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Rain Recording, creator of purpose-built computer systems for audio production, has introduced an new mobile audio workstations – the LiveBook Zephyr mobile songwriter laptop.

While Apple systems have become the first choice of many audio producers, the LiveBook Zephyr looks like a great alternative for those that prefer Windows or have to work on Windows.

LiveBook Zephyr is an ultra-portable songwriter’s notebook. At 4.3 pounds, Zephyr is the lightest and smallest LiveBook ever.

Here are the specs:

• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.66Ghz T2300 2MB L2 667Mhz FSB
• Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM & ICH7-M
• Video: Embedded Intel 945GM (GMA 950)
• Sound System: Built-in Intel HD, Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone
• Memory: 1.5GB DDR2 533MHz
• Display: 13.3″ WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD Color Shine and Crystal Shine Technology
• Storage: 100GB PATA 8MB Buffer 5400RPM
• Optical: CD-RW / DVD-RW +/- Dual Layer
• Modem: 56k V.90/V.92 Modem RJ-11
• WiFi LAN: Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
• Wired LAN: 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
• Input Devices: Touch pad with 2 click buttons, Desktop-Like Ergonomic Full-Size 83-key
• Battery: Li-Ion 6 cell: 4800mAh, 53W/Hrs battery pack Battery Charging time, 2hrs quick charge (power off), 4hrs (power on)Run-time: 4.8 Hrs
• I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 1 x IEEE 1394 port (1x 4-pin internal + 2x 6-pin w/ TI Chipset on PCIe card)
  • 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
  • 1 x S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
  • 1 x Card Reader (MMC/SD/MS/MS-Pro)
  • 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF)/Mic-in
  • 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
  • 1 x Express Card Slot
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.9 x 1.4 inch (WxDxH)
• Weight: 4.3 lbs. w/ 6 cel battery

The Livebook Zephyr is priced starting at $1,500.
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Apple today updated its MacBook Pro line of notebooks with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, memory up to 4GB, and high-speed graphics. The new MacBook Pro is available in 15-inch models with a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display and a 17-inch model with an optional high-resolution display.

“With Intel Core 2 Duo performance, more memory and state-of-the-art graphics, this MacBook Pro is a portable powerhouse for creative and professional users,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Apple’s notebooks have always led the industry in innovation with features like built-in 802.11 and the MagSafe Power Adapter, and now the industry’s first 15-inch LED-backlit display is another step toward completely eliminating mercury from our displays.” Read more…

Apple updated its MacBook line today with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model.

“The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies.”

The one-inch thick MacBook comes in three models: white 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.16 GHz MacBook model. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. The MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

At prices starting at $1,099 (less for students & teachers), MacBooks are an excellent entry level option for podcasters and musicians. They come with iLife ‘06, featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Pricing & Availability
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Rain Recording has introduced a more affordably priced member of its LiveBook line of mobile audio workstations. The new LiveBook Sketch features Intel Core Solo processing, mobile Centrino technology, extended battery life and a glossy clear 14.1″ widescreen display.

Boasting greatly improved power efficiency, a beautiful media experience, and a total weight of only 5.5 pounds, LiveBook Sketch offers freedom from the restraints of limited battery life, without limiting performance. As with all Rain systems, the components of the Sketch are balanced and over-specified to eliminate data bottlenecks and provide a fine-tuned mobile audio workstation right out of the box.

The LiveBook Sketch includes 512MB or 1GB DDR2 RAM, 2MB L2 cache, Azalia sound card and a full complement of I/O ports.

LiveBook Sketch SK1 (512MB RAM): Price $1299.95
LiveBook Sketch SK2 (1GB RAM): Price $1399.95.

Griffin Technology today introduced the Elevator desktop stand for portable computers. Elevator raises laptops off the desktop and helps users reclaim valuable desktop real estate.

Griffin has designed Elevator as a substantial realization of a simple design. Elevator uses a 1/2-inch-thick crossbar to hold two 1/4-inch-thick aluminum standards, positioning the laptop’s screen at an ideal height for viewing.

Crystal-clear polycarbonate and aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte silver finish meet in Elevator’s minimalist design to create a desktop accessory that looks as good holding the laptop as it does sitting empty, waiting patiently to be of service.

Elevator raises the laptop 5.5 inches (13.9cm) off the desktop to decrease user neck strain. Elevator’s open-air design allows air to freely circulate around the laptop’s cooling vents.

What to do with that newly created space under your laptop? Most users will find it handy for tucking keyboard and mouse away when not in use. The extra-resourceful among you will discover that the space also makes an ideal hideaway for that oft-stolen stapler, or the bowl of sunflower seeds that the guy from Marketing plunders when you’re not looking.

Compatibility

Griffin’s Elevator desktop stand accommodates all Macintosh laptops and other laptops 10 inches wide and wider.

Pricing and Availability

Griffin’s Elevator Desktop Stand for Portable Computers, $39.99, is now available.