Air Tight

APPLE
MacBook Air

Mac fanatics have been anticipating a sub notebook that would match the specs of mini-notebook laptops from PC makers Sony, Fujitsu, and Toshiba. They were rewarded last month when Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the MacBook Air, a 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen laptop that weighs three pounds and is about 3/4-inches thick. Early adopters will pay a premium for this “wedgie computer” – retail prices range from $1,800 to $3,200. Being the first on your block will get you an 80 GB flash drive, one USB 2.0 slot, Micro-DVI (for an external display), and a headphone jack as well as an exclusive mini-sized 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The MacBook Air also also offers 802.11n-based wireless networking support and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. One of many caveats is there is no CD or DVD drive included. Apple engineers rightfully point out the MacBook Air is not a traditional laptop – it’s meant to be an ultra portable communication device, hence, they ditched all peripherals that add extra weight to a laptop computer. Apple’s fancy new “Remote Disk” hard drive lets you borrow another hard drive wirelessly to download CD/DVD software to the MacBook Air. Included is Mac OS X Leopard, iTunes, iPhoto, and other useful productivity tools. Visit www.apple.com for more details.

HIGHLAND GUITAR
HAG-240 Acoustic

Power Group, a Canada-based musical-instrument distributor known for carrying Elixir strings, has launched the Highland Guitar Company, a niche category of “high-end guitars at discount prices.” In the guitar business, you generally get what you pay for, but these Canucks aim to change the game by offering exotic hardwoods, fine design, and playability at a low price. Included in their line is a new HAG-240 acoustic guitar, outfitted with Elixir strings (surprise!), Grover tuning gears, and Fishman pre-amps, which the company says will elevate it above any other acoustics in its price category. Dollar amounts start at $300 and climb to roughly $500. Highland Guitars should arrive in stores in the next few weeks. Visit www.highlandguitarcompany.com for full details.

BSM
VX-C Classic Pedal

Euro-pedal makers BSM have a new VX-C Classic guitar pedal that emulates the late-’60s/early-’70s British vox treble and bass booster made famous by Michael Schenker’s UFO work and David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. The VX-C includes tone control that ranges from a “woolly bass” up to a “sparkling high-end vintage sound” plus a glam-era wah-wah. This pedal is a true bypass (inserted between guitar and amplifier, not into the FX loop) and is battery (nine-volt) powered with no external power supply. A one-year guarantee is included for all mechanical parts, including the switch, pots, jacks, etc., and three years for the electronics. Because the dollar is so weak against European currency this little pedal is pricey at $250, but sounding like Michael Schenker ain’t cheap. Visit www.treblebooster.net for more info.

– David Gedge

Category: Columns, Gear, Monthly