Mac Pro Redesigned, Back on Sale in Europe Following Ban

iEurope rejoice, the Mac Pro is back—with a new look.

Apple's canister-shaped computer is available for sale in Europe following a redesign that obeys regulatory requirements. Last March, Apple was forced to halt sales of the Mac Pro in many European countries due to an inability to meet electrical regulations, specifically due to the computer's ports and fans.

However, Apple's newly-launched (rather than the previous-generation) Mac Pro has received the necessary check marks for sale, according to 9to5Mac. The computer is listed on Apple's UK Web site, with an expected delivery date of February for customers who purchase it now. Those who have already ordered a Mac Pro should get their computer by as early as January 14, according to French blog site MacGeneration.

Consumers can grab two pre-configured Mac Pros from Apple for $2,999 and $3,999, respectively. However, a fully-loaded model is available for a bit under $10,000. A 4K display can also be added for over $10K.

Apple Wins Patent Appeal Against Motorola

A U.S. appeals court ruled Friday that Apple did not infringe on Motorola smartphone patents.

The disputed patent includes methods "for controlling a delivery of data from a fixed portion of the wireless communication system to a subscriber unit." Basically, the tech prevents accidental hang-ups or app launches by your face while talking on the phone. The case dates back to 2012, when Google purchased Motorola and filed an infringement suit against Apple to ban the import of tempted to ban the import of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch into the U.S.

"Motorola relies on the proposition that the word 'a' in patent claims generally means 'one or more,'" the court decision said.
"As a general rule, the indefinite article 'a,' when used in conjunction with the open transitional word 'comprising,' carries the meaning of 'one or more,'" it continued. "But this general rule does not apply when the context of the use of 'a' within the claim clearly demonstrates that it is limited to the singular," which the court claims Motorola did.

"We're disappointed in this decision and are evaluating our options," a Motorola spokesman said in a statement.

Motorola filed its initial complaint with the ITC in November 2010, accusing the Cupertino-based company of violating six of its patents. All six have either been tossed out by the court or were quashed after "flip-flopping," according to PC Mag.