.S., CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday, putting a little flesh on a pledge from last December.

The iPhone's big lead in customer satisfaction is gone

Apple's dominance in smartphone customer satisfaction faded last year, with rivals like Samsung and Motorola dramatically closing the gap, a national survey said today.

Apple breaks into Fortune 500's top 10

Apple climbed the Fortune 500 this year to the No. 6 spot, its highest-ever ranking, its first time in the top 10, and the top technology company on the influential list, replacing sagging HP.

Rare working Apple-1 computer to hit auction block this month

A German auctioneer will put a working Apple-1 computer on the block later this month, and expects the handmade computer to fetch between $261,000 and $392,000 at Thursday's exchange rate.

Think different: Apple's $17B debt offers stark contrast to 1996's junk bonds

Apple's record-setting $17 billion bond offer this week stood in stark contrast to the company's darkest days, when in 1996 its millions in notes were rated as junk because investors wondered if the company would survive a thrashing by Microsoft

Yes Siri, no Siri, for the Mac

Apple's next version of OS X will probably not include Siri, the digital, voice-activated assistant embedded in the iPhone and iPad, an analyst predicted.

Moves, mistakes prove Steve Jobs era at Apple over, say analysts

Apple is clearly not Steve Jobs' company any longer, analysts said this week, citing examples from Tuesday's earning calls with Wall Street.

Apple CEO defends Mac line; analysts foresee iPad hybrids

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday defended the company's iconic Mac line, which saw a second consecutive decline in sales last quarter, and promised that Apple would continue to crank out personal computers.

Mac sales growth stalls -- here's why Apple doesn't care

Apple's Mac has been punished by shifting consumer tastes just as has the overall PC industry, data from the company's earnings statements show.

The iWatch conundrum

For the past month or so, the hot topic among Apple users has been the iWatch. Columnist Michael deAgonia weighs on whether there's really a market for the device.

Review: Apple's new 21.5-in. iMac

Apple's new iMac features a redesigned case that tapers at the edges, an optional Fusion Drive for storage and an updated system architecture, making it a stylish all-in-one desktop computer. But there are some caveats, says Michael DeAgonia.

Despite Apple, NFC is catching on -- just not for payments quite yet

Near Field Communication will become widespread at some point, most observers agree, especially if Apple eventually puts NFC in an iPhone.

Is N.Y. wooing Apple for an upstate chip plant?

Apple may be eying a site in upstate New York for a manufacturing plant that would allow it to wean itself from relying on Samsung for the A-series chips that power Apple's iOS devices.

Apple 13-in. Retina MacBook Pro review: Vibrant screen, perfect size?

After spending some time with Apple's new 13-in MacBook Pro with a Retina display, columnist Michael deAgonia is ready to dump his 15-in. laptop for good.

Review: Apple's iPad Mini 'tailor made' for those who think light

Apple's new iPad Mini delivers a full-fledged iPad experience in a smaller package, making it an ideal option for those who have been wanting a more diminutive Apple tablet, says Michael deAgonia.

Apple aims to stay atop tablet mountain

Apple has already sold 100 million iPads and the rollout this week of the iPad Mini will only add fuel to that fire, says columnist Ryan Faas.

Apple plays hardball with iPad Mini reveal

In staging an Apple event on Tuesday to unveil the long-awaited iPad Mini, Apple is poised to steal a lot of Microsoft's Windows 8 launch thunder. That's symbolic of a confident Apple, says columnist Ryan Faas.

Review: Apple's iPhone 5 destined for success

With the iPhone 5, Apple has again delivered something worthy of the iconic iPhone name and legacy, says columnist Michael deAgonia.

The iPhone 5 at work -- How companies should prepare

With the iPhone 5 slated to ship Sept. 21, the big question for business users and IT pros is how it and iOS 6 will affect them and their companies. Columnist Ryan Faas has some answers.