Although the MacBook has been dead since last July for consumers, it remained available as a cheap option for educational institutions…until now. Apple has just completely killed off the old Mac model. The company has now classified the white MacBook as “End of Life,” indicating it will no longer be produced or sold whatsoever. It is likely production for the MacBook stopped a while ago, and Apple made the move to only sell the MacBook to educational institutions in order to rid itself of the extra inventory.

The original 13″ aluminum unibody MacBook Pro form factor, which debuted as a plain MacBook in October 2008, is getting a bit long in the tooth. But sometimes they get things right on the first try. I would argue that the 13″ aluminum unibody is one of the best, if not the best, all-round Apple laptop design(s) ever. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

With my current MacBook closing in on its third birthday, it occurred to me the other day that it might be prudent to check out the condition of the battery. Happily, there are several utilities for doing that, and I downloaded a couple of freeware examples to check out their comparative usefulness, as well as that of the MacBook battery.

Hex doesn’t simply release new bags and sleeves, they release new lines of bags and sleeves. Such is the case with their Fleet Collection, a 12-piece laptop and tablet accessory line making its debut at CES 2012. Each Fleet bag features charcoal and white pinstripe canvas fabrication, custom-printed lining and contrasting tan genuine leather zipper pulls and leatherette trim detailing.

Rumors have been pointing to a higher resolution display in the iPad 3, set to arrive in spring of 2012. Now, word is surfacing the technology will propagate to the Apple’s Mac computers, as well. Reports from DigiTimes say Apple may have plans to incorporate into their MacBook Pros Retina Display-like resolutions of 2,880 x 1,800 (261ppi), starting at the very first few months of the Q2 in 2012.

We’ve seen a few leaks this week on Apple’s annual one-day-only Black Friday sales event. The savings on Apple products were accurately slight, but as in years past, Apple is offering significant savings on compatible third-party products. Save over $100 on Bowers & Wilkins speaker docks and various laptop bags, and you can get fun accessories like the Parrot AR.Drone for under $250.00.

If you’re looking for the perfect bag to carry your MacBook and all of its gear, then look no further than the Incase Nylon Sling Sleeve for Macbook Air. It’s a bag that has everything you want and need in a notebook bag. There’s a handle, shoulder strap, two front pockets and a pocket for papers. In short, it’s about as close to perfect as notebook bags come.

Black Friday is tomorrow, and Apple will be joining the big retailers for a Black Friday sale extravaganza. According to reports, Apple will be offering great deals and big discounts on products ranging from iMacs, MacBook Air / MacBook Pro, iPod nano / iPod touch to iPads. To give you an idea of what Apple has in store for this year’s Black Friday sales event, we’re looking at $101 off on Macs, iMacs, the MacBook Air, and the MacBook Pros; $41-$61 off on a new iPad 2; $11 off on a 16GB and 32GB iPod nano, and $21-$41 off on an iPod touch.

Twelve South recently released a new product that will ease the pain of many users when trying to connect your Apple devices to a limited set of wall outlets. The PlugBug is an accessory that piggybacks onto your existing Mac power supply and turns it into a dual charger for your MacBook + iPad or iPhone. The device will charge up your iPad/iPhone in a timely manner, and it can also convert non-US chargers to US adapters because you can swap out the prongs.

Belkin, maker of all types of accessories for laptops, iOS devices, and Android devices, is having a sale until September 30th. Not just any sale, but a 50% off (almost) everything sale with no minimum purchase. All you have to do is use the coupon code FB50 when you check out on Belkin’s online store. The only bad news is that Belkin’s web site has been inundated with shoppers, so it may take you a few tries to get in.