With Apple's recent embrace of Intel i5 and i7 processors in the 27-inch iMac, it's been considered a given that it would eventually use the mobile version (Arrandale) of these processors in future MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini updates. But one source, BrightSideNews, is claiming that Apple is refusing the Arrandale line of mobile processors, and asking Intel for a custom version of the chips.

The specific issue seems to be the on-board Intel Graphics chipset. Apple originally used the built-in Intel graphics capabilities in earlier versions of the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, but changed to NVIDIA graphics systems in later versions. The change to NVIDIA allowed better graphics performance than Intel was able to deliver with its on-board design.

Apple's rumored rejection of the Arrandale may actually be a rejection of Intel's reference mobile design platform (Calpella). Apple could still use Arrandale in a motherboard design of its own. This would allow it to use graphics processors from sources other than Intel.

The other option would be for Intel to produce a custom chipset design that would allow Apple to replace the Intel graphics chipset with one of its own choosing. Apple and Intel have worked together on custom versions of Intel processors and chipsets before, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a custom design being the direction Apple takes.

On the other hand, this is just a rumor. BrightSideNews doesn't yet have an established track record with Apple predictions or rumors.

My final thought. Apple needs the mobile versions of the i5 and i7 processors, and I expect to see Apple use some version of these processors in future laptops and small form factor Macs.

It's the rare individual who has only one Mac; even rarer the person who only uses Apple products. If your life spans multiple devices - a Mac, a Windows PC, a Nokia or Windows Mobile smartphone, or one or more of Google's online services - you may need a way to keep all those devices and services in sync.

SyncMate 2.4 from Eltima can keep your contacts and calendars in sync across multiple devices. Need more than just contacts and calendars? SyncMate Expert adds the ability to sync iTunes music and video, iPhoto, Mail notes, Entourage notes, Safari bookmarks, and more.

If you need to ensure your data on multiple devices is up to date and in sync, consider SyncMate. The free standard version is an excellent way to try out the capabilities of SyncMate and see if they fit your needs.

SyncMate 2.4 is available in two versions: a standard version, which is free, and an expert version for $39.95.

See other software choices from Tom's Budget Software Picks.

Apple quietly made changes to the Mac Pro lineup, adding a 3.33 GHz processor option to the entry-level, single-CPU, quad-core model.

Courtesy of Apple

The optional 3.33 GHz processor adds $1,200 to the base $2,499 price. This makes the new quad-core model, one of the entry-level options for the Mac Pro, more expensive than the 8-core base model; $3,699 vs. $3,299.

Additionally, the new four-core 3.33 GHz model now has the fastest processor in the Mac Pro line, though the 8-core Mac Pro should be more efficient when running multi-threaded applications that can take advantage of the higher number of cores available.

Apple today released Java updates for Leopard and Snow Leopard. Apple provided very little information about what is included in the Java update, only saying that it delivers "improved reliability, security, and compatibility."

A little research reveals the security aspect addresses a problem that could allow OS X to treat an expired security certificate for a web site as still valid. The second issue addresses the possibility of an untrusted Java applet being able to raise its privilege levels.

The Java update is available from Apple's Software Update service (Apple menu, Software Updates). You can also download it directly from Apple's web site.

Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 6

Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 1