Did Apple Hoard M1 Max processors for use in the new Mac Studio?

Mac Studio
Mac Studio

Apple announced the new Mac Studio less than two weeks ago, at their Peek Porfance event on March 8th, 2022. The new Mac is powered by either an M1 Max or the new M1 Ultra processor — which is essentially two M1 Max processors stuck together. Preorders began the same day and people have already started receiving their new Macs.

Now, here’s the thing. I ordered a new 16″ MacBook Pro with an M1 Max back on February 12th to replace my aging 2016 15″ MacBook Pro. I’m still waiting. The estimated delivery date is April 13-20, two months+ after I ordered it. My wife ordered her new MacBook Pro on the same day (replacing a 2012 model) and she received hers a couple of weeks ago. The big difference — hers is an M1 Pro (not Max).

So, this has left me wondering, did Apple hoard M1 Max processors so that they would have them available for the forthcoming announcement of the new Studio?

PLAYMOBIL Apple Store Playset

Apple Store Playset

Apple Store Playset
Apple Store Playset from ThinkGeek

Love it, love it, love it! ThinkGeek always comes up with the best stuff on April 1st. I don’t know if they’ll actually start selling these PLAYMOBIL™ Apple Store Playsets, but they sure are cool. The optional Line Pack is especially hilarious!

A year or two ago they put up this Tauntaun sleeping bag as an April Fools gag, but it was so popular they decided to actually make them. So, who knows?

Donate to Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund through iTunes

Red Cross donation through iTunes

Apple has added the ability to donate to the Red Cross Japan earthquake and pacific tsunami relief fund directly through iTunes. Donations are set in pre-defined amounts of $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, or $200, and will be deducted from your existing iTunes account. 100% of you donation will go to the Red Cross.

It’s extremely simple and fast. Just click the link below to launch iTunes, and then click the amount you wish to give. I encourage everyone to donate. If you don’t want to donate through iTunes, I encourage you to give through the Red Cross site directly, or though another organization.

Give to the Red Cross through iTunes

Get $100 back from Apple if you just bought the original iPad

When Apple announced the iPad 2 this past Wednesday, they lowered the price of the original iPad by $100. If you just bought the original iPad, don’t fret… you have the option of getting $100 back from Apple, or returning it entirely in favor of buying the new iPad 2. You just need your original receipt, and the return must be made within 14 days of purchase.

iPad 2: Thinner. Lighter. Faster.

iPad 2: Thinner. Lighter. Faster.

iPad 2: Thinner. Lighter. Faster.

Despite being on sick leave, Steve Jobs took center stage today to unveil the all new, iPad 2. The new model has been totally redesigned, and will be available March 11th.

  • Available in black or white. Unlike the (mythical) white iPhone, the white iPad will be available from day 1.
  • New 1GHz dual-core A5 chip. Apple says it will have the same 10 hour battery life, but have double the overall performance, and 9-times the graphics performance as the original iPad.
  • 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter.
  • Front and rear-facing cameras.
  • HDMI-out through a $39 adaptor.
  • Same price and storage-capacity options as the original iPad
  • Same 9.7 inch, 1024×768 display

Apple also announced a nifty new Smart Cover, and versions of Garage Band and iMove for the iPad. There’s a couple of great videos on Apple’s iPad page that really give a sense of just how cool the iPad 2 and Smart Covers really are.

I would be a liar if I said I didn’t totally want this! But, I already have the original iPad (and I love it), and I just can’t justify the upgrade right now. I can’t say I’ll be able to resist upgrading until iPad 3, but I probably won’t be running out anytime too soon.

Add-On Numeric Keypad for Wireless Apple Keyboad

lmp-numberpad.jpg

There’s no word on pricing or availability yet, but apparently LMP is coming out with a numeric keypad that attaches to the side of a standard Apple wireless keyboard.

I want this! I recently switched from Apple’s wired keyboard to their wireless version. I had to debate on it for quite a while before making the switch because I actually use the number pad, a lot. It totally bothers me that Apple doesn’t make a wireless keyboard that includes a number pad. In the end, I decided it was more important to me to have one less wire, than it was to keep the number pad. But, as soon as this is released, I can have both.

Via Macworld