Chris Pirillo » macbook

MacBook Air Initial Impressions

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:34:48 +0000

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Apple’s MacBook Air is arguably the most elegant portable computer on the market. The device is lightweight and thin. But how does it stack up for practical use? Is the processor speed fast enough? Does the MacBook Air come with enough RAM to be practical? Is the machine really as light as people claim? Here are some first impressions of the 11.6-inch MacBook Air, along with the best and worst of what Apple’s smallest laptop has to offer.

This little baby comes with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. You can also choose the optional 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. You’ll find 2GB of RAM onboard with a 4GB maximum capacity. The 11.6-inch high-res screen has support for about a million colors. The device comes with a standard full-sized keyboard and a pretty sweet multi-touch trackpad. You can pinch, rotate, swipe, three and four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap and drag right from your trackpad.

You’ll be happy to find the built-in EyeSight camera, two USB ports, a microphone and of course a headphone jack. The NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor is enough to handle most of your graphics needs, and more than enough in a such a small portable device.

What’s interesting about this machine is that there’s no disk drive. Complaining that a computer such as this doesn’t have a tray for a disc is like complaining that YouTube doesn’t have a slot to stick things in. This machine doesn’t need any type of removable media (disc) options, honestly. The 13-inch model has an SD slot if you are really in need of one.

The MacBook Air is actually much faster than a new laptop that I recently won, likely due to the processor style inside of both machines. It’s also a better device than the MSI Wind netbook I happen to own. Can you not see the huge difference in profile between the Wind and the Air? The MacBook Air wins out when it comes to speed, thinness and even looks. I happen to prefer that gorgeous aluminum. That’s part is personal preference, of course.

I personally think that my Air was a bargain at a bit over $800 USD and free shipping. It has better specs at the base level than many “higher-end” netbooks and notebooks.

I happen to LOVE that this machine has “instant-on” features. I open the lid, and it is ready to go. There’s no waiting on an operating system to load. I don’t have to sit here and whistle Dixie while waiting for the device to wake itself up.

I am also adoring the layout itself. The keyboard is just perfect for my fingers. Even though I have small hands, the keyboards on most small-ish devices just don’t work for me. I end up making eighteen typos before the end of any given sentence. I don’t have this problem with my Air.

If you’re on the go and need something to carry with you, I think this device will suit your needs perfectly. I’m told that it runs Windows very well, even though I haven’t tried it yet myself. This machine is fast, it’s light and it works very VERY well.

Have you used the new MacBook Air? What are your initial impressions?

MacBook Air Initial Impressions

Which Notebook Do You Prefer?

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:16:51 +0000

Which Notebook Do You Prefer?

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If you aren’t a fan of the questions being answered in these videos, you can pop into the chat room and ask something original of your own! One chatter wanted to know recently why it is I chose to go with the MacBook Pro instead of another brand or model. The answer is simple: it’s all about software for me.

Yes, there *may* be better choices out there for hardware. But I’m happy with what is inside of my MacBook Pro. I just happen to prefer OS X over other choices. However, I can still run Windows or Linux on this machine, so why would I need anything else?

If you aren’t a Mac fan, more power to ya. I simply like it. Yes, I have Windows machines in my home – and I DO use them. This machine carries everything that I need, and it works well.

Isn’t that what it’s all about? At the end of the day, you need to use what works for you and whatever you are most comfortable with. I’m not different.

Which Notebook Do You Prefer?

Do You Have a New MacBook Air?

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:22:58 +0000

Do You Have a New MacBook Air?

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Angelo is one of our Lockergnome bloggers, writing about all things Android. He recently purchased a 13″ MacBook Air and recorded the unboxing for us. The video is short, sweet and to the point – and Angelo is as excited as a kid on Christmas morning.

The new MacBook Air is likely the thinnest – and lightest – notebook on the market. It’s sleek design has people all over the world drooling… including those who aren’t normally OS X users.

The machine wakes from sleep in an instant and is build around Flash storage. This keeps your device light – almost like air. The battery is built to last – and last – and last. It boasts a high-resolution, pixel-perfect display. I have to admit, the display IS gorgeous.

The 13″ MacBook Air comes standard with a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics. You can choose from either 128GB or 256GB of Flash storage.

I love the enthusiasm that Angelo has. What is the last item you bought or received that made you this excited?

Do You Have a New MacBook Air?

Are You a Ninja?

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 13 May 2010 06:49:48 +0000

Are You a Ninja?

According to research conducted at both Facebook and LinkedIn, an increasing number of people have job descriptions that include the word “ninja” in the title. Both sites have in-house researchers who look at all of the junk that is posted on their respective sites and then try to make sense of it. That is a job I definitely wouldn’t want to have.

According to the chief scientist for LinkedIn, “From 2002 to 2007, there was an increase in job titles using the word “ninja” to designate a position requiring a high level of skill. “Evangelist” and “guru” were other titles that rose during the same period, although guru has since dropped in popularity.” Perhaps someone who decides they are the newest social media god (or goddess) will now call themselves a “Social Media Ninja.” Ohhh I know! Maybe Gordon Ramsay is a Kitchen Ninja!”

Are you a ninja?

You don’t have to be a ninja to grab the latest software and apps we’ve been able to find for you.

Are You a Ninja?

How to Make a Glossy Screen Matte

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 08 May 2010 04:12:32 +0000

How to Make a Glossy Screen Matte

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When I ordered my new MacBook Pro not long ago, I decided to go with the glossy screen. I’m a matte fan, but I don’t like the way that Apple does those on their notebooks. The device isn’t all black with the matte screen, and it ends up getting a lot of gunk and debris around it. My friends over at RadTech happened to see the unboxing video, and sent along their ClearCal for me to use.

Before applying the screen protector, you have to make sure the screen is absolutely clean. There should be no smudges, dirt or debris anywhere on the surface. Always have a can of air and some scotch tape handy to help you get rid of anything unwanted. I use Monster iClean spray to get rid of any smudges. You’ll also want to have a credit card ready to help smooth out any air bubbles.

The ClearCal reduces glare coming from the pretty glossy screens on your devices. It also protects them from gathering fingerprints, dust and various little pieces of debris. Installing any brand of these is not an easy task. I’m happy to report that this one actually goes on much easier than any I’ve tried in the past.

ClearCal’s hardened surface resists scratches and abrasions and is easy to clean. In addition to glare reduction, ClearCal provides a level of impact protection and minimizes the appearance of oils or streaking if the display is touched.

Now that I spent all of this time putting this sucker on right, it’s never coming off! I’m very happy with my new matte screen. Thanks, RadTech!

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How to Make a Glossy Screen Matte

Best Mac for a Student

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:26:40 +0000

Best Mac for a Student

A common question, indeed:

I’m Adam Griffiths – a long time YouTube subscriber. Love your videos, and I occasionally jump in the live chat.

I’m in the UK and am heading to University this September to study Computer Science. I currently have a Late 2007 MacBook, 2.0Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM. It has served me well. I’m debating (1) buying a 15″ MacBook Pro or (2) an iMac and an iPad for portability.

The question I am asking is: which do you think is better for me? A 15″ MacBook Pro with power and portability or n 27″ iMac (the power) with the iPad (portability). Now, if I did have an iPad, the main thing I’d be doing would be taking notes on it. So, it’s not like I believe I could use it in place of a laptop.

One last thing – how is your 17″ MacBook Pro? I have been eyeing it up since I saw your video. I feel it may be too heavy and maybe the screen would be too small for me. I have a 13″ MacBook and use a 19″ external monitor. Maybe I just answered my own question there. :)

I would have killed to have any kind of portable computing device with me in college (or at any school, for that matter). You don’t always want to be chained to a desk to do your “education thing,” do you?

My suggestion is to go with an MacBook first (whichever one you can afford most). If you see the value of carrying an iPad separately, it’s definitely recommended for all-day computing and note-taking (with wireless keyboard in tow).

You asked about iMmortal (the name of my current 17″ MacBook pro, as sponsored by PC Pitstop). I should also thank @Outsanity for giving her the name, too. She’s doing fine. I’ve been very happy with her battery life, too. I don’t yet regret snagging the glossy screen model, and the SSD is performing like a champ (though it may need further optimization). Given that I only wheel my accessories when I travel, weight isn’t a factor for me. While I’m on the subject, let me recommend that you also get some kind of knapsack that rolls.

As always, I ask that you go through my own affiliate link for Apple [http://go.tagjag.com/apple] for buying something with Apple so that I might get the referral credit for dispensing free advice (which you requested). :)

Best Mac for a Student

MacBook Pro Unboxing

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:48:15 +0000

MacBook Pro Unboxing

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What’s so exciting about watching somebody unbox a new product? I’m not quite sure, but I’ll do it in front of a live virtual audience any day. Over 1,300 of you tuned in for that particular broadcast! If you think this is boring, you’re probably correct. There’s honestly not much to it, folks.

I was able to get a brand-new MacBook Pro courtesy of our friends at PC Pitstop. Upon opening the machine for the first time, I have to echo what one person said in our chat room… this thing is “Geekalicious!!”

I’m heading off to Washington DC for a few days, and then to Hawaii next week to speak at a conference. The new MacBook is going to get a workout, so I’ll let you know how well it works when I return!

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MacBook Pro Unboxing

How to Order a New MacBook Pro

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:31:35 +0000

How to Order a New MacBook Pro

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According to Apple, the new MacBook Pro line is the fastest and most powerful ever. They now come with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. Each one happens to contain next-gen nVidia graphics. I am about to order one of these gorgeous little babies for myself, thanks to PC Pitstop.

I like the big screen, so I decided to go with the 17″ MacBook Pro. The big question to be answered is in the type of screen… glossy or matte. My current MacBook Pro has a matte screen, which is anti-glare. I like that a lot. However, crumbs and crud collects around the edge of the screen. The new glossy screen doesn’t have that issue. It’s a more seamless design.

In terms of performance, we’re looking at a pretty big boost in speed over the last generation of MacBook Pro. When building, I went with the i7 processor. The vote in the chat room was unanimous on that, so I had to follow their directions. Memory-wise, I went with the 8 GB of RAM. When it came to the hard drive, I went with the 512 Solid-State drive. I have an SSD in my Mac main machine, and I LOVE it.

I had to choose the screen type next. The chatters convinced me to go with the glossy screen. I’ll end up getting a matte screen protector I’m sure. We chose the English keyboard, of course. I skipped getting the mini display port to DVI, because Griffin makes one I really like. I did end up grabbing the mini display port to VGA, though, since I travel a lot.

The AppleCare Protection Plan is an absolute must. I clicked that particular button with a flourish. It’s saved my butt – and my wallet – MANY times in the past.

I do have to thank PC PitStop once again for sponsoring this awesome new machine.

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How to Order a New MacBook Pro

Should I Get a Mac or PC?

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:10:11 +0000

Should I Get a Mac or PC?

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I had to chuckle when this particular caller tried to start the old war… Mac vs PC! *sigh* Do you know how often I hear that? However, this guy was a bit more specific. He’s starting college, and wanted to know whether I felt an HP TouchSmart computer would be better for him, or a MacBook Pro. I hate when someone asks my opinion on what is better for them! I really do!

I cannot begin to tell you what will work best for any of you. That’s something only you can decide, and it depends on any number of factors. How much do you have to spend? What will you need the device for? These are the kinds of things you need to think about. I have no way of knowing what will fit your particular needs. You have to do your homework.

That said, I do happen to have an HP TouchSmart. It’s an excellent machine, to be sure. It’s functional, but it’s not as responsive as the interface on the iPad is, largely due to the type of screen and the technology that was used to build it. Not all touch screens are made the same, just like all cars are not built alike.

I recommend you get what you want. Ultimately, there will be one killer feature for you. If touch is the killer feature, then the obvious choice is the HP. It may boil down to price or support for you, as well. You have to decide what features are important to you, and what will fit your lifestyle the best.

Don’t take my word for it. Choose wisely, young grasshoppers.

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Should I Get a Mac or PC?

Which MacBook Should I Get?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 05:49:41 +0000

Which MacBook Should I Get?

Andrew Portess (also known as ‘portessa’ in the chat room, and also a member of Geeks and Lockergnome.net) asks:

Since Mac OS X Leopard came out, I was sold on the idea of getting a MacBook Pro and unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to afford one yet. Considering that the MacBook Pros have just been refreshed, now is most certainly the best time to get one.

Ideally, I would love to get the 15-inch Core i7 model which, here in the UK, retails at £1,799. The base 13-inch model (based on the Core 2 Duos) is just £1,119 if you add the 500GB hard disk to boot. In terms of my budget, the £680 difference is quite a big jump (and could buy a very decent family PC), but that would eventually be mitigated. I just can’t help but wonder if it’s really worth it, though; given the major differences in the models is just the processor, graphics card, and screen.

When you also take into account how quickly Apple rolls out new Macs, as well as how quick technology moves in general, trying to decide what is a better investment becomes that much more difficult. To put it in a more general way, when buying any computer, at what point do you say “enough is enough” – and what’s the best way to make your money go further? I suppose the deciding factor is in how I plan to use the computer. I do play games, but my primary focus is in creating music, which isn’t very graphic-intensive in comparison to gaming.

At the moment, I am doing both these things on what is technically a laptop I bought for my Mum when *cough* Windows Vista was released. It’s true to say that even the base 13-inch model of the new MacBook Pro trumps my Mum’s laptop in every single component – and the performance gains I’m sure to get are likely going to be a vast improvement on what I am used to. I would love to hear both your, and the community’s, opinion on what model I should get. If you are getting one of the i7 MacBook Pros, I would also be very grateful to see some performance tests.

I swear, I get asked this question every day – which is one of the reasons I’m answering in a public capacity.

It’s kinda funny, though; you seemingly question the value of a newer processor, graphics card, and screen. What else is there to be concerned about in a notebook computer? :)

“Making music” may not be graphics-intensive, but it likely will be processor- and RAM-intensive. For that reason, coupled with your love for games, I’d recommend an i7 (or AMD-equivalent) in just about any current-generation notebook computer you care to pick up. I’d also suggest going for as much screen real estate as you can realistically lug around.

You already realize that Microsoft Windows can be run inside a Virtual Machine (VMWare or Parallels) or through Boot Camp – which effectively makes it a PC in every single respect. If your favorite audio editing tool is Windows-only, you’ll still be in luck with a MacBook Pro. I bet you’d have fun with GarageBand, though.

I’m not going to tell you to buy a Mac outright, though – that choice is ultimately up to you (and you’ll have to live with your decision, not me). I will, however, suggest you look at these features when you’re shopping:

Case Structure – It’s extremely tough to beat the MacBook Pro’s unibody design.
Service Plan – It’s extremely tough to beat the track record of AppleCare.
Battery Life – It’s extremely tough to beat a MacBook Pro’s battery life of ~10 hours.

Bottom line? Macs make awesome PCs. Even though…

MacBooks don’t come with Blu-ray drives (instead, you can download HD content from the Internet, which most people do these days, anyway).
Some MacBooks don’t contain removable media card slots (although, you can get an ExpressCard media reader at any point).
MacBooks don’t have removable batteries (but this new series had taken measures to optimize life away from the power cable).

You can certainly save a *tiny* bit of money by going with another vendor, no doubt – but are you giving anything up by taking that route? You’re the one asking me about a MacBook Pro option, and I’m just laying out the facts for you (or anybody who takes the time to read this article).

Am I an “Apple Fanboy” just because I value quality hardware? Sure. Okay. Whatever. I can save you money with any choice via http://coupons.lockergnome.com/ – so I really don’t care what YOU buy – just be happy with the purchase, please? Get the hardware features you need AND love (and don’t break the bank in the process).

…but never fall victim to FUD.

Which MacBook Should I Get?

Stop the Facebook Chain Message Madness!

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:18:20 +0000

Stop the Facebook Chain Message Madness!

If you’re on Facebook, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Recently, we’ve seen more than our fair share of chain messages making their way around, but not in our Inbox. These lovely little pieces of garbage are being sported right in the status boxes of thousands of profiles! One message claimed that if you re-posted it as your status, Facebook would donate a dollar to the Haiti relief efforts. Yet another was supposedly only for women. They were supposed to post their color of certain undergarments in their status pane, leaving the men to guess what it referred to.

It was only a matter of time, I suppose, before things like this made their way onto social media platforms. We’ve already had to deal with “legitimate” spam, of course. Now, we have to try not to tear out our hair every time we see yet another of these over-forwarded messages on Facebook and even Twitter. I promise you… Facebook isn’t donating a dollar for every person that posts that particular message. And, of course, you aren’t going to see some random woman’s bra or panties if you post the color of them in your status!

Just think about what you’re doing before you blindly click on or forward a link? And if you need links to click on, try these – posted by our community today. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Don’t forget to take a moment to stop by our software center to see what hot new software deals we have for you today!

Stop the Facebook Chain Message Madness!

Is a Virtual Friend a Real Friend?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:22:45 +0000

Is a Virtual Friend a Real Friend?

Recently, I asked you whether you had met anyone in “real” life who you had become friends with online. Today, I read a heart-wrenching post on Geeks. One of our long-time community members unexpectedly lost his mom two days ago. The poster talks about how he lives several hundred miles from his family. While waiting to travel home, he turned to his friends in our community for support.

The support was instant and unconditional. This reinforces the fact that you don’t have to necessarily meet someone face-to-face in order to form a true and lasting bond. Many deep friendships are made online, only to have the involved persons never lay eyes on each other (beyond webcams and photos). I see it happen every day. I witness the bonds that many of our regular community members share.

This is why I do what I do, folks… YOU. I love the community… the bonds that are formed… the lasting relationships that withstand time and distance. The community we have is why Kat loves her job so much, as well. She’s said it many times, and seeing the post from this community member just proves her point. In the twelve or so years she has been managing communities online, she has been fortunate to form friendships with people from all around the world. These people laugh with each other, cry with each other… get angry together and then become happy again together. They go through life’s experiences together… and that is such an amazing thing to witness.

What are your thoughts? Have you experienced the real power of friendship through a virtual friend? How has someone(s) you may only know online touched or changed your life? Feel free to share your own thoughts on one of our community sites. There are a lot of good things being posted on a daily basis by all of you!

Don’t forget to stop by our software center to see what new deals we have for you today!

Is a Virtual Friend a Real Friend?

Are You a Part of the Apple Revolution?

Chris Pirillo — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:39:13 +0000

Are You a Part of the Apple Revolution?

This is Sage Naumann’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

Over the past ten years, Apple has really changed its style. Some say for the better, some say for the worse. Let’s see what computers (and other devices) were the cornerstones for the Apple “Revolution” that we know of today.

iMac G3 – Yep, the dreaded, heavy, and slow iMac G3 is number five. This computer took computing to a whole new level. A big screen, a nice color selection, and propaganda posters that tell you to “collect them all”, as if its a Pokemon commercial. Sadly, many of these iMacs lives have ended… either from you chucking them out of your third story apartment, or just setting in your garage to rot.
The iBook G3 Clamshell – Remember that thing that looks like a five-year-old’s “Learning ABCs and 123s” toy? Yep! The iBook G3 Clamshell. No faster than the iMac G3, so how is it above it on the top five list? Its because if you ever come across an iBook G3, look how slim it is! No, don’t compare it to your Macbook Air, compare it to that old IBM Thinkpad from 1999 or 2000. See how amazing that laptop was? It re-invented the meaning of “laptop” or “portable computer”, and that is why it is number four on this list.
The iBook G3 (Snow White) – Soon after the iBook G3 Clamshell came a sleeker, more defined, and very professional computer called the iBook G3 (Snow White). Compare this laptop to the 1st Gen White Macbook. See the resemblance? Thats because the Ibook was the cornerstone to the Apple design. The iBook G4, and the White Macbook also inherited this design, with some smaller improvements and changes. These iBooks are still being used today, because some ran at 900 MHz, with a 14′ screen.
The Macbook Air – Even though it is my least favorite Apple computer on the market, that does not mean it threw Apple’s competitors off their tracks. It’s so thin, that it is the “Portable Computer” of our time. Since then, competitors like Hewlett-Packard have taken the bid to make a laptop just as thin. Will they ever be as stylish?
The iPod – Remember when the first iPod came out? An inch thick, it looked like a brick? Well, that “brick” changed the way we looked at… or shall I say, listened to… technology. No more CDs jammed in our pockets. No more boom boxes. Now they have touch screens (iPod Touch)! It’s hard to say you don’t own one. Without the iPod, Apple’s computers might not be where they are today.

Now, you might disagree with this list – and I am sorry if you do. Hope you guys liked it, and please leave me comments on what you think about YOUR favorite Apple products!

Are You a Part of the Apple Revolution?

How can You Protect Your MacBook?

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:41:22 +0000

How can You Protect Your MacBook?

If you have a MacBook, you are likely protective of it. Notebooks are stolen every day, especially from college students. Would you like another layer of protection? TotalTechie from our live community sent in the following recommendation for all of us to try.

iAlertU is the ultimate free MacBook protection system. To activate and deactivate, you simply hold the menu button on your Apple Remote. This application runs in the background, so it doesn’t show up or interfere with you work, except for on the menu bar at the top of the screen.

So here’s the point. If anyone moves your MacBook, touches your keyboard, starts to close the screen, moves the Trackpad/mouse, unplugs the AC adapter, or unplugs any devices, an alarm goes off and a picture of the person is taken. The picture is sent through Mail.app to any specified email. Note that an account must be set up in Mail.app for this to work. This can be especially useful for college kids in dorms. People are always in and out of the dorms, and I know several people who had their MacBooks stolen.

Thanks to TotalTechie for this information that many of our readers may not have known. iAlertU is completely free, and can mean the difference between a stolen MacBook, and one that a potential thief runs away from.

How can You Protect Your MacBook?

Laptop Fire

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:26:08 +0000

Laptop Fire

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James Bayliss is an active community member of ours. He was the creator of the “bouncing Chris heads”. I got an email from him with a picture attached of a burned-up laptop! It actually happened to his Macbook Pro today. He was on a Skype call with me for this video. James is now having to use Vista on his Windows machine, and it won’t recognize his web cam.

James says that he was sitting at his desk and reading Digg. He heard a pop, and suddenly the MBP started sparking and smoking… and his desk started catching on fire, too! He was slapping at the small flames to get them put out, and burned his hand. He then called Apple, and started explaining the problem. He had to answer nearly 100 questions on the phone. They even asked if he had to call the fire department, or if they needed to send out an adjuster to check for damage to his house.

They don’t want him even touching the machine, due to potential danger. He’s not sure exactly what happened. He feels it was likely a processor or something. He says it is so melted, it’s impossible to tell. James also noted that a flame literally shot OUT of the MBP! We’re really hoping this is an isolated freak incident, and won’t lead to any kind of recall. From the picture, it looks like the melted area is on the back, towards the bottom of the machine.

At the time it happened, James wasn’t even doing anything processor intensive. He was simply browsing on Digg, and checking his email. He heard the pop and picked up the machine… only to have flames start shooting out while it was in his hands!! The machine was less than a year old. Apple was extremely cordial to this point, and are willing to do whatever they can to take care of this properly. They are even willing to check for damage to his desk, and anything else in his room at the time. It’s wonderful to see that Apple is so far ready to jump in to make this right. The actual Head of Apple Europe gave James his email and private home phone number.

James plans to keep me informed as this unfolds, and let me know how things go. While this was an unfortunate incident… all of us in the community are really glad you’re ok.

After posting this, I received several follow-up emails from other readers who have unfortunately encountered similar problems. This email comes from Patrick:

I had a similar situation with my MacBook two months ago. I was in a room adjacent to the room where the MacBook was, playing my 360. I paused the game to use the restroom, and I smelled something extremely hot. I started walking around the house to see what was hot. As I walked into the room where the MacBook was, I saw the connection between the Magsafe power adapter and the power port on the MacBook was glowing red! I immediately unplugged the power adapter. This happened about 3:00 AM in the morning. I called apple only to find out they were closed.

POST UPDATE A few weeks after posting this, I received the following email from Tom.

I have heard something that you might be interested to know. A friend of mine who bought a Mac Pro awhile back was experiencing problems with his battery charge running down faster than it should. For instance, a full battery charge would be run down in under a half hour! He contacted Apple, who advised him to take it in to a local Apple store. He did that, and the tech who looked it over kept trying to get the laptop away from my friend, saying he was very lucky. Apparently, they have been going through problems with batteries overheating, and in some cases even exploding. He talked to my friend about it, telling him a number of people had reported their Macbooks expanding over time. He demonstrated this by putting the laptop down on the counter, and spinning it around. Low and behold, it was lifted slightly from the counter by the bulging battery!! The tech told my friend he was lucky, due to the severity of his particular case. Most others had exploded before reaching such a point! Needless to say, they replaced his battery free of charge, and gave his Macbook a thorough testing. All has been well since then.

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Laptop Fire