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<br /><ul><li>India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating concerns of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pros posing a threat with faulty batteries which may explode and catch fire.<br /></li><li>The US and European Union aviation authorities have already told airlines to prohibit travellers from bringing the affected MacBook Pro laptops on board.<br /></li><li>But the twenty plus models of HP laptops, which were also recalled due to faulty battery issues, are still free to travel on any airline.<br /></li></ul>If you own one of Apple's faulty older generation 15-inch MacBook Pros, you can't carry it aboard most foreign airlines. Now, domestic airlines in India might have to implement a ban on the affected laptops too.<br /><br />The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating concerns that older MacBook Pros are overheating and catching on fire, according to a report in the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/foreign-airlines-ban-some-macbook-pro-models-on-india-flights/articleshow/70834128.cms">Times of India</a>. <br /><br />"The DGCA is examining the issue and if need be, will do the needful," said a senior official at the organisation.<br /><br /><strong>Why ban 15-inch MacBook Pros?<br /></strong><br />The apprehension against allowing older generation 15-inch Apple MacBook Pros on aircrafts comes from Apple's decision to recall the model which was sold between September 2015 and February 2017.<br /><br />Apple said that these laptops "may overheat and pose a fire safety risk". In order to check whether or not your laptop is one of the affected, you cross check your product serial number on Apple's <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-in/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall">website</a>.<br /><br />In case your laptop is one of the "limited number" that was affected, your laptop's battery will have to be replaced.<br /><br />Even if you do, you won't be able to take your laptop on a plane.<br /><br />Any laptop that comes with the product label, "MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015" product tag won't be allowed on any airline in India if a ban is implemented by the DGCA.<br /><br /><strong>Not the first time<br /></strong><br />There's a lot of anxiety over a limited number of laptops being recalled. It might not have been widely publicised in the past, but this isn't the first time that laptops are being called back over battery issues. <br /><br />In early 2018, Hewlett Packard (HP) had a similar issue where they recalled laptops because it was found that certain models had batteries, which could overheat and catch fire. <br /><br />Again in 2019, HP expanded that recall asking users to check their batteries again even if they had been replaced in the last recall.<br /><br /><em>(insert list)</em><br /><br />The list of potentially affected models has over 20 names on the list — and none of them are banned from being on an airplane.<br /><br /><strong>Who has banned 15-inch MacBook Pros?<br /></strong>The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (ASA) issued a warning asking airlines to follow 2017 rules. They state that all devices with lithium-ion batteries are supposed to be switched off and should stay off during flights. <br /><br />The American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented an all out ban asking airlines to prohibit travellers from bringing older generation 15-inch MacBook Pros on-board airlines.<br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="70679269" title="The FAA just banned a model of MacBook Pro from all flights - here's how to check if your laptop is included" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

<br />That means a complete ban on the affected models. You can't take the laptop with you as carry-on luggage or check it in as cargo.<br /><br />Foreign aircraft operators like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have already started implementing the ban on older MacBook Pros. Travellers with flights on those airlines will have to leave their MacBook Pros at the security checkpoint if it's found to be one of the devices that has a faulty battery.<br /><br /><strong>See also:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/theres-a-simple-way-to-see-if-your-macbook-needs-a-battery-replacement-heres-how-to-check-in-less-than-30-seconds/articleshow/68564796.cms">There's a simple way to see if your MacBook needs a battery replacement- here's how to check in less than 30 seconds</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/prominent-apple-blogger-calls-the-macbooks-butterfly-keyboards-the-worst-products-in-apple-history/articleshow/68604998.cms">Prominent Apple blogger calls the MacBook's butterfly keyboards the 'worst products in Apple history'</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/hundreds-of-people-have-taken-to-reddit-to-complain-that-apple-is-nickle-and-diming-them-with-its-new-products/articleshow/66548087.cms">Hundreds of people have taken to Reddit to complain that Apple is 'nickle and diming' them with its new products</a><br />

Indian airlines could ban 15-inch MacBook Pros — but other laptops with faulty batteries continue to fly

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> will pay up to $1,000 to people injured by third-party products sold on its platform, it said.</li><li>Third-party Amazon sellers won't have to chip in if they have valid insurance, Amazon said.</li><li>Amazon said the new policy, which starts September 1, does not mean it accepts liability.</li></ul><p>Amazon will soon start paying <keyword id="6356362" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="compensation">compensation</keyword> to US customers who are injured, or have their property damaged, by items sold by <keyword id="2635967" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="third-party-sellers">third-party sellers</keyword>, it said Tuesday. </p><p>The new policy starts September 1, and payments are capped at $1,000, it said in a <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/how-amazon-works/new-a-to-z-guarantee-better-protects-amazon-customers-and-sellers">blog post</a>.</p><p>Amazon will pay customers directly, it said. Sellers remain liable, but Amazon won't expect sellers to pay it back if they had valid insurance, it said.</p><p>Amazon also announced that from September 1 it will play a bigger role in mediating damage claims between customers and third-party sellers.</p><p>"Customers can contact Amazon Customer Service, and we will notify the seller and help them address the claim," it said in the blog post. "If a seller does not respond to a claim, Amazon will step in to directly address the immediate customer concern, bear the cost ourselves, and separately pursue the seller."</p><p>At the moment, customers <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-refund-sellers-delete-negative-reviews-wsj-2021-8">contact sellers through Amazon if they have a problem</a>, but the company rarely steps in.</p><p>Amazon has previously <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-texas-lawsuit-third-party-sellers-2021-3">distanced itself from liability around third-party products</a> sold on its platform. Amazon said the new compensation policy does not mean it accepts liability for <keyword id="27288" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="injury">injury</keyword> or damage from third-party items.</p><p><em><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fraudulent-trademarks-china-swamping-uspto-amazon-businesses-2021-7">Sellers on Amazon and Etsy can have their businesses shut down instantly by ruthless rivals and scammers using a clever loophole</a></em></p><p>In an August 2020 case, a California woman sued Amazon, claiming a replacement laptop battery she bought on the site exploded and burned her. The company said it shouldn't be held liable because it "did not distribute, manufacture, or sell the product." <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/court-rules-amazon-liable-defective-third-party-seller-product-sales-2020-8">The court ruled that Amazon was liable</a>, overturning an earlier judgement.</p><p>The new policy announcement also comes one month after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-agency-sues-amazon-420000-items-it-says-were-dangerous-2021-7?r=US&amp;IR=TIR=T">filed a lawsuit against Amazon</a>, claiming it did not do enough to warn customers about 420,000 dangerous items sold on its platform, including hairdryers and carbon monoxide detectors. Amazon argued it had complied with the CPSC's requests to warn customers about the items.</p><p>While the new policy only applies to the US, an Amazon spokesman told Insider the company is looking to expand it to other countries.</p>

Amazon will pay up to $1,000 to people injured by faulty products from third-party sellers

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="apple">Apple</keyword> will replace batteries in <keyword id="162156" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="MacBook-Pro">MacBook Pro</keyword> models from 2016 and 2017 that won't hold a charge.</li><li>Apple said only "a very small number of customers" are affected by this issue. </li><li><strong>This is not the company's first time issuing replacements for faulty batteries in its products. </strong></li></ul><p><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212163">Apple will replace batteries in MacBook Pro models</a> from 2016 and 2017 that won't hold a charge.</p><p>Some customers have reported that their laptops haven't been able to hold a charge beyond 1%. Apple said only "a very small number of customers" are affected by this issue. </p><h4>Here are the MacBook models eligible for the battery replacement:</h4><ul><li>MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) </li><li>MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)</li><li>MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)</li><li>MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)</li><li>MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)</li><li>MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)</li></ul><p>You can view your computer's model by clicking the Apple menu icon on the upper-left corner of your screen and selecting "About This Mac."</p><p>Apple said "the battery health status on these devices will also indicate Service Recommended. If the status indicates that your battery is Normal, your battery is not affected by this issue." </p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-ditching-touch-bar-feature-magsafe-listening-to-customers-2021-1?r=am-sub">Apple reportedly ditching its most controversial feature in the next version of the MacBook Pro shows the company's finally listening to its customers</a></em></p><p>If your MacBook Pro is affected, you can request a free replacement through Apple. </p><p>Apple is also asking 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computer owners to update their computers to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or install the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 update to prevent this issue from happening to other computers from those two years. </p><p>This is not the company's first time issuing replacements for batteries in its products. </p><p>In 2017, Apple customers claimed that their iPhones' performance slowed down after installing Apple software updates, and data at the time suggested that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-slowing-down-iphones-with-old-batteries-geekbench-2017-12?r=am-sub">replacing the battery could speed up performance</a>. Customers said this led them to believe that their phones would need to be replaced or given a new battery. While <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-explains-why-older-iphones-appear-to-be-slowing-down-2017-12">Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhone models</a>, it said it was doing so to prevent the devices from turning off, not to force customers to buy new phones. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-iphones-settlement/apple-to-pay-up-to-500-million-to-settle-u-s-lawsuit-over-slow-iphones-idUKKBN20P2E7?edition-redirect=uk">The company has denied any wrongdoing</a> in the incident, dubbed "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-batterygate-how-older-iphones-slowed-down-and-why-its-a-big-deal-2017-12">batterygate</a>."</p><p>Following a class-action lawsuit filed by customers affected by the problem <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-batterygate-500m-lawsuit-settlement-2017-iphone-intentional-slowdown-2020-3">Apple agreed to pay a $500 million settlement</a>, or about <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-batterygate-iphone-scandal-settlement-2020-7">$25 for each iPhone affected</a>. </p>

Apple will replace the batteries that won't hold a charge in certain MacBook Pros for free

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Your <keyword id="6357247" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Internet">internet</keyword> may not be working for several reasons, including issues related to your device, its signal strength, or your router. </li><li>It can be difficult to identify the source of internet connectivity problems, so you may have to run multiple tests to pinpoint the issue. </li><li>If you can't troubleshoot the issue yourself, calling your internet provider is your best bet. </li></ul><p>One of the most frustrating things that can happen is when your internet stops working. And it can be tough to know why. Is it your device? Your router? Your internet provider? Local power issues? </p><p>Finding the answer to why your internet isn't working usually requires a bit of troubleshooting. </p><h2>How to troubleshoot your internet connection if it isn't working</h2><p>To save you time, here are the most common causes of interrupted internet service and how to fix them. </p><h2>Check your connection on a different device</h2><p>If your internet is working on one device, but not another, the problem is most likely with the device itself. Here are some common issues and solutions for individual device connectivity:</p><p><strong>1.</strong> Ensure your <keyword id="47655" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Wi-Fi">Wi-Fi</keyword> is on and transmitting. </p><p><div type="image" title="Why isn't my internet working 1" height="900" width="1600" msid="76734745" hostid="261"></div></p><p><strong>2.</strong> Double-check you're connected to a network.</p><p><div type="image" title="Why isn't my internet working 2" height="900" width="1600" msid="76734748" hostid="261"></div></p><p><strong>3.</strong> You may be too far from your Wi-Fi router. Check your signal strength to see if you need to purchase additional <keyword id="152492" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Routers">routers</keyword> or extenders to boost your signal.</p><p><strong>4.</strong> If all else fails, reboot your device. This usually fixes any bugs that can cause issues with an internet connection.</p><h2>Verify whether the site you're trying to access is experiencing loading issues</h2><p>Sometimes sites go down and make it look like our internet is faulty when the problem is on their end. Try a different website and see if it loads faster than the one you're trying to go to. </p><p>If it does, go to <a href="https://downdetector.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DownDetector.com</a> and check if other people are reporting issues with the site. If they are, you have your answer. If they aren't, try to access the site on a different browser instead.</p><p><div type="image" title="Why isn't my internet working 3" height="900" width="1600" msid="76734749" hostid="261"></div></p><h2>See if your router is working properly</h2><p>Every router has symbols and lights that mean slightly different things. Check the manual that comes with your router to see what these symbols mean, but pay extra attention to the one that signals a connection to the internet. If this light is off, you've found your problem. </p><p><div type="image" title="Why isn't my internet working 4" height="2967" width="2743" msid="76734750" hostid="261"></div></p><p>If you need to restart your router, you can do it in a few easy steps. </p><p><strong>1.</strong> Unplug the router and modem from the power source.</p><p><strong>2.</strong> If your modem has backup batteries, you'll need to remove those as well for the reboot to work.</p><p><strong>3.</strong> Wait 30 seconds.</p><p><strong>4.</strong> Plug the router and modem back in, and replace any batteries you removed.</p><p><strong>5.</strong> Wait for your internet to reconnect. </p><h2>Reach out to your internet provider</h2><p>If your router and modem indicate that your internet is connected, but you can't get online on any of your devices, or if you tried rebooting and the light will not come on, you'll have to place a call to your provider.</p><p>They may walk you through a new troubleshooting process or inform you that there is an outage in your area.</p><h2>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-reference">Tech Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-boost-internet-speed">How to boost your internet speed at home in 8 ways, and make sure you're not being overcharged for low speeds</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-ip-address-of-router">How to find the IP address of your internet router using a Mac, PC, iPhone, or Android</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-good-internet-speed">'What is a good internet speed?': The internet speeds you should aim for, based on how you use the internet</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-change-wifi-password">How to change your Wi-Fi password and secure your internet connection</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-can-you-do-with-an-ip-address">What you can do with an IP address, and how to protect yours from hackers</a></h3></li></ul>

'Why isn't my internet working?': How to identify why you can't connect to the internet and troubleshoot accordingly

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="apple">Apple</keyword>'s new <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">13-inch MacBook Pro</a> and <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">MacBook Air</a> are both solid choices for Mac fans in need of a new laptop.</li><li>But the <keyword id="455593" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="MacBook-Air">MacBook Air</keyword> is best for those who need a general purpose laptop: it's lighter and more affordable than the Pro, plus it runs on newer Intel processors at a noticeably cheaper price.</li><li>The main reason to choose the MacBook Pro over the Air is if you need more processing power, memory, and storage than the average person.</li><li>If you're a photo or video editor that needs more processing power and additional storage for high-resolution files, for example, the Pro might be a better fit.</li></ul><p>If you're an Apple loyalist in the market for a new laptop, there's a good chance you're deciding between the new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-macbook-air-2020-review">MacBook Air</a>  and the refreshed <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch-2020-review">13-inch MacBook Pro</a>.</p><p>And, there's good reason to do so: both <keyword id="6367615" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Laptops">laptops</keyword> offer improved keyboards that are significantly more comfortable and quieter than their predecessors', more storage than before at the base level, and faster processors.</p><p>Both are ideal options for those who prefer macOS over Windows and are in search of a machine that feels more manageable and portable than the 16-inch MacBook Pro. But, which laptop is best for you will largely depend on how you plan to use your computer.</p>Table of Contents<h2>MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 vs. MacBook Air: Which is best?</h2><p>If your primary use cases include browsing the web, managing email, watching Netflix, and doing some light productivity like word processing and spreadsheet management, then the MacBook Air is probably sufficient. But, if you're seeking a machine that can handle more complex tasks, like video editing and heavier multitasking, you'll want a powerful MacBook Pro configuration.</p><p>Both laptops also come with a caveat — you need to go beyond Apple's entry-level offerings to get the most out of either machine. The base MacBook Air starting at $999.00 comes with a dual-core Intel Core i3, which feels underpowered for the price. Meanwhile, the least expensive version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro runs on an older 8th generation processor from Intel — a puzzling choice considering 10th generation processors are generally considered to be the standard for 2020 laptops. </p><p>The $1,099.00 configuration of the MacBook Air is probably the best choice for most people in need of a general purpose laptop. Compared to the MacBook Pro, it's lighter and more portable, runs on newer processors at the base level, and is much more affordable. The only reason to choose the Pro over the Air is if you feel that you need more processing power, memory, and storage than the average person. Here's a closer look at how the two compare.</p><h2>Specifications</h2><p><div type="image" title="MacBook Pro 13 inch vs MacBook Air 2020" height="4251" width="3334" msid="76434979" hostid="261"></div></p><h2>Design and feel</h2><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="MacBook Air and Pro side" height="970" width="1974" msid="76434982" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The most significant upgrade on both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is the addition of Apple's new Magic Keyboard, which the company introduced late last year on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The Magic Keyboard replaces the Apple "Butterfly" keyboard after years of complaints over faulty keys from customers and critics alike.</p><p>Thankfully, Apple has finally axed its stiffer, flatter Butterfly keyboard in favor of the Magic Keyboard, which has deeper key travel for a more comfortable and satisfying typing experience. It's also much quieter than before, making it easier to work more discretely when in public places, like coffee shops.  </p><p>When it comes to design, the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are both lightweight and compact. But, as its name implies, the Air wins when it comes to portability.</p><p>Weighing just 2.8 pounds, the MacBook Air is a bit lighter than the 3.1-pound 13-inch MacBook Pro, making it a more appealing option for those working on-the-go. The MacBook Air also features its familiar wedge-like profile, which is thickest near the hinge and thins out near the lip of the laptop's lid. The MacBook Pro, by comparison, has a uniform look that maintains the same thickness throughout. </p><p>There's another physical feature that differentiates the MacBook Pro from the MacBook Air: the Touch Bar. Apple's Touch Bar is a thin touchscreen strip that sits above the keyboard, replacing the function key row.</p><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="Macbook Pro with touch bar" height="1500" width="2000" msid="76434985" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>In addition to housing basic keys for controlling the screen brightness, volume, and media playback, the Touch Bar also adapts depending on the application you're using. If you're browsing the web in Safari, for example, it'll display a preview of your currently open tabs, which you can flip between by scrubbing the Touch Bar.</p><p>The Touch Bar is a novel addition that makes certain tasks easier, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker when deciding which laptop to buy. I appreciate it when it's there, but don't find myself missing it when switching to the MacBook Air.</p><p>Both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are nearly identical when it comes to display quality: the two laptops each have a 13.3-inch Retina display with a 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution and Apple's True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's color temperature depending on the nearby lighting.</p><p>The MacBook Pro's display is slightly brighter and supports the wider P3 color gamut unlike the Air, which instead offers full standard color. That means the Pro is capable of displaying a wider spectrum of colors than the Air, but that will only probably matter if you're a professional photo or video editor.</p><h2>Performance and features</h2><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="MacBook Pro Open" height="3024" width="4032" msid="76434987" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>If you're choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, answering the two following questions should help you make your decision: How much are you willing to spend, and how much power do you need? </p><p>Starting at $999.00, the MacBook Air is $300 cheaper than the MacBook Pro, which begins at $1,299.00. But, you also don't get as much flexibility or performance from the Air. The entry-level Air comes with a 1.1GHz dual-core 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor, but you'll want to spend at least an extra $100 for an upgrade to the model with a quad-core processor.</p><p>Unlike the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air also runs on Intel's Y-series processors, which are designed to enable thin and light designs without any fan-based cooling, like the Air, rather than prioritizing powerful performance.</p><p>The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, has more to offer when it comes to power and configuration options, but comes at a noticeably higher price. The entry-level MacBook Pro comes with a quad-core processor with a higher clock speed compared to the Air. </p><p>The processors that power the Pro are also from Intel's U-series, which offer more power for productivity compared to the Y-series, and they require fan cooling.</p><p>If you're willing to spend, the MacBook Pro line also offers more storage, ports, and memory than the Air, with configuration options that go up to 32GB of memory, 4TB of storage, and four USB-C ports. The maxed-out version of the MacBook Air, comparatively, comes with 16GB of memory, 2TB of storage, and two USB-C ports.</p><p>The catch, however, is that the the cheaper MacBook Pro models run on older 8th generation Intel processors unlike the Air, which comes with 10th generation processors even at the base level. If you want the latest Intel processors in the MacBook Pro, you'll have to spend at least $1,799.00. </p><p>Now that many people have been working from home since March,  you may be paying attention to webcam quality more than usual. There's no difference between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in this regard, both laptops come with 720p FaceTime camera.</p><p>You will, however, get a little more oomph from the MacBook Pro's speakers compared to the Air since its sound system offers high dynamic range unlike the Air's. </p><p>The MacBook Air should offer slightly longer battery life than the Pro, since Apple claims that the Air lasts for 11 hours while the Pro should last for 10 hours. In my experience, however, I found that both laptops fall slightly below Apple's claims, with the Air lasting for about seven hours and the Pro lasting for roughly eight. It's important to remember, however, that battery life will always vary depending on the programs and applications you're using and your computer's settings. </p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="MacBook Air half open" height="3024" width="4032" msid="76434991" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>Overall, the MacBook Air's newer processors, lower price, and easier portability make it the best choice for most people in need of a general purpose computer. If you're a student that just needs a solid laptop for writing papers, or if you really just want a machine for browsing the Internet and light productivity, the Air is the laptop to get. </p><p>But, you should go with the MacBook Pro if you need more performance and flexibility than the Air offers. If you're willing to spend the money, the MacBook Pro offers more options when it comes to ports and storage space, in addition to performance gains. Video editors that need to store many large video files, for example, may benefit from the additional storage options that the Pro line offers. </p><p>Those more interested in the MacBook Air for should probably go with the $1,099.00 version, which comes with a quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM. </p><p>If you opt for the MacBook Pro, your best bet is probably to go for the pricier version starting at $1,799.00 that runs on Intel's 10th generation processor, provided you have the budget. Yes, it's expensive. But if you're purchasing a new laptop, you probably want it to last for at least five years. Investing in processor technology that's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-new-macbook-pro-13-inch-same-processor-specs-price-2020-5">already a couple of years old</a> may not be the best way to make sure you're getting the most out of your laptop in the long haul.</p><p>All told, the above configuration of the MacBook Air is probably the best choice for most people that just need a general purpose laptop, while the Pro is better suited for shoppers looking for a more powerful work machine.</p>

I've been switching between Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and it's clear that Apple's lighter and cheaper laptop is the best choice for most people

<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>PUT your foot down in a Tesla Model S and the experience is rather different to other cars. The usual exhaust roar is replaced by a hushed whooshing sound as the car accelerates rapidly--and relentlessly--thanks to the high torque of an electric motor making gear changes unnecessary because there is no gearbox. And inside, instead of multiple dials and switches, a large touchscreen dominates the centre console. Established carmakers have tended to make modest electric vehicles, usually small ones to eke out the range available from their pricey batteries. But it was Tesla, a Silicon Valley startup, which realised that many early adopters of new technologies are likely to be well heeled and would prefer a large high-performance saloon that is both luxurious and extremely high-tech.</span></p>
<p>Why did Tesla act differently? For a start, it does not think of itself as a carmaker. "I see us more as an energy-innovation company," says Jeffrey "JB" Straubel, the firm's chief technology officer, and one of the co-founders of Tesla, along with Elon Musk, the chief executive. "If we can reduce energy-storage prices, it's the most important thing we can do to make electric vehicles more prevalent," says Mr Straubel. "Add in renewable power and I have a direct line of sight towards an entire economy that doesn't need fossil fuels and doesn't need to pay more to do it."</p>
<p>Mr Straubel's captivation with energy storage is understandable. He is cagey about the exact cost of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack powering the Model S, but it is believed to represent around a quarter of the $70,000 starting price of the basic version. A smaller car, the Model 3, is due in 2017. Although the new car will have some self-driving features like the Model S, it is aimed more at the mass-market. But to hit the Model 3's expected price of around $35,000, Mr Straubel now needs to reduce the cost of his battery packs by at least a third.</p>
<p>The best way to do that and to meet expected demand, Mr Straubel believes, is for Tesla to make its own batteries. And to make them big time. This is why he and Mr Musk are gambling on building a $5 billion "gigafactory" in Nevada in a joint venture with Panasonic, a Japanese battery supplier. By 2020 the gigafactory is set to produce as many Li-ion batteries as the entire world used this year.</p>
<p>The determination to act boldly and independently has worked for Mr Straubel in the past. When researching a charging system for the Model S he rejected existing industry standards because they delivered too little power. And instead of waiting for an agreement with other carmakers for a universal recharging plug, he designed his own proprietary connector. The company's Superchargers, which provide free recharging in public locations to Tesla owners, can top up a battery to about 80% of capacity in 40 minutes. These now comprise the largest fast-charging network in the world.</p>
<p>Mr Straubel also takes a different view on the batteries themselves. Whereas most manufacturers of electric vehicles have opted for large-format batteries, both the Model S and its predecessor, the Tesla Roadster, are powered by around 7,000 individual Li-ion cells. The Roadster's were originally the standard Li-ion cells widely used in industry and found in devices such as laptop computers. For the Model S, however, the cells have been significantly redesigned. Mounted inside a battery pack, the cells are interconnected and interwoven with liquid cooling systems to prevent fires in the event of an accident (damage resulting in short circuits and faulty charging can cause Li-ion batteries to burst into flame).</p>
<h3>The electric Porsche</h3>
<p>Teslas were always going to be unique. Mr Straubel, who is 38, made his first full-sized electric vehicle 14 years ago (a golf cart which he resurrected at the age of 14 doesn't count). This was a 1984 Porsche 944 fitted with twin electric motors and 380kg of old-fashioned lead-acid batteries: a weighty proposition, but one that went on to become the fastest electric car in the world at a drag-racing event in California.</p>
<p>"I love immersive experiences where you're engaged with the thing that you're engineering. If you are driving, riding or flying it, it's even more exciting and fun," says Mr Straubel, who holds a private pilot's licence. After graduating with a master's degree in energy engineering from Stanford University, he worked with Harold Rosen (the designer of the first geosynchronous satellite) on a novel hybrid-drive system for cars. This used a turbine to generate electricity and a fast-moving flywheel to store and release kinetic energy when needed. Although the innovative combination worked, it was a leap too far for conservative carmakers, which declined to invest in it. Nevertheless, the pair licensed the technology to a company that makes flywheels for commercial vehicles. Mr Straubel and Mr Rosen went on to build a hydrogen-powered electric engine for aircraft, which was subsequently licensed to Boeing.</p>
<p>It was then that Mr Straubel met Mr Musk, a freshly minted multimillionaire from the sale of his PayPal digital-payments company to eBay. "One lunch was the beginning of what eventually became Tesla," says Mr Straubel. "We spent most of the meal talking about electric aeroplanes. But as we were wrapping up, I said I was working on a fun crazy project with cars, trying to build a lithium-ion battery pack that could last 1,000 miles."</p>
<p>That dream is still some way off. The Model 3 is likely to have a range of 322km (200 miles) compared with the 440km claimed for a top-of-the-line Model S. But with Tesla intending to sell ten times as many Model 3s, the need for a reliable battery supplier is paramount. Hence the gigafactory. Tesla will have to innovate in battery chemistry and manufacturing techniques even as it ramps up production. Although the new cells are likely to remain small, their exact specifications are still undecided.</p>
<p>Mr Straubel insists that this strategy is less risky than it might seem. He notes that Model S cells today are produced on equipment very similar to that used for the Roadster cells almost ten years ago, even though the energy from the cells has increased by half and their chemistry has changed substantially. The Roadster cells used cobalt oxide as a cathode whereas the Model S uses a nickel-cobalt-aluminium oxide. The difference, says Mr Straubel, is a much improved energy density, a longer lifetime and a higher operating temperature (which means less cooling is required). Besides the chemistry, Tesla is also developing other new features for the batteries.</p>
<p>The idea is that, benefiting from economies of scale, the gigafactory's cells will be significantly cheaper than those from more established manufacturers. "Over the next ten years, it's going to change to the point where we're focused on production to meet the world's energy-storage needs rather than waiting for a cost reduction from a radical change in battery technology," says Mr Straubel.</p>
<p>Not everyone agrees. A report by Lux Research, a firm of technology analysts, has predicted that the gigafactory will bring about only a modest cut in battery costs and suffer more than 50% overcapacity. "Most other companies do not believe that battery volume will grow as fast as it's going to," Mr Straubel counters. "They don't understand the tight linkage between cost and volume. We're at this crossing-point where a small reduction in cost is going to result in a ridiculously big increase in volume, because the auto industry is so big."</p>
<p>Not all the cells made by the gigafactory are destined for vehicles. Some will end up in the company's Superchargers, allowing Tesla to cope with sudden bursts of demand should multiple vehicles need to recharge at once. Others will be used at Tesla's assembly plants to store energy when it is cheap, typically at night, and release it when the price rises.</p>
<h3>Keeping the lights on</h3>
<p>The use of batteries to store renewable power (see "Printing electronics: Chips off the old block") may provide Tesla with its biggest opportunity in the years ahead. The potential is huge, says Mr Straubel. "The economics in many cases have already crossed a threshold where battery packs can effectively store renewables on a very big scale." The main problem with renewable-power sources, such as wind or solar, is that the wind does not always blow or the sun shine when demand for electricity is high. This requires utility companies to maintain additional power stations, usually running on fossil fuels, to meet the shortfall. Batteries, however, could store the power from renewables when it is generated and release it when needed.</p>
<p>Around 1,000 households in California already have a Tesla battery pack installed alongside photovoltaic panels leased from Solar City, another company owned by Mr Musk. The battery packs allow householders to run appliances if the power goes out or switch when electricity prices are high. But they are also designed to maximise the return from "net metering" rules that allow residential customers to sell excess energy to utilities.</p>
<p>Tesla's residential batteries have been plagued by interconnection problems with utilities and are not being adopted as swiftly as Mr Straubel had hoped. "Utilities tend to be very conservative by nature," he says. Nevertheless, Mr Straubel thinks that favourable economics will persuade utilities of the benefits.</p>
<p>As batteries improve in terms of safety and the amount of energy they can store, this will allow new electrically powered products to be produced, reckons Mr Straubel, returning to another of his interests: "In the foreseeable future, electric aeroplanes become an interesting and pretty compelling proposition." A variety of small electric aircraft have been built in America, China and Europe. Airbus recently set up a subsidiary in France to build a two-seater pilot-training aircraft called the E-Fan. It is powered by electric motors driving a pair of ducted fans on either side of the rear fuselage. The European aerospace giant is also looking at the potential of building an electric helicopter and a 90-seat electrically powered passenger plane for short journeys.</p>
<p>A number of developments are under way which have the potential to boost the amount of energy a battery can store. For instance, a team at Stanford University is investigating enclosing the lithium-based anodes used by Li-ion batteries in a thin film of carbon "nanospheres". This would allow more lithium to be used safely in the anode (it is lithium's high chemical reactivity that puts the batteries at risk of catching fire). The coating, researchers think, would allow a Li-ion battery to hold about five times as much energy as those used today, weight-for-weight.</p>
<p>Such innovations are still at the laboratory stage and remain some way from commercial reality. In time, perhaps, even lithium may be replaced by more exotic new materials in batteries. "No one wishes we could come up with a technology that makes today's chemistry obsolete more than me," says Mr Straubel. "We could sell more cars at a lower price. But we're not waiting."</p>
<p>"One lunch was the beginning of what eventually became Tesla"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Click <a href="https://subscriptions.economist.com/nwcd">here</a> to subscribe to The Economist</p>
<p></p>

Tesla's CTO Wants To Take Batteries To A New Dimension

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></div>Microsoft has released an update for the Surface Book and Surface Pro but failed to fix many&#xa0;of the issues users have had with the laptop and tablet, <a href="https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/microsoft-surface/64224/microsoft-issues-long-overdue-surface-book-firmware-update">according to a blog post from Paul Thurrot</a>.&#xa0;<p>Thurrot, one of the most well-respected Microsoft bloggers, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/paul-thurrott-on-microsoft-surfacegate-2016-1">recently coined the term "Surfacegate"</a> for the issues facing Surface users, which include <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/microsoft-surface-book-screen-flickering-2015-10">faulty screens</a>, poor software performance, and a <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/microsoft-recalls-surface-pro-charger-due-to-fire-risk-2016-1">recall of chargers because they pose a fire risk</a>.&#xa0;</p><p>"Microsoft has maintained complete radio silence on the rampant reliability issues that dog Surface Book and Surface Pro 4," Thurrot wrote.&#xa0;</p><p>The new update doesn't fix these issues, however. <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/install-update-activate/surface-book-update-history">According to a Microsoft blog post</a>, the update fixes a battery issue, a Wi-Fi issue, improves the detection of the Surface keyboard, and improve the stability of the graphics on a small number of Book laptops.&#xa0;</p><p>"Today, Microsoft has finally delivered something-<em>anything</em>-for beleaguered Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 users who are happy to accept even a partial fix for the many issues they are seeing," Thurrot writes.&#xa0;</p><p>"And this does appear to be a partial fix: There's no hint that any of this will fix the single biggest issue, which is related to the new power management states that come from Skylake," he continued.</p><p>The power management issue means the Surface loses&#xa0;<em>a lot&#xa0;</em>of battery during sleep, when it should lose none.&#xa0;</p><p>Other Surface users took to Twitter to complain that the software update did not fix many of the issues they have with the Surface.&#xa0;</p><p><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">Microsoft released a new, high-end version of the Surface Book and Pro recently and recently published a blog post entitled "<a href="https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2016/01/26/surfacing-the-facts/">Surfacing the Facts</a>" which, as Thurrot notes, "has to do with the already-explained Surface/NFL incident from last weekend," rather than addressing the issues users face.&#xa0;</p><p class="embed-spacer"><em>Business Insider has reached out to Microsoft to ask when the issues will be fixed. We will update the post when we hear back.&#xa0;</em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/be-like-bill-facebook-meme-blobla-privacy-risk-stealing-personal-information-2016-1">The 'Be Like Bill' Facebook memes driving everyone crazy have a darker side no one is talking about</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="lyamlpMDE6LxYBJUge6BRt76OXL15rxJ" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

Microsoft released a software update for its laptop - but didn't fix the big problems with it

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An appeals court in California <a href="https://static.reuters.com/resources/media/editorial/20200813/bolgervamazon--opinion.pdf">ruled Thursday</a> that <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> is legally liable for defective products sold on its site by third parties.</li><li>The court said Amazon "was pivotal in bringing the product," a defective replacement laptop battery, to a customer, who alleged she was burned when it exploded.</li><li>The ruling reverses an earlier court's decision in favor of Amazon, and could open up Amazon to huge legal costs or force it to police sellers on its site more strictly. </li></ul><p>Amazon was hit with a legal defeat this week after a California appeals court ruled that the company can be held legally liable for defective products sold on its site by third-party sellers.</p><p>In a unanimous <a href="https://static.reuters.com/resources/media/editorial/20200813/bolgervamazon--opinion.pdf">decision issued Thursday</a>, Judge Patricia Guerrero of the Fourth District Court of Appeals wrote that "under established principles of strict liability, Amazon should be held liable if a product sold through its website turns out to be defective."</p><p>The decision overturned an earlier ruling from a trial court in favor of Amazon's motion for a summary judgment, though the company can still appeal to the state's Supreme Court. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p><p>The case concerned a replacement laptop battery that Amazon customer Angela Bolger purchased from a Hong Kong-based company called Lenoge Technology, which went by "E-Life" on Amazon's online marketplace. Bolger alleged in her <keyword id="6377259" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lawsuit">lawsuit</keyword> that "the battery exploded several months later, and she suffered severe burns as a result," for which she argued Amazon should be held responsible.</p><p>Amazon had argued that it wasn't liable because "it did not distribute, manufacture, or sell the product," and that Lenoge was the seller.</p><p>But the court disagreed, finding that Amazon played such an outsized role in the transaction that it bore the responsibility for the defective battery.</p><p>Guerrero wrote that Amazon "placed itself between Lenoge and Bolger in the chain of distribution... accepted possession of the product... stored it in an Amazon warehouse... attracted Bolger to the site... provided her with a product listing... received her payment... shipped the product in Amazon packaging... controlled the conditions of Lenoge's offer for sale... limited Lenoge's access to Amazon's customer information... forced Lenoge to communicate with customers through Amazon... "and demanded indemnification as well as substantial fees on each purchase."</p><p>"Whatever term we use to describe Amazon's role, be it 'retailer,' 'distributor,' or merely 'facilitator,' it was pivotal in bringing the product here to the consumer," she concluded.</p><p>The court also didn't buy Amazon's statement that it should be protected under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which shields internet companies from legal repercussions for content published by third parties on their sites.</p><p>It determined that section 230 didn't apply because Bolger's claims "depend on Amazon's own activities, not its status as a speaker or publisher of content provided by Lenoge for its product listing."</p><p>Pending the results of a possible appeal, Thursday's ruling potentially opens up the online <keyword id="6354851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="retail">retail</keyword> giant to significant legal exposure from other customers who could bring similar lawsuits for faulty or damaged products. It could also force Amazon to adjust its policies to more tightly regulate third-party sellers.</p><p>The number of third-party sellers on Amazon has grown substantially in the past several years, and they now account for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-third-party-sellers-ma-on-the-rise-2020-7">more than half of the products listed</a> on the site. That has also led to a spike in defective, counterfeit, unsafe, expired, and even <a href="https://themarkup.org/banned-bounty/2020/06/18/amazons-enforcement-failures-leave-open-a-back-door">illegal or prohibited listings</a>.</p><p>Amazon listing review site Fakespot found that, over a recent 10-day period, 2,766,693 products on Amazon and 417,616 sellers were "unreliable," concluding from that sample that "15% of Amazon sellers are unreliable and should be avoided."</p>

A California appeals court just ruled that Amazon is legally liable for defective products sold on its site by third parties

<p><em>Hello, everyone! Welcome to the new edition of <keyword id="9095853" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="insider-today">Insider Today</keyword>. Please </em><a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-today"><em>sign up here</em></a><em>.</em></p><h2><strong>QUOTE OF THE DAY</strong></h2><p><strong>"In the end, it looks like climate change actually claimed him as a victim." — </strong><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/climate/konrad-steffen-dead.html?action=click&amp;module=News&amp;pgtype=HomepageHomepage">climate scientist Ryan R. Neely III,</a> mourning the death of acclaimed scientist Konrad Steffen, who helped prove that Greenland's ice sheet is melting. Steffen died this week when he fell into a crevasse formed by the melting ice. </p><h2><strong>WHAT'S HAPPENING</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/8/13/21366668/trump-campaign-birtherism-kamala-harris-born-in-oakland"><strong>Trump encourages the racist, nonsensical birtherist attacks on Kamala Harris.</strong></a> The president is promoting a fringy, discredited, and tacitly racist legal theory that she's not eligible for the presidency because her parents were not Americans when she was born in the United States.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/usps-turning-off-mail-sorting-machines-ahead-of-the-election-2020-8?r=US&amp;IR=TIR=T"><strong>Postal Service pulls crucial mail-sorting machines out of service, escalating fight over mail-in voting. </strong></a>The <keyword id="195495" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="USPS">USPS</keyword> changes are slowing mail delivery before the election, which the President has encouraged, though he yesterday requested a mail-in ballot for himself. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watchdog-says-acting-dhs-chief-not-legally-eligible-serve-role-2020-8"><strong>Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf is illegally serving in the role, concludes GAO. </strong></a>According to the watchdog, he and fellow DHS Official Ken Cucinelli were not validly appointed under law and thus cannot serve. But only President Trump can fire them, so barring a massive constitutional showdown with Congress or courts trying to force them from office, they won't leave unless Trump tells them to. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doj-accused-yale-of-discriminating-against-asian-white-applicants-2020-8"><strong>The Department of Justice accuses Yale of discriminating against white and Asian-American students. </strong></a>A lawsuit says Yale is racially balancing classes illegally. Harvard won a similar case recently, though the plaintiffs are appealing. </p><p><strong>The Senate adjourned till September without passing a pandemic relief bill. </strong>The House is also on vacation. </p><h2><strong>VIEWS OF THE DAY</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Ted Cruz" height="600" width="1200" msid="77552858" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Trump is walloping the <keyword id="6363843" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="constitution">Constitution</keyword>. Where are all the constitutional conservatives? </strong></p><p>Politicians are very good at praising themselves, and among Republicans these days, the most fashionable self-flattery is: "I'm a constitutional conservative." </p><p>Sen. Ted Cruz can barely order a soy latte without calling himself a "constitutional conservative." Sen. Tom Cotton, too, styles himself one. Sen. Josh Hawley is so constitutionally conservative that it's <a href="https://joshhawley.com/">the top of his biography</a>, in all caps. </p><p>But what on earth does it mean to be a constitutional conservative if you're encouraging <em>this </em>to be done to the Constitution in your name? </p><p>Let's start with postal delivery, which is one of the very few government obligations the Constitution insists on: This week the President declared that he would <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-admits-he-wants-block-usps-funding-sabotage-mail-voting-2020-8">sabotage mail delivery</a> in order to help him win reelection. Is that what the framers intended with Article 1, Section 8, senators? </p><p>The Constitution requires a Census this year, an "actual enumeration" of everyone living in the United States (or "these United States," as constitutional conservatives like to intone). But despite a pandemic, despite begging by all census experts, the Trump administration has refused to extend the Census in order to "actually enumerate" everyone, but rather <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/8/6/21354283/trump-census-2020-end-early-covid-19">have cut the data collection short by a month</a> — with the blatant goal of reducing the count of poorer and marginalized people and immigrants to increase GOP political power. Is this what the Framers intended with Article 1, Section 2? </p><p>The president has used his office to ask foreign governments for financial benefits. Just a couple weeks ago, it came out that he pushed his UK ambassador to lobby the British government to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/21/world/europe/trump-british-open.html">move the British Open golf tournament</a> to a Trump golf club. Trump has repeatedly asked <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/09/20/trumps-assertions-that-hed-accept-foreign-campaign-assistance-take-new-light/">foreign leaders for help that would personally benefit him</a>, and in fact just this past week said he'd accept election assistance from foreign governments. (Election assistance that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-russia-report-2020-election-dni-coats-2020-8">Vladimir Putin is already giving</a>, as Trump's own intelligence officials determined, before he fired them.) When the Framers wrote Article 1, Section 9 and Article 2, Section 1, did they believe a president should seek compensation and electoral help from foreign princes? </p><p>The President has <a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/511265-trumps-contempt-for-advice-and-consent">stacked his administration with acting officials</a> rather than asking for the advice and consent of the Senate for their approval. Just last week he withdrew the controversial Senate nomination of a DOD official, and <a href="https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/08/03/despite-nomination-withdrawal-anthony-tata-set-work-pentagon.html">simply appointed him to do the same work</a> in a non-confirmation job. Constitutional conservatives went ballistic when Democrats skirted the advice and consent requirement of Article 2, Second 2. Do they believe the Framers intended for President Trump to be held to a different standard?</p><p>These are just the ways the Trump administration has insulted the Constitution — and not merely the Constitution, but the core parts of the Constitution — in the past month. (Oh wait, as I am finishing this, I realize I forgot about the executive orders: Trump is also spending billions of dollars Congress didn't appropriate on an unemployment program Congress didn't approve! Oh, and the President is also trying to seize Congress's taxation authority by unilaterally pausing collection of the payroll tax.) </p><p>This nation will not survive as the constitutional republic that constitutional conservatives claim they want to preserve if they're willing to abuse the Constitution when it's politically convenient. <em>— DP</em></p><div type="image" title="Chad Wolf" height="1513" width="3026" msid="77552862" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Trump administration officials are illegally occupying their posts, and there may be nothing we can do about it.</strong></p><p>It gets worse, Plotz.</p><p>This morning the Government Accountability Office (GAO) ruled that acting Homeland Security chief <keyword id="9594193" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chad-wolf">Chad Wolf</keyword> and acting deputy secretary Ken Cuccinelli were <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watchdog-says-acting-dhs-chief-not-legally-eligible-serve-role-2020-8">illegally appointed to their current positions</a> and ineligible to serve in them under the The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998. </p><p>Basically, those positions require Senate confirmation <a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44997.pdf">within 210 days</a>. And Trump just never sent them for confirmation. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-surviving-autocracy-interview-masha-gessen-2020-7">Masha Gessen</a>, the New Yorker writer and author of "Surviving Autocracy," talked to me about this very situation last month amid after Trump sent federal officers to violently <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-portland-secret-police-force-border-patrol-homeland-security-2020-7">confront protesters</a> in Portland.</p><p>"We're going to find out soon that it's going to be very difficult to hold anybody involved to account, because it's not even clear that the heads of the DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and the CBP [Border Patrol] legally occupy their posts. They're both acting heads, and for both of them, the maximum term allowed has expired, which may or may not be a big deal. Nobody quite understands the law. But the line of succession as written in law has been violated. </p><p>That's a great example of how incompetence actually creates the impossibility of holding these people to account. They weren't confirmed by the Senate, and the only person who can fire them is Trump. So they're just as oblivious to any oversight agency as they are to the procedure of actually getting appointed to office. Basically saying: "What are you going to do about it?"</p><p>This raises a disturbing potential scenario: Trump administration officials being <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-not-playing-dictator-anymore-orange-man-good-portland-chicago-2020-7">immune from accountability</a> because they never legally occupied their posts. "Checks and balances" was fun while it lasted, America. <em>— <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/anthony-l-fisher">Anthony Fisher</a></em></p><p><strong>Does the Israel-United Arab Emirates deal mean Trump just rebooted the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?</strong></p><p>No, it does not. </p><p>The deal, brokered by first son-in-law Jared Kushner, has the United Arab Emirates and Israel agreeing to a <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/jared-kushner-is-working-on-more-mideast-pacts-with-israel">historic diplomatic normalization</a> between the two countries. UAE is now just the third Arab nation to recognize the existence of the state of Israel, joining Egypt and Jordan, with which Israel signed peace treaties after decades of war. </p><p>Israel and the UAE have had <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-united-arab-emirates-agree-full-normalization-relations-n1236606">clandestine business and intelligence associations</a> for years, as have <a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/05/27/how-israel-and-arab-world-are-making-peace-without-peace-deal-pub-81918">other Sunni Arab countries</a>, such as Saudi Arabia, which see Israel as an ally against Iran. But given the persistence of the idea in many parts of the world that 72-year-old Israel is an inherently illegitimate state, this is a very big step toward potential stability, some day, in the Middle East.</p><p>The Trump administration deserves credit for brokering this deal, and it also deserves credit for getting Israel to agree to suspend the annexation of disputed territory in the West Bank as one the deal's terms. </p><p>But make no mistake, this is not a rebooting of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.</p><p>Yes, Israel gave up a big bargaining chip. The problem is, the Trump administration <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-03-20/golan-annexation-by-israel-shouldn-t-get-u-s-recognition">gave them that chip</a> when it recognized Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights and moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Both moves had been opposed by US presidents for more than half a century, but Trump just handed them over to Israel without asking for anything in return.</p><p>For their part, all the Palestinians got was Israel promising to "suspend" annexation of land that is the foundation of any potential Palestinian state. And a two-state solution is the only way Israel can remain a Jewish state and a democracy. </p><p>Now the Trump administration wants to be seen as great peacemakers, but the "peace plan" includes a map of land swaps only agreed to by the Israelis — as a starting point in the negotiations. </p><p>This map was originally rolled out to little fanfare in January, after which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kushner-isnt-even-trying-sell-middle-east-peace-plan-palestine-2020-1">Kushner went on CNN</a> and said the Palestinians should embrace his plan, otherwise "they're going to screw up another opportunity, like they've screwed up every other opportunity that they've ever had in their existence."</p><p>These aren't the noises produced by a good faith and impartial negotiator, and the Palestinians <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/israel-uae-normalising-relations-200814105701641.html">have good reason to be unimpressed by the deal</a>. </p><p>So, no, this is not the reboot of the peace process, but it is a legitimately big deal.<em> — AF</em></p><h2><strong>BUSINESS &amp; ECONOMY</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Fortnite Apple ad parody" height="963" width="1925" msid="77552866" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-apple-google-sued-fortnite-epic-games-antitrust-explained-2020-8"><strong>Fortnite's creator sued Apple and Google for monopolistic practices after the game was barred from the app stores. </strong></a> Epic Games set an antitrust trap for Apple and Google, provoking them into banning Fortnite in a fight over their cut of in-game purchases. Also, here are<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fortnite-apple-parody-video-easter-eggs-2020-8"> all the Easter Eggs hidden in the Apple parody video</a> Fortnite just released. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/court-rules-amazon-liable-defective-third-party-seller-product-sales-2020-8"><strong>Amazon was found liable for a faulty product sold by a third-party seller on the site. </strong></a>A California appeals court said that Amazon's claim that it had nothing to do with selling an exploding laptop battery didn't hold up. The judge wrote that Amazon "placed itself between Lenoge and Bolger in the chain of distribution... accepted possession of the product... stored it in an Amazon warehouse... attracted Bolger to the site... provided her with a product listing... received her payment... shipped the product in Amazon packaging... controlled the conditions of Lenoge's offer for sale... limited Lenoge's access to Amazon's customer information... forced Lenoge to communicate with customers through Amazon... and demanded indemnification as well as substantial fees on each purchase."</p><h2><strong>LIFE</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="chocolate chip cookies" height="3024" width="4032" msid="77552872" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/healthy-chocolate-chip-cookies">Five easy tips to make chocolate chip cookies healthier.</a></strong>Such as swapping out the butter for avocado oil. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/lebron-james-dodger-stadium-polling-place-more-than-a-vote-2020-8"><strong>A LeBron James-backed group is turning Dodger Stadium into a polling place.</strong></a> More Than a Vote also arranged for NBA stadiums in Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Detroit to become polling places.</p><h2><strong>DEAL OF THE DAY</strong></h2><p>Get access to exclusive Insider interviews, analysis, news, and more with our special end-of-summer offer. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/summer-2020?utm_source=InsiderToday&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=SummerSale2020Sale2020">Sign up now</a> to get 50% off a Business Insider subscription!</p><h2><strong>THE BIG 3*</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Josh Adams Great Escape" height="400" width="800" msid="77552875" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reacts-when-asked-if-he-regrets-lying-to-americans-2020-8"><strong>A reporter asked Trump if he regrets "all the lying you've done to the American people." </strong></a>Trump ignored the question.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/great-escape-comic-harry-and-meghan-leave-royal-family-2020-8"><strong>Insider commissioned a comic about why Harry and Meghan left the royal family. </strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/the-office-leslie-david-baker-stanley-received-racist-messages-instagram-2020-8"><strong>The actor who played Stanley on "The Office" shared the racist messages he received on Instagram. </strong></a>Lesley David Baker received the messages after announcing plans for a spinoff focusing on Stanley. </p><p><em>*The most popular stories on Insider today.</em></p>

Where are the so-called 'constitutional conservatives'?

<p>Ten years ago today, a few overgrown tree branches and a faulty, aging power grid led to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/15/nyregion/blackout-2003-overview-power-surge-blacks-northeast-hitting-cities-8-states.html?pagewanted=all&amp;src=pm" target="_blank">biggest blackout in North American history</a>. </p>
<p>The <keyword id="26078" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Blackout">blackout</keyword> hit numerous big cities in the Northeast and Midwest, including Cleveland, Detroit, and Toronto. But none of the images were as striking and iconic as those emanating from blacked-out <keyword id="72226" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="New-York-City">New York City</keyword>. </p>
<p>The blackout struck the city just after the stock exchange had closed and the evening was about to begin in New York.</p>
<p>Some traders watched as their monitors blinked off at their desks as they were about to leave the floor. Thousands of passengers had to be evacuated from subway tunnels, and others were evacuated from large buildings. <span>Gov. George E. Pataki said that 600 trains were left stranded, and crowds of stranded passengers piled up in both Grand Central and Penn Stations.</span></p>
<p><span>It came just fewer than two years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York City. But New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others quickly moved to dispel any notion that the blackout had anything to do with terrorism. </span></p>
<p><span>Do you remember where you were when the blackout first hit? <span>Here's a look back at the New York City scene 10 years ago:</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">AP</p></div></div></div></span></span></p>
<p><strong><em>This was the scene looking at the New York City skyline that night.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">AP</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Another picture of the skyline</em>. </strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">AP</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Commuters were stranded outside of Penn Station. </em><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">AP</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><em><strong>This college student, Shmuel Aziza of France, got innovative in Brooklyn, charging his laptop via a car battery.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Here's a view of a bodega during the blackout.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><em><strong>The crowd of stranded passengers outside Grand Central station at rush hour.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>No one lost their sense of humor during the fracas. Indeed, New York became known for "coming together" during the outage.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em></em><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Inside Grand Central, the station's floodlights helped passengers navigate.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>An iconic shot of New York City, almost completely dark, as the sun sets.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em></em><div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></div></div></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>People walk down Brooklyn Bridge during the massive blackout.</em></strong></p>

You Searched For "laptops with faulty battery" and got 11 results

Indian airlines could ban 15-inch MacBook Pros — but other laptops with faulty batteries continue to fly

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Amazon will pay up to $1,000 to people injured by faulty products from third-party sellers

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Apple will replace the batteries that won't hold a charge in certain MacBook Pros for free

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'Why isn't my internet working?': How to identify why you can't connect to the internet and troubleshoot accordingly

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I've been switching between Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and it's clear that Apple's lighter and cheaper laptop is the best choice for most people

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Microsoft released a software update for its laptop - but didn't fix the big problems with it

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A California appeals court just ruled that Amazon is legally liable for defective products sold on its site by third parties

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Where are the so-called 'constitutional conservatives'?

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Surreal Photos From The Day New York Went Dark

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