Laptops are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, as IT companies strain to keep up with consumer demand for faster, sleeker, and lighter mobile devices. Apple
Slim, ultra-light laptops combine the best characteristics of notebooks and tablets. These state-of-the-art ultrabooks are powered by microprocessors made by Intel
According to information procured by AppleInsider, the new, improved MacBook Pro will feature solid-state drives, increased battery life, and the instant-on ability of which mobile users are so enamored. It will closely resemble the MacBook Air and is expected to launch sometime this spring in the ever-popular 15-inch size. The source of this information also speculated that the current MacBook Pro will be phased out over the next few months, presumably as the new model gains a foothold.
Apple takes steps to protect its market share
While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Apple is scarcely sitting still while rivals attempt to undercut one of its most lucrative products. The Cupertino titan recently exercised its considerable market muscle to persuade a Taiwan-based contractor it uses for its iPhones to stop manufacturing the Asus Zenbook, a MacBook Air lookalike. Not surprisingly, the contractor chose Apple when presented with an "us or them" ultimatum.
In other news, Apple was awarded a barrel full of patents recently, one of which seems to protect the design and appearance of the MacBook Air from copycats. What Apple plans to do with this new patent remains to be seen, but who, besides Asus, should be concerned?
Currently, Toshiba's Portege, Lenovo's IdeaPad, and the Acer Inspire S3 are all laptops that closely resemble the Air. Also very similar is Dell's
Whether or not rival computer makers are worried about the wrath of Apple, the company will almost certainly continue to dominate the ultrabook market. While some ultrabook makers were so concerned about selling price that they requested a discount from Intel on the microprocessors, Apple already knows that its product will sell, no matter what the price. Think you've seen the highest stock price for Apple? Just wait until the new MacBook Pro comes to market. Better yet, jump on the Apple cart now, before the new highs. Because, as they say, "You ain't seen nothing yet."
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