Here are some important Apple and Dell laptop changes that may affect you as a Technology Renewal laptop recipient for spring 2009.Here are some important Apple and Dell laptop changes that may affect you as a Technology Renewal laptop recipient for spring 2009.
Apple Computer – New Model MacBook Pro
- The previous model was equipped with both FireWire 400 and 800 ports; the new model has a single FireWire 800 port. FireWire 800 devices use a 9-pin connector, and FireWire 400 devices use either a 6-pin or 4-pin connector. If you have FireWire 400 devices, you will need to buy a 9-pin to 6-pin, or 9-pin to 4-pin cable so you can plug a FireWire 400 device into a Fire Wire 800 port (or vice versa) and run it in backward-compatible legacy mode.
- Be aware that if you ‘daisy-chain’ a mix of FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 devices, the fastest device will drop its speed down to the slowest one in the chain.
- The 28-pin DVI-I (Dual Link) port has been replaced with a mini-DVI port, requiring the use of an adapter (not included with the laptop) to use DVI.
- There are now two USB ports instead of three.
- Apple has not included internal modems in their laptops for quite some time. Modem users need to obtain a third-party USB modem.
Dell Computer – New Model Latitude E6400
- Dell has replaced its older “D” series laptops with new “E” series models.
- “D” series peripherals and accessories such as a docking station, a port replicator, and spare batteries, are not compatible with the “E” series laptops; new ones will have to be purchased from Dell.
- There is no internal modem in the E6400. Modem users need to obtain a third-party USB modem.
- The E6400 has an integrated Web cam.
If you have any questions on these changes, or would like purchasing information for these items, contact Irene Scott, Coordinator of Desktop Technology Acquisition, at iscott@ithaca.edu.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20090123150826631