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ifixit posts

Filed under: Hardware, Hacks, iMac

Inside the new 27-inch iMac


You know by now that once Apple announces a new piece of hardware, it's only a matter of time before someone gets their hands on one only to rip it up and tear every little piece out to see what's in there. And that's exactly what iFixit did with the brand new iMac -- most of us would kill to get one and keep it, and they got one and killed it (Update: Apparently they didn't kill it -- they ended up putting it all back together again). But at least we can learn from their destruction: the LCD panel is the same horizontal resolution as the 30" Cinema display, and the screen itself weighs 11 lbs. The hard drive sits right in the center of the machine, right behind the screen. And there's probably more heat dissipation methods in there than you'd expect: six temp sensors, three fans, two heat sinks, and even a partridge in a pear tree. We're not sure how that last one helps.

Overall, it's a beauty. And the last twist is probably the most interesting -- other than showing off your Mac-itude and lighting the area behind your screen, the Apple logo is apparently wrapped with an Airport antenna. Because the whole thing is encased in aluminum, that's the only place to get a signal, and so that's where they stuck it. Now when people complain that you're just being trendy by showing off the Apple logo, you can tell them you're actually just trying to help out the Wi-Fi reception.

[via Engadget]

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPod touch

3rd gen iPod touch teardown: 802.11n potential and room for a camera?

Just this morning, we linked to the results of iFixit's iPod nano teardown. Hours later, we have the opportunity to dive into their 32GB iPod touch teardown. There are definitely a few interesting tidbits about what Apple did and did not do with the iPod touch this time around... and possibly some hints of what could happen in the future.

Here are the highlights:
  • The ARM processor in the iPod touch is a newer revision than the iPhone 3GS's CPU. We still don't know its exact clock speed but it's a definite upgrade from the 2nd Generation iPod touch.
  • It has a 1080 mAh battery; what does that mean? Well, it'll get pretty good battery life. Apple's website lists it at 30 hours of music playback.
  • The NAND flash memory is manufactured by Samsung and has been split into two chips to achieve the 32GB capacity.
  • The wireless chip is from Broadcom. According to their documentation this chip supports 802.11 n as well as 802.11 a/b/g. This is a new move from Apple. Until now, all of the mobile devices have only had g-capable wireless chips. It's possible that this would be enabled in the future, but I wouldn't put money on that.
  • Mark this one as rumor fodder: iFixit claims that there is room for a camera at the top of the device. The empty space measures 6mm x 6mm x 3mm. That could easily fit the same style camera as the 5th gen iPod Nano, but they don't believe an iPhone-quality camera would fit because of the limited space.
If that's not enough iPod touch news for you, read on.

Continue reading3rd gen iPod touch teardown: 802.11n potential and room for a camera?

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPod nano

iFixit tears apart the 5th Generation iPod nano...nicely

The pioneers at iFixit are at it again, this time exploring the Loop's newest, coolest gadget -- the iPod nano. According to their measurements, this iPod is as thin as it could possibly be, and more densely packed than any previous Apple device. I work on iPods at my day job, but I'm afraid to start working on this one because there is very little wasted space and LOTS of glue.

Here are some facts worth highlighting:
  • The iPod nano uses flash memory manufactured by Toshiba.
  • Apple would not be able to put a larger camera into it without reducing the footprint of other components.
  • It uses the same style speaker as the iPod touch. The sound exits through the dock connector.
  • The display has 17.5% more real estate than the 4th Generation iPod nano.
Read on for the nitty gritty, "I want to tear it apart" information...

Continue readingiFixit tears apart the 5th Generation iPod nano...nicely

Filed under: Hardware, iPhone

iFixit publishes iPhone 3G S teardown

Our screwdriver-happy pals over at iFixit have taken on the iPhone 3G S and the results do not disappoint!

The iPhone 3G S doesn't just look like its predecessor externally, the internal physical design is also nearly identical. The location of the components on the main PCB has changed, but the actual physical design is the same,

A few highlights:

  • The battery is only 6% larger than that of the iPhone 3G, so increased battery performance probably comes from better hardware and software efficiency.
  • There is an additional antenna connection near the dock connector. iFixit isn't sure what that's for right now, but they'll continue to investigate.
  • According to the iFixit guys, the new screen does seem slightly easier to clean, thanks to its oleophobic technology.
Even cooler, Richard Lai (one of our Talkcast regulars, hi Richard!) recorded video of much of the process with an iPhone 3G S! You can check out all the YouTube clips here or view one of the clips by continuing on!

Continue readingiFixit publishes iPhone 3G S teardown

Filed under: Hardware, iMac

iFixit dismantles new iMac

As usual, our friends at iFixit have taken apart the latest hardware from Apple. Inside the new 20" iMac, they found that the machine's innards live behind the display, which must first be removed (this isn't new, but a lot less convenient than the G5s with their removable rear panel).

Notable is that the AU Optronics M302EW02 display isn't LED backlit, but has a CCFL backlight (four of them in fact, each run by its own high-voltage AC power). Also, the crew had to remove 22 screws before getting at the 12.7mm SATA 8x double-layer SuperDrive, which features a screw-free design. Go figure.

Finally, they uncovered six temperature sensors, the largest resting above above the 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, of course.

While my first inclination after receiving a brand new iMac certainly wouldn't be to take it apart, I'm glad that's just me. Thanks, iFixit!

[Via MacNN]

Filed under: iPod Family

iFixit rips apart an iPod touch



Those wacky folks at iFixit.com are at it again. This time they are ripping apart the most recent addition to the iPod lineup, the iPod touch. These pictures aren't for the faint of heart, but the braver amongst you might want to take a peek at the images.

Filed under: Hardware, Portables, Macbook Pro

iFixit disembowels the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo



It used to be that whenever a new piece of Apple hardware came out I'd be one of the first kids on the block to have taken it apart just for sport. I'm older now, busier, more tired and my eye sight ain't what it used to be, so these days I tend to leave all those tiny screws to someone else to matrix. Fortunately, iFixIt has been quick to the punch when it comes to disassembling all the latest Apple toys, and they're kind enough to share the pics and the process with the rest of us for free.

If you're contemplating taking your own MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo apart for any reason and need a little guidance, curious about how the internals compare with the previous MacBook Pro (not much, it turns out, soldered Merom chip aside) or you just really love circuit board porn, check out iFixIt's First Look inside the Core 2 Duo MBP for high-res pics and details.

Filed under: How-tos, Reviews, Macbook Pro

MacBook Pro Complete Disassembly guide

Have you received your MacBook Pro? Are you saddened by OWC's lack of instructions on how to rip apart said new machine? Don't be sad, rejoice, for iFixit (the site formerly known as PBFixit) has released a screw-by-screw guide to Performing Complete Disassembly of a MacBook Pro.

Each page of this guide to MacBook Pro destruction has pithy commentary on hardware you may find inside your new lappy using only iFixit's guide, a #0 Phillips screwdriver, a T6 Torx screwdriver and um, a Spudger.

If this bare-circuit-board guide doesn't knock your mad scientist socks off, frankly, I really don't know what will.

[via Slashdot] [pictured to the right is the MacBook Pro's nekid logic board via iFixit's guide]

Filed under: Hardware, How-tos, Tips and tricks, PowerBook, Mods

PBFixit is now iFixit

One of my favorite Mac sites, PBFixit, has been renamed iFixit. iFixit provides parts and great step-by-step repair and upgrade tutorials for the Mac mini, Powerbook G3 (233-500mhz), iBook G3 (300mhz-900mhz) and iBook G4 (800mhz-1.42GHz), plus the titanium and aluminum PowerBooks. The tutorials are fully illustrated and, best of all, include pages that allow you to keep track of all the screws and parts you remove, in order.

iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens had this to say about the name change: "Why are we changing names? A few reasons. The first: iFixit sounds cooler. Secondly, Apple is discontinuing the PowerBook name and we want to stay relevant to all Mac owners. But most important, we want to keep our options open. Our team is working incredibly hard to improve our product line and develop the Fixit Guide series."

Check out iFixit if you haven't. They're a very good resource.

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