Apple Inc. has halted shipments of MagSafe power adapters for its MacBook Pro notebook line as a result of quality design issues and is presently working on a fix. Apple began pulling inventory of the 85W power supplies from its retail stores a few weeks ago. Apple also discontinued shipments to third party retailers ahead of "redesigned" models that are expected to ship in about 2 to 3 weeks. Reports claim that the thermal insulation of the adapter cords has a tendency to heat up and fray near both the power brick and the MagSafe connector, creating a potentially serious hazard. Another issue is a tendency for the tiny pins inside the MagSafe connector to improperly spring back into place, resulting in a faulty connection between the MagSafe connector and the MacBook Pro's built-in power adapter port. And lastly, some adapters are showing signs of a defect where the LED indicator light on the MagSafe connecter will intermittently shut off even though the adapter continues to charge the MacBook Pro.

Apple today updated its MacBook Pro line of notebooks. Built on the Santa Rosa platform, MacBook Pro now offers the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, memory up to 4GB, up to 250GB of hard drive space and high-speed GeForce 8 graphics in a stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure that is just one-inch thin. The new MacBook Pro is available in 15-inch models (1440x900) with a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display and a 17-inch widescreen model (1680x1050) with an optional high-resolution display. All models include a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go, Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Apple Store is now offering three models: the entry 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo, 15-inch MacBook Pro for $1,999; the 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 15-inch MacBook Pro for $2,499 and the 2.4GHz, 17-inch model with a suggested retail price of $2,799. For further information, head over to the product page on Apple's website.

Apple today updated its MacBook consumer notebooks with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model. Featuring a gorgeous 13-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) glossy widescreen display, the updated MacBook now comes in three models: sleek white 2.0GHz and 2.16GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.16GHz MacBook modification. All other features remain the same including slot-loading DL DVD burner (CD-RW combo drive on the entry-level model), Intel GMA950, Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 120GB or 160GB (5400rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, and up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM. The new MacBooks are available now through the Apple Store and range in price from $1,099 for the entry-level 2.0GHz model to $1,499 for the top 2.16GHz black model.

If you've bought a MacBook between February 2006 and April 2007, you may have noticed a small problem with the battery indicator. Some common problems include the battery not charging when plugged in, a lack of battery recognition, low charge/run capacity, or visibly deformation of the battery. Apple has released a software patch for these flaws (aside from the deformation problem), which you can grab here. If you still experience those problems, especially the deformation issue, please contact Apple for a free replacement.