Apple to Release Thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC

[MacRumors]

http://images.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/apple-to-release-thinner-macbook-pro-at-wwdc/)


Bloomberg confirms (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-14/apple-said-to-prepare-thinner-mac-laptops-sporting-intel-chips.html) a report from earlier today (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/thinner-15-inch-macbook-pro-coming-with-retina-display-and-usb-3-0/) that Apple is preparing to release thinner MacBook Pro models with Retina displays.

The models are to be released at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 11 and will also include flash memory to "cut startup times and extend battery life". The report is likely a "controlled leak", something that Apple PR has been known to do in the past to share product details.

http://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2012/05/thin_mbp_15_comparison1.jpg


Mockup of thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro design (left) compared to current design (right)
Apple Inc. is preparing a new lineup of thinner MacBook laptops running on more powerful chips made by Intel Corp., people with knowledge of the plans said.

The MacBook Pro machines, to be unveiled at Apple's annual developers conference starting June 11, also will feature high- definition screens like those on the iPhone and iPad, as well as flash memory to cut startup times and extend battery life, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven't been made public.The MacBook Pro lineup was last updated (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/24/apple-bumps-macbook-pro-with-processor-graphics-storage-upgrades/) in October of 2011, though it hasn't had a substantial redesign since 2008 (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/14/apple-announces-new-macbook-pros-updates-macbook-air/).

Bloomberg also suggested that Apple will announce the launch date of the OS X Mountain Lion release that Apple previewed (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/02/16/apple-releases-first-developer-preview-of-os-x-mountain-lion-public-launch-in-late-summer/) earlier this year.

Article Link: Apple to Release Thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/apple-to-release-thinner-macbook-pro-at-wwdc/)

[MultiMediaWill]

I don't think anyone cares about this. We just want the iPhone 6. Thanks.

[Dr McKay]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?

I don't think anyone cares about this. We just want the iPhone 6. Thanks.

That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care.

[soulniz]

Sweet mother of Mac. It's finally happening, isn't it? Been waiting for this for a loong time.

[Feed Me]

I'm okay with this

[Xscapes]

Finally get rid of the superdrive.

[Mad Mac Maniac]

This is kinda what I've been expecting, the timing is right. Can't wait!

Now what about the iMac and MBA?

[pmz]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?

No I don't think it is. From the recent rumors, if they are any indication whatsoever, the tradeoffs are going to be really disappointing.

Form factor and weight look like they won't be improving as much as we thought, yet still at the expense of Ethernet and Firewire.

Now Firewire I'm happy to ditch for the versatility of USB 3.

But Ethernet? No, not happy to lose that at all.

[Peace]

I get a feeling you're going to see more than new MBP's at WWDC2012.

[newyorksole]

What about iMacs :(

[Wardenski]

How thin can they make it without compromising its performance?

[wallysb01]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?


Yeah, Ethernet will be a big loss for many people, especially for a "professional" machine that is part of a local network. I'd be fairly surprised if this part of the rumor is actually true. I'd find it more likely that its slightly tapered and still keeps the ethernet.

[nuckinfutz]

I'm in for a penny ...in for a pound.

[atomicbloke]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

[roadbloc]

No Ethernet? I don't see this going down well. Thunderbolt hasn't been adopted enough for it to replace Ethernet.... yet. Will it do in the future, I'm not too convinced about that either. So far, to me, Thunderbolt has been FireWire 3.

[uclamacguy]

What will go in the vacated SuperDrive area?

- BTO second HDD/SSD
- Bigger battery
- iPhone slot for: charge + auto-tethering option?

[spyd4r]

Image (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/apple-to-release-thinner-macbook-pro-at-wwdc/)


Bloomberg confirms (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-14/apple-said-to-prepare-thinner-mac-laptops-sporting-intel-chips.html) a report from earlier today (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/thinner-15-inch-macbook-pro-coming-with-retina-display-and-usb-3-0/) that Apple is preparing to release thinner MacBook Pro models with Retina displays.

The models are to be released at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 11 and will also include flash memory to "cut startup times and extend battery life". The report is likely a "controlled leak", something that Apple PR has been known to do in the past to share product details.

Image (http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2012/05/thin_mbp_15_comparison1.jpg)


Mockup of thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro design (left) compared to current design (right)
The MacBook Pro lineup was last updated (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/24/apple-bumps-macbook-pro-with-processor-graphics-storage-upgrades/) in October of 2011, though it hasn't had a substantial redesign since 2008 (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/14/apple-announces-new-macbook-pros-updates-macbook-air/).

Bloomberg also suggested that Apple will announce the launch date of the OS X Mountain Lion release that Apple previewed (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/02/16/apple-releases-first-developer-preview-of-os-x-mountain-lion-public-launch-in-late-summer/) earlier this year.

Article Link: Apple to Release Thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/14/apple-to-release-thinner-macbook-pro-at-wwdc/)

no ethernet in a pro level laptop? WTF Apple.

edit: as soon as I hit send, i figured it out.. it's to upsell you to a Apple Thunderbolt Display...

[Diode]

Hi-res screen for the MacBooks? Awesome.

Wonder if that means a retina iMac next year? Photo editing on that would be awesome!

[samdamanPRO]

I was so excited for this announcement, until i read my bank statement. :(

[Kilamite]

I do miss MacBook Pro keynotes. Last one we had was back in October 2008 (early '09 for 17"), since then, the updates have been silent and mentioned after release in a keynote.

WWDC is so far away though - it kind of annoys me that if the laptop is ready now, to wait till then to release it when every other manufacture has been releasing Ivy Bridge laptops and they still sell their current lineup.

If we get a sneak peak of iOS 6, more Mountain Lion peaks/GM as well as new MacBook Pros, Apple will finally have had a keynote that excites me since 4 years ago!

[chrisrosemusic1]

Superdrive (for me) is a complete waste of time. I haven't used it since I installed my music software 3 months ago, and now I use time machine I won't even need it to install on a future system.

As for ethernet, I don't use it either - I always use WiFi for all my devices and it works seamlessly. Maybe they will do a USB adapter (like the Wii) which will allow it when required.

I only got my newest Pro in January but I may be swayed if the spec jump is enough to warrant selling mine and adding a few £ more in June.

Time will tell.
:rolleyes:

[macbwizard]

It's not like the current size MBP is so thick that it ever prevents me from taking it anywhere. Is this thinness for the sake of thinness?

[NewbieCanada]

The Bloomberg article doesn't confirm anything. It just reiterates what is said at 9to5Mac but waits until the end of the story to credit them in a backhanded way.

[Peace]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Well. You got your 30 seconds of fame.
:rolleyes:

[thekev]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?


Do you really believe the graphics that removed the thunderbolt port from the left side? Obviously it could be insinuated that it was moved to the right, but I think they'll get a backlash if they remove ethernet. Anyway even if this happens, the rendered graphics aren't giving you a complete picture.

[BK.]

Still disappointed (and not about the ethernet, really) but... we'll see. We'll see.

The good thing is, even though I won't be buying this (probably anyway as I need a built-in ODD) it will hopefully push down the price of the 2011 models. Fingers crossed.

However, I can't get the student discount anywhere else but Apple directly, so it probably will work out more expensive to buy the 2011. FML. :mad:

[WardC]

FINALLY!!! Some SOLID news about this, FINALLY, FINALLY!!!!

I have been waiting my whole entire life for this!!

Well, just a few loooong months at least.

You can say I love Mac news. It's like a party.

[theSeb]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?



That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care.

This conversation was repeated about 2000 times in the previous thread today.

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Person C: No Ethernet!!
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor

and so forth.

[samdamanPRO]

No Ethernet? I don't see this going down well. Thunderbolt hasn't been adopted enough for it to replace Ethernet.... yet. Will it do in the future, I'm not too convinced about that either. So far, to me, Thunderbolt has been FireWire 3.

You honestly believe that people won't buy the brand new Apple Macbook Pro with a retina display thinner design and flash memory because it doesn't carry an ethernet port?

[Kebabselector]

Maybe they'll sell iHub, connected via Thunderbolt to provide Ethernet and Firewire ports.

[charlieegan3]

I don't think anyone cares about this. We just want the iPhone 6. Thanks.

what ever happened to iPhone 5?

[chrisrosemusic1]

What will go in the vacated SuperDrive area?

- BTO second HDD/SSD
- Bigger battery
- iPhone slot for: charge + auto-tethering option?

Neat idea with the iPhone slot (lol)... Shame hotspot/tethering doesn't work in the UK without yet another additional data bundle.

Never use it so don't really want the space in the MBP to have it. We won't even see 4G here for years to come either so it's hopeless for desktop browsing.

[Matthew Yohe]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Enjoy your netbooks.

[charlieegan3]

I'm okay with this

that's great, it means Apple can go-ahead with the MacBook Pro launch, phew.

[Cynicalone]

I wonder if they will rename the lineup.

I could see the 13 and 17 inch MacBook Pro's being discontinued. And the entire lineup being 11, 13, 15 inch Air/Pro models. Apple loves a simplified lineup.

[Diode]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

A quadcore macbook would run circles around any current netbook. A lot of people use their laptops for more then browsing the internet.

Development, media editing, complex math applications (R, mathematica etc), CAD etc, etc, etc all require a "real" machine.

A retina display would just be icing on the cake. If they could include all of that and maintain the current price points - this thing will sell.

[tido2012]

I hope you're joking right. LTE, more ram, maybe 4", and iOS 6...done for the next 6 months.
I don't think anyone cares about this. We just want the iPhone 6. Thanks.

[Peace]

I want one and I don't even need one.

:D

[charlieegan3]

- iPhone slot for: charge + auto-tethering option?

cool idea, but not exactly apple's style

[BK.]

It's not like the current size MBP is so thick that it ever prevents me from taking it anywhere. Is this thinness for the sake of thinness?

Yep.

The only reason they removed the ethernet port and ODD is so they can make the design thinner.

Which makes no sense to me as they already have the Air as their super-thin super-portable.

But I'm not running Apple.

I'm still confused why Apple are seemingly giving people less reasons to buy the Pro over the Air, but maybe they just want to push the Air. Retina display = win. Lack of ODD = not a win. Lack of ethernet = not a win. Lack of FireWire = not a win. And, if it doesn't have an SSD as standard = not a win.

So basically, apart from the screen, it's going to be a less good Air. Lol...

[wallysb01]

It's not like the current size MBP is so thick that it ever prevents me from taking it anywhere. Is this thinness for the sake of thinness?

It will be thinness simply to say its thinner. Marketing and apparently no functionality. A standard SSD would be nice, but only if it also comes with a HDD. At apple prices SSDs of sufficient size for a "professional" computer are just not reasonable.

[charlieegan3]

Maybe they'll sell iHub, connected via Thunderbolt to provide Ethernet and Firewire ports.

for only another year's pay cheque...

[slrandall]

I'll be that guy ... Mac Pro?

Also, people should stop freaking out about the Ethernet and FW ports based on a mockup. Hopefully it's not the way things will do, but if it does, then oh well.

You'll all upgrade anyways (when the time comes), because we all love Macs and OS X. And truth be told, it won't be anywhere near as bad as people think. It never is.

[Ryth]

This is SHOCKING and UNEXPECTED.

Of course they were going to announce this at WWDC.

[nuckinfutz]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

They still make Netbooks?

No Ethernet? I don't see this going down well. Thunderbolt hasn't been adopted enough for it to replace Ethernet.... yet. Will it do in the future, I'm not too convinced about that either. So far, to me, Thunderbolt has been FireWire 3.

That and a quarter won't buy a cup of coffee. If you don't understand the differences between Thunderbolt and Firewire all the guessing in the world isn't going to get you on the field.

no ethernet in a pro level laptop? WTF Apple.

edit: as soon as I hit send, i figured it out.. it's to upsell you to a Apple Thunderbolt Display...

or minimize legacy ports in lieu of a pretty flexible, if not currently expensive, technology (Thunderbolt)

[charlieegan3]

FINALLY!!! Some SOLID news about this, FINALLY, FINALLY!!!!

I have been waiting my whole entire life for this!!

Well, just a few loooong months at least.

You can say I love Mac news. It's like a party.

at least someone is pleased by the news.

[Jamie0003]

When the report mentions it using flash memory, does that mean the HDD will be replaced with a flash chip (the same as MBA) Or simply a normal SSD?

Personally I would be very happy if it's the MBA chip as if i'm not mistaken they are upgradeable to some extent? Meaning thinner + faster SSD = very good Mac.

[KouThan]

The one thing that worries me the most is the loss of ethernet. Maybe apple can shrink the connector so that you can have full gigabit ethernet just by using a small passive adapter.

[charlieegan3]

I want one and I don't even need one.

:D

I'm sure you'll manage to find a use for it.

[Matthew Yohe]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png

[WardC]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

The 15" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop. I had been hoping they would slim it down, improve the form-factor, and decrease some of the chunky aluminum and bezel space around the display. It could really be a much sleeker laptop, and even better with a retina display and SSD standard as well as Ivy Bridge.

A sleek and stylish, more portable laptop can still be svelte and uber-cool, and nothing like a netbook, providing substantially more features, functionality, and performance.

I think this is what Apple has in mind for the new MacBook Pros, decreasing the "dead space" and excess aluminum that makes it a bit hefty, ditching HD in favor of thin blade SSDs which are super-fast, and adding retina displays which make them in a league of their own....plus providing desktop-level performance with hi-end Ivy Bridge processors.

[FlatlinerG]

Bold move by Apple for sure; however, it really does fit their current product line. I imagine Apple realizes the sheer amount of people using MacBooks as their desktop that barely moves from the desk. Introduce thunderbolt displays, when used by these sorts of customers, it really is the perfect solution. For people who don't want to buy a thunderbolt display and never take their MacBook off their desk, insert iMac.

[theSeb]

Seems like timing to release this news today. I wonder if it's all because AppleTree found the updated MBP geekbench results as per this thread?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1370764

Pretty cool though.

[Ryth]

What will go in the vacated SuperDrive area?

- BTO second HDD/SSD
- Bigger battery
- iPhone slot for: charge + auto-tethering option?

...if it's Retina that means.

- Dedicated Graphics Card
- Longer Battery Life (bigger battery)
- Storage

----------

The 15" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop.

The 17" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop.

Fix'd that for you. If you think the 15" is very bulky and heavy, you need to hit the G-Y-M.

[theSeb]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png)

I am not one of the ones crying, but I know that it is practically useless. I use one with my MBA and my N wireless is actually faster since the adaptor only supports 100 Mbits Ethernet. We need a Thunderbolt --> Gigabit Ethernet adaptor.

[BK.]

They still make Netbooks?


Apple are bringing one out this year. It's called the MacBook Pro.

Hilarious, I know! Go Apple!!!!11onetwo :apple:

[pubwvj]

I really look forward to the new PowerBooks, ideally as 17" with maximum processing power. I would love something that can throttle back to conserve energy when the power isn't needed. Apple should really incorporate solar electric into the skin of the machine to trickle charge. The lack of DVD bothers me some but as long as external unit is an option I can see lightening the load. Two SD card slots would be really nice. Like adding another drive. The retina display doesn't do much for me. Most of all I wish Apple would resupport Classic and Rosetta. There's a lot of old software that deserves support and the data that goes with it. This would cut down on the extra machines kicking around to do legacy. The power is there in the new hardware. Apple has the resources and money. If they're not going to support Classic and Rosetta then they should release them out into the public domain with full documentation so others can pick them up for profit or not.

Walter Jeffries
Sugar Mountain Farm
Check out our Kickstarter at http://smf.me/k

[wallysb01]

This conversation was repeated about 2000 times in the previous thread today.

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Person C: No Ethernet!!
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor

and so forth.

All for the low, low price of $100 I'm sure. The thunderbolt cord itself is $50, plus yet another cord to clutter up our lives...

Why is a few millimeters going to be worth it?

[kiantech]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png)

It's not gigabit.

[thekeyring]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Everywhere I look I see people with iPhones. Tons of people are getting iPads. Even though Macs don't have a dominant market share, they still help Apple maintain it's spot as most profitable company on Earth. & you think they'll fold up by 2014?

The MacBook Air can do many things a netbook cannot - run final cut pro x, photoshop (really well) to name a few.

A thinner MacBook Pro, which at worst will be a slightly thicker air with more memory/bigger ssd can hardly be said to have the same functionality as a $450 netbook, let alone a $150 netbook.

[BK.]

Bold move by Apple for sure; however, it really does fit their current product line. I imagine Apple realizes the sheer amount of people using MacBooks as their desktop that barely moves from the desk. Introduce thunderbolt displays, when used by these sorts of customers, it really is the perfect solution. For people who don't want to buy a thunderbolt display and never take their MacBook off their desk, insert iMac.

If they don't remove it from their desks, why on earth would it need to be made thinner and lighter?

Logic failure. Oop.

[nuckinfutz]

When the report mentions it using flash memory, does that mean the HDD will be replaced with a flash chip (the same as MBA) Or simply a normal SSD?

Personally I would be very happy if it's the MBA chip as if i'm not mistaken they are upgradeable to some extent? Meaning thinner + faster SSD = very good Mac.

Ideal solution would be a SSD Blade like the MBA has along with a HDD drive. The Blade would barely take up space and can be upgraded easily.

The one thing that worries me the most is the loss of ethernet. Maybe apple can shrink the connector so that you can have full gigabit ethernet just by using a small passive adapter.

I wonder if the new Thunderbolt chips will make it easy to create an adapter that does FW and Ethernet in one affordable accessory

[dawindmg08]

I use the Firewire port DAILY, and so do a lot of other people I know. It's essential for a lot of post-production jobs where everyone trades FW drives back and forth. Losing it would be a HUGE disappointment, especially because there's no cheap/simple Thunderbolt>Firewire dongle out there.

[lilo777]

Yeah, Ethernet will be a big loss for many people, especially for a "professional" machine that is part of a local network. I'd be fairly surprised if this part of the rumor is actually true. I'd find it more likely that its slightly tapered and still keeps the ethernet.

Since when does Apple care about professionals?

[theSeb]

All for the low, low price of $100 I'm sure. The thunderbolt cord itself is $50, plus yet another cord to clutter up our lives...

Why is a few millimeters going to be worth it?

I really don't mind. My own company pays for these things. You can always stick with the 2011 model and get a good price on a refurbished one.

as well as flash memory to cut startup times and extend battery life
I am curious about this though. Surely not just SSD as standard across the board? So are we talking a small SSD for caching and a normal HDD?

[Diode]

I am not one of the ones crying, but I know that it is practically useless. I use one with my MBA and my N wireless is actually faster since the adaptor only supports 100 Mbits Ethernet. We need a Thunderbolt --> Gigabit Ethernet adaptor.

Probably more simple and cheaper would be a USB3.0 adapter (if the rumored MacBook has 3.0). That should support full gigabit as 3.0 supports up to 5Gigabit/sec.

And agree - for those that do need ethernet - they need it for a reason (speed). It would be silly for them to nix the ethernet port and not include a proper full speed subsitute.

[WardC]

For people who don't want to buy a thunderbolt display and never take their MacBook off their desk, insert iMac.

Some people like Mac Pros, too. And the old Matte Cinema Displays, as well.

[miniroll32]

The 15" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop.

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/554/facepalm.jpg

Right.

[nuckinfutz]

Since when does Apple care about professionals?

They don't. Well if you are stuck in the 90s with outdate USB and FW gear.

[theSeb]

Since when does Apple care about professionals?

Oh how I wish we could get through one thread without this BS.

[samac92]

Please don't make this into another argument about ethernet :p

I'm interested to see how Apple handles the flash storage options!


Oh how I wish we could get through one thread without this BS.

+1!

[manu chao]

This conversation was repeated about 2000 times in the previous thread today.

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Person C: No Ethernet!!
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor

and so forth.

Or USB 3 to GiB Ethernet adaptor.

[lilo777]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png)

This obviously will not do it for Gigabit ethernet. And if there is USB 3.0 version for GBps ethernet they better had enough those USB 3.0 ports.

[ZballZ]

It's not like the current size MBP is so thick that it ever prevents me from taking it anywhere. Is this thinness for the sake of thinness?

Well - I disagree! I got a macbook air about six months ago, and also have a 2009 MBP. Sometimes I dont use the MBP for days, and when I finally pick up I cant believe how big and heavy and bulky it is!! How could this even be considered portable !! :)

But - all aside - I agree thinness for the sake of thinness is worthless ! I'd rather have a kick-a** MBP, a few ounces heavier, than an impotent confused netbook-wannabe. BUT; if Apple is able to keep the performance going up, battery time better and the machine cool; then a little thinner is most welcome in my (mac)book !

[Ryth]

The one thing that worries me the most is the loss of ethernet. Maybe apple can shrink the connector so that you can have full gigabit ethernet just by using a small passive adapter.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple come out with some slimmer Ethernet port and just include the adapter with it...anything is possible. I mean if you look at a standard connector..there's room to shave off a few mm here and there.

[nuckinfutz]

Please don't make this into another argument about ethernet :p

I'm interested to see how Apple handles the flash storage options!

This

I want faster Wifi!!


One thing is obvious in this thread. People do not know the proper definition of a Netbook.

[Matthew Yohe]

I am not one of the ones crying, but I know that it is practically useless. I use one with my MBA and my N wireless is actually faster since the adaptor only supports 100 Mbits Ethernet. We need a Thunderbolt --> Gigabit Ethernet adaptor.

It's not gigabit.

And you don't think they would update their adapter? There's clearly a port that can support that as was mentioned, and if the USB 3.0 rumors are true, then there's another.

[yanksrock100]

wooooo ya! Retina! I've been jealous of the iPads screen, and now that it may be coming to the MBP, I will be a happy man! This is awesome news. I'm getting one, I've been waiting awhile (along with many of you guys)

Let's hope it comes:)

[Carlanga]

To be honest is losing something as vital as an Ethernet port worth those extra millimetres shaved off?
That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care.

I'm gonna answer w/ your answer: That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care. :p
In reality most macbook users don't use an ethernet cable for connection; most people that use a hard connection are on a desktop not a laptop. And, the minority that needs or wants the connection, can always buy the adapter. It's definitely NOT vital for most users, just like a DVD drive is not needed to be carried all over as part of the laptop. Let them become home accessories. Of the current ports the firewire and ethernet are the less used by most.

[theSeb]

Or USB 3 to GiB Ethernet adaptor.

Well, there is that option, but "real professionals" should be using this:

http://www.attotech.com/products/category.php?id=15&catid=16

Thunderbolt --> 10 Gigabit Ethernet

[user418]

Well, I'm still ok with my late 2011 15" MBP with a 256 gb SSD and 16 gb RAM.

[lilo777]

This

I want faster Wifi!!


One thing is obvious in this thread. People do not know the proper definition of a Netbook.

If you are talking about public WiFi, you'll probably have to wait a few years. Most places where public WiFi makes sense already have it and it is unlikely that all these places are going to upgrade their routers/access points any time soon.

[Thex1138]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

You bored again hey Tommy?

[east85]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

[rocknblogger]

I think if the current rumors are true I'll just go ahead and buy a current 17" and be done with it. Keep it until it won't run no more and then weigh my options.

[kyjaotkb]

they are also rumored to bear an external Bi-Bop antenna like the legendary PowerBop ! (http://www.macinpomme.fr/images/stories/antennepowerbopsite.jpg)

[Aldaris]

Ethernet? Get an iMac or a thunderbolt display, laptops are meant to be portable 'wireless'.

Stop whining and get what fits your needs.

[nuckinfutz]

If you are talking about public WiFi, you'll probably have to wait a few years. Most places where public WiFi makes sense already have it and it is unlikely that all these places are going to upgrade their routers/access points any time soon.

I mean 802.11ac.

Buffalo Tech is shipping their router now.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57433465-1/buffalo-802.11ac-wi-fi-solution-hits-store-shelves/

[lilo777]

I'm gonna answer w/ your answer: That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care. :p
In reality most macbook users don't use an ethernet cable for connection; most people that use a hard connection are on a desktop not a laptop. And, the minority that needs or wants the connection, can always buy the adapter. It's definitely NOT vital for most users, just like a DVD drive is not needed to be carried all over as part of the laptop. Let them become home accessories. Of the current ports the firewire and ethernet are the less used by most.

On the other hand. Most people who use MBP with WiFi only connection could probably live with iPads (because you are talking mostly FB, e-mail and web browsing).

[theSeb]

And you don't think they would update their adapter? There's clearly a port that can support that as was mentioned, and if the USB 3.0 rumors are true, then there's another.

That would be the sensible thing, but if there was one available already that didn't cost $999 and came with a free monitor, it would make it easier to not have this same conversation for another 20 pages. Perhaps it would be more interesting to discuss how the retina graphics will work, what GPU options it will be using and internal storage. All flash? Surely not.

It would be nice to have a discussion instead of a whine fest. :)

[WardC]

Ideal solution would be a SSD Blade like the MBA has along with a HDD drive. The Blade would barely take up space and can be upgraded easily.

Hard Drives are old tech...slow, they fail, they are fragile and can be damaged by impact easily. The only drawback to SSD right now is price/GB which is still high...but there are 512GB+ SSDs that exist and even these can be made into blade storage. It is even likely that Apple could offer 1 Terabyte SSD options on the new MacBook Pros for high-end build-to-order, but this would be a $1000+ add-on. My guess it that the standard MacBook Pro will come with 512GB of SSD space which will be about $700 of the price of the MacBook Pro. Apple can counter this by removing the Optical Drive, FireWire, and possibly Ethernet, keeping Thunderbolt and USB3., Audio-in and Audio-out. Thunderbolt will drive both I/O and video.

But, no, I don't want ANY hard drive in the new MacBooks, I don't like hard drives anymore. Only in my Mac Pro.

[newyorksole]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

External Super Drives and AirDrop duh.

[mTofu]

What will go in the vacated SuperDrive area?

- BTO second HDD/SSD
- Bigger battery
- iPhone slot for: charge + auto-tethering option?

haha... that would be hilarious if you could insert your iPhone into a laptop.

[lilo777]

I mean 802.11ac.

Buffalo Tech is shipping their router now.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57433465-1/buffalo-802.11ac-wi-fi-solution-hits-store-shelves/

I am aware of that. My point was that when Starbucks already has 802.gn (or something) they will not be in a hurry to upgrade.

[wallysb01]

Ethernet? Get an iMac or a thunderbolt display, laptops are meant to be portable 'wireless'.

Stop whining and get what fits your needs.

What if what fits your needs is something that is portable AND can do serious work.....

[Peace]

Well, there is that option, but "real professionals" should be using this:

http://www.attotech.com/products/category.php?id=15&catid=16

Thunderbolt --> 10 Gigabit Ethernet

I hope those real professionals have money because that device is $799

[FrizzleFryBen]

The 15" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop. I had been hoping they would slim it down, improve the form-factor, and decrease some of the chunky aluminum and bezel space around the display.

I agree that it's very heavy, but it's certainly thinner than most similar specced laptops on the market. I bought a decked out 13" MBA and gave my 15" MBP to one of my employees. The other day I asked her if I could borrow it to find some files I left on it. I nearly dropped it when she handed it to me cause I was NOT expecting it to weigh that much. I guess I have weak wrists now that I have an Air. ;)

[scottsjack]

[QUOTE=WardC;14864786]The 15" MacBook Pro is a very bulky, heavy laptop. /QUOTE]

(directed to everyone who would agree with the above quoted statement, thereby making the following statement NOT a person attach)

OMG, what kind of a puny, 98lb weakling would describe a 15in MBP as "very" bulky and "heavy"? There are reasons why Apple makes MacBook Airs, one of which is that if you want want a reduced-function computer that has all the new cool looks (as opposed to function) in a size that said 98-lb weaklings can carry around there's a Mac for you.

Frankly I like laptops that can do lots of things and that have much of the flexibility that a desktop computer has. Hopefully the 17in will retain its current status of being more useful than an Air.

[theSeb]

haha... that would be hilarious if you could insert your iPhone into a laptop.

Maybe you could insert it partially and then it would act like a 3G dongle, notification area and a touch screen? (I am patenting this)

[kyjaotkb]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

... says the guy with a Macbook Alu (no offense, that's a cool Mac anyway) on the Internetz.:)

Come on, most Mac users are not creative professionals anymore and spend more time on their couch surfing the internet on wi-fi than doing anything else.

And for all the others, USB3 Gigabit Internet and external superdrive will do the trick. Oh and creative pros will forget to complain when they see the amazing sharpness of retina displays !

[Cicatrix]

No I don't think it is. From the recent rumors, if they are any indication whatsoever, the tradeoffs are going to be really disappointing.

Form factor and weight look like they won't be improving as much as we thought, yet still at the expense of Ethernet and Firewire.

Now Firewire I'm happy to ditch for the versatility of USB 3.

But Ethernet? No, not happy to lose that at all.

I heard rumor that it is to be replaced with a sleekernet port. :D

[mrbyu]

I'm curious about this development, but I'm definitely not buying it. My 13" MacBook Air 2011 is just perfect for what I'm using it. Amazingly fast, perfectly silent, beautiful, and capable of everything I need (even video and audio editing, I love studio works). But of course it's always good when technology speeds up.

[Icaras]

SHUT UP ABOUT THE ETHERNET!

This is the best Mac news day in a LONG TIME!

Hear, hear!

[WardC]

On the other hand. Most people who use MBP with WiFi only connection could probably live with iPads (because you are talking mostly FB, e-mail and web browsing).

Some people like to have a Macintosh and a real web browsing/file downloading experience, which the iPad cannot and never will offer.

Clicking web links on an iPad is not a very easy or fun thing, it's not like using a touchpad or mouse with precise cursor control.

I web browse on my Macs.

I do NOT like web browsing on my iPad, I only use it when I am mobile to use LTE to check stuff, or to show something to someone.

[nuckinfutz]

Hard Drives are old tech...slow, they fail, they are fragile and can be damaged by impact easily. The only drawback to SSD right now is price/GB which is still high...but there are 512GB+ SSDs that exist and even these can be made into blade storage. It is even likely that Apple could offer 1 Terabyte SSD options on the new MacBook Pros for high-end build-to-order, but this would be a $1000+ add-on. My guess it that the standard MacBook Pro will come with 512GB of SSD space which will be about $700 of the price of the MacBook Pro. Apple can counter this by removing the Optical Drive, FireWire, and possibly Ethernet, keeping Thunderbolt and USB3., Audio-in and Audio-out. Thunderbolt will drive both I/O and video.

But, no, I don't want ANY hard drive in the new MacBooks, I don't like hard drives anymore. Only in my Mac Pro.

Who knows maybe that's an option but right now I think tiered storage is the best. I'm ok with a slower, quiet mass storage HDD for my Audio, Video and Photos along with 256GB of 500Mbytes per second SSD running the OS and applications. SMOKING!!


I am aware of that. My point was that when Starbucks already has 802.gn (or something) they will not be in a hurry to upgrade.

Thank deity for backwards compatibility!

[theSeb]

I hope those real professionals have money because that device is $799
Tax write-off and if you're a professional, you should be able to make that money back very quickly.

[fermat-au]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png)

That is only 100Mbps not 1Gbps. That is unless Apple release an updated Apple USB 3 Ethernet Adapter that runs at 1Gbps. 100Mbps is slower than WiFi.

[jreed91]

I've been waiting 2 years for this. **** yes!

[theSeb]

Come on, most Mac users are not creative professionals anymore and spend more time on their couch surfing the internet on wi-fi than doing anything else.



It seems to me that most "professionals" hang out on macrumors forums and whine all day. :p Perhaps they're waiting to copy some files over their usb Ethernet dongle?

[nuckinfutz]

It seems to me that most "professionals" hang out on macrumors forums and whine all day. :p Perhaps they're waiting to copy some files over their usb Ethernet dongle?

Work must be slow! LOL

[bungiefan89]

SHUT UP ABOUT THE ETHERNET! This is the best Mac news day in a LONG TIME!
And what would you have me transfer the data from my old computer over to the new Macbook Pro with? Oh, I suppose blowing $50 on a new thunderbolt cable is much better than using an old ethernet or firewire cord I have stowed away.

A few millimeters of height on a laptop < Ethernet port.

[laurim]

I'm gonna answer w/ your answer: That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care. :p
In reality most macbook users don't use an ethernet cable for connection; most people that use a hard connection are on a desktop not a laptop. And, the minority that needs or wants the connection, can always buy the adapter. It's definitely NOT vital for most users, just like a DVD drive is not needed to be carried all over as part of the laptop. Let them become home accessories. Of the current ports the firewire and ethernet are the less used by most.

That's true for my usage. I have never used the ethernet port, always share via airport. And I share folders full of 400+ mb movies. I do use the firewire port to attach my portable hard drives but they also have plain usb as well. As someone who has to heave a computer bag with two 17" MacbookPros and a slew of externals, adapters, etc.over my head to the plane's overhead bin, I'd love to have something lighter.

[FrizzleFryBen]

(directed to everyone who would agree with the above quoted statement, thereby making the following statement NOT a person attach)

OMG, what kind of a puny, 98lb weakling would describe a 15in MBP as "very" bulky and "heavy"? There are reasons why Apple makes MacBook Airs, one of which is that if you want want a reduced-function computer that has all the new cool looks (as opposed to function) in a size that said 98-lb weaklings can carry around there's a Mac for you.

^This statement would actually be a great example of a personal attach...I mean attack.

[KylePowers]

I'm sorta hoping they'll revamp the 13in with this new thinner chassis, SSD standardization, and dropped Superdrive. I personally like the look more so than the tapered designed of the 13in MBA (though the 13in MBA is probably more comfortable for typing).

But boy oh boy, if a 13MBP came standard with a 128GB SSD (but replaceable), 4GB of RAM (but upgradeable), retina display, a dedicated graphics card (what else would go where the super drive went?), dual Thunderbolt ports, USB 3.0, 802.11ac (though not necessary) 7-8 hours battery life, and everything else that makes the Pro better than the MBA (HD FaceTime camera for example)... I'd have my credit card ready in a nanosecond!

I don't use FireWire and only use Ethernet on my iMac, so I'm pretty darn excited!

[diazj3]

We'll have to wait and see, but this doesn't sound too good. IMO Pro users care more about functionality and flexibility, than battery life, size or weight... for all other uses, there's a MBA.

I hope they don't take out the ethernet port, firewire or user replaceable drives (by using the same memory as the MBA). Without that it is not a Pro machine anymore - but a simple 15" macbook air.

[wolfpackfan]

Outstanding!!!

[ZballZ]

This conversation was repeated about 2000 times in the previous thread today.

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Person C: No Ethernet!!
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor

and so forth.

Allow me to elaborate on your reference to the thread earlier:

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Use USB to Ethernet Adaptor!
Person C: USB2 is useless!
Person B: How about an Airport Express in bridge mode, then?
Person A: You dont get it B! Apple is screwing the PRO-people! I NEED ethernet for my PRO-work!!
Person B: Well, get the Thunderbolt to gigabit adaptor then !! FCS!
Person D: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable!
Person B: If you're that much of a PRO, you can afford 50$ for superior tech, right?
Person D: Well, I really hate adaptors! Not an option!
Person E: Where's the FW !!! OMG!! OMFG!!!!! Apple REAAAAALLY dropped the ball on this one. Apple is going down...
Person B: Use the thunderbolt to FW adaptor!
Person E: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable! NUTS!
Person B: Or perhaps use the Thunderbolt display, which offers many ports?
Person A: I cant believe there's no Ethernet !!

(Loop as many time as possible)

[GREEN4U]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

Since when did Steve Jobs care about professionals?

[AppleScruff1]

And, to those crying about "losing" ethernet, I think if you're going to spend over a thousand dollars on something, you could spare 30 for this:

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/2H0p3t1r2h1B2A2p3U2D/Screen%20Shot%202012-05-14%20at%204.57.42%20PM.png)

Just what I'd want to do. Spend $1200+ and have to use an adapter for something that even a $250 pc includes as standard.

[WardC]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

Dude, get this through man....

This is NOT a netbook, it's far from it.

Anything with an Ivy Bridge Processor, Super-fast graphics card, Retina Display (large, > high definition), Thunderbolt I/O, and LARGE solid-state internal storage is NOT a netbook!!!!

This is going to be a super-sleek, super super fast Mac that will blow your socks off with it's gorgeous display and amazing performance.

A netbook is a small Atom-based laptop that can only run a few apps.

This run OS X Mountain Lion and does everything a Mac Pro workstation can do, and MORE. It's not a damn netbook! Got it? Good.

[AntJon82]

wow the new macbook pros are fast but:
no ethernet port=fail
no ODD=fail not every software company in the world downloads there software too there costumers & whats goin to take up the ODD's spot
flash memory=???? faster boot ups but can you replace them yaself??

[nuckinfutz]

We'll have to wait and see, but this doesn't sound too good. IMO Pro users care more about functionality and flexibility, than battery life, size or weight... for all other uses, there's a MBA.

I hope they don't take out the ethernet port, firewire or user replaceable drives (by using the same memory as the MBA). Without that it is not a Pro machine anymore - but a simple 15" macbook air.

Shouldn't Pro care about generating more revenue/profits?

At this point I don't see ethernet as a product that drives business profits. I see faster CPU/GPU/Storage tech mated with a solid OS as far more vital.

The Pro will be fast and if people need connectivity they purchase the right connectivity package.

Makes sense.

[Rogzilla]

So, to recap, people are upset because a port that a niche market might want to use is being dropped to make a portable device more portable. A port that, thanks to WiFi, is not longer needed. And, for those who have to have it, can get an adapter for about $25 bucks.


...and the issue is what, again?

[nfl46]

Nice! About time! Unfortunately, I just got the new iPad and won't be replacing my 2011 Macbook. I'm waiting on the new iPhone.

New iPad and iPhone in 2012 for me.

[nuckinfutz]

wow the new macbook pros are fast but:
no ethernet port=fail
no ODD=fail not every software company in the world downloads there software too there costumers & whats goin to take up the ODD's spot
flash memory=???? faster boot ups but can you replace them yaself??

Posting FAIL

[Surreal]

The problem, as I see it, with 'just use an adapter' is that whatever port you use for the adapter is 'lost' to the adapter and this loss is more poignant because there are fewer ports in total.

EDIT:as a counter to the "what, you can't afford x cable or adapter, you pro user?' the issue is only partially cost. MY beef with needing an adapter or card is that the card becomes a SERIOUS point of failure. Worrying about drivers for mission critical devices is a truly frustrating thing. For example. my expresscard started ruining hard drives when I upgraded to Lion.

[Dr McKay]

I'm gonna answer w/ your answer: That was sarcasm right? Because I'm pretty sure tonnes of people care. :p
In reality most macbook users don't use an ethernet cable for connection; most people that use a hard connection are on a desktop not a laptop. And, the minority that needs or wants the connection, can always buy the adapter. It's definitely NOT vital for most users, just like a DVD drive is not needed to be carried all over as part of the laptop. Let them become home accessories. Of the current ports the firewire and ethernet are the less used by most.

Nah when I said it was sarcasm, it was just at the guy who said nobody cared about a MacBook Pro Refresh, not about the Ethernet Cable. He said people only wanted iPhone 6.

[Peace]

Allow me to elaborate on your reference to the thread earlier:

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Use USB to Ethernet Adaptor!
Person C: USB2 is useless!
Person B: How about an Airport Express in bridge mode, then?
Person A: You dont get it B! Apple is screwing the PRO-people! I NEED ethernet for my PRO-work!!
Person B: Well, get the Thunderbolt to gigabit adaptor then !! FCS!
Person D: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable!
Person B: If you're that much of a PRO, you can afford 50$ for superior tech, right?
Person D: Well, I really hate adaptors! Not an option!
Person E: Where's the FW !!! OMG!! OMFG!!!!! Apple REAAAAALLY dropped the ball on this one. Apple is going down...
Person B: Use the thunderbolt to FW adaptor!
Person E: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable! NUTS!
Person B: Or perhaps use the Thunderbolt display, which offers many ports?
Person A: I cant believe there's no Ethernet !!

(Loop as many time as possible)

Ha! Saved for posterity .

:D

[nuckinfutz]

So, to recap, people are upset because a port that a niche market might want to use is being dropped to make a portable device more portable. A port that, thanks to WiFi, is not longer needed. And, for those who have to have it, can get an adapter for about $25 bucks.


...and the issue is what, again?

The issue is i'm lazy and feel entitled to have ALL the ports "I" deem necessary. Any actions that prevent me getting what "I" want will result in an internet tantrum and proclamations that Apple will be out of business in 2 years precisely because they failed to do what "I" want.

Signed:

Professional Forum Ranter

[MovieCutter]

I don't think anyone cares about this. We just want the iPhone 6. Thanks.

The real question is why the hell we have "down vote" buttons in the first place when they don't hide your ridiculous comment from our eyes after you get more than 10 down votes.

[bdkennedy1]

I believe the Ethernet Port is gone. The laptop can't get any thinner with it. It's the biggest connector on the machine.

[bungiefan89]

Ethernet? Get an iMac or a thunderbolt display, laptops are meant to be portable 'wireless'.

Stop whining and get what fits your needs.Then buy a generation 1 Macbook air which had barely any ports!

No, this is silly reasoning. Some people need a computer that not only has a lot of input for their devices and mediums of data, but also is more portable than a big heavy iMac or a tower PC which needs to be unplugged every time you move it further than your extension cord can reach.

The Macbook Air is meant to be the wireless computer, the iMac and Mac Pro are meant to be the "stay in one place but do everything" computers, and the Macbook Pro is supposed to be a blend of these two. If the Macbook Pro sways too strongly to either task, then the Macintosh line looses a very crucial middle-ground computer.

Basically, this new Macbook Pro is less of a new Macbook Pro and more of a high-end Macbook Air.

[TreyCox]

I will gladly sacrifice Ethernet for all of this. I can always get a USB to Ethernet adapter if I absolutely have to have it. Bring it on Apple!

[theSeb]

Allow me to elaborate on your reference to the thread earlier:

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Use USB to Ethernet Adaptor!
Person C: USB2 is useless!
Person B: How about an Airport Express in bridge mode, then?
Person A: You dont get it B! Apple is screwing the PRO-people! I NEED ethernet for my PRO-work!!
Person B: Well, get the Thunderbolt to gigabit adaptor then !! FCS!
Person D: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable!
Person B: If you're that much of a PRO, you can afford 50$ for superior tech, right?
Person D: Well, I really hate adaptors! Not an option!
Person E: Where's the FW !!! OMG!! OMFG!!!!! Apple REAAAAALLY dropped the ball on this one. Apple is going down...
Person B: Use the thunderbolt to FW adaptor!
Person E: Yeah RIGHT! And pay 50$ for a thunderbolt cable! NUTS!
Person B: Or perhaps use the Thunderbolt display, which offers many ports?
Person A: I cant believe there's no Ethernet !!

(Loop as many time as possible)

:D True. Here is what I don't understand. Why would "professionals" be worried about spending $50 or $500 to make their workflow faster? I am a "professional" in the sense that I use my computer to make money. I am not a creative person so I don't do digital content creation, but, if I need a computer or hardware to help me make money faster, then I don't mind spending it, especially seeing as it just goes through my company and reduces my profits and therefore tax. I just don't get it.

The incessant whining is amusing. I wasn't around in those days, but I know those drums were beating even back in 2004 on these forums. Don't people get tired of it?

[wallysb01]

A few millimeters of height on a laptop < Ethernet port.

Exactly. All this talk of "just get an adapter" is missing the point. The point is what are you gaining and what are you giving up?

So, why do I want to save a few millimeters on the laptop if that means I need a new adapter cable in my labtop bag, which will probably cost another $50-$100? It just seems silly. Soon 10GiB is going to be the new standard, and USB3 -> Ethernet will look just as pathetic as USB2 -> Ethernet.

[MovieCutter]

Yeah, Ethernet will be a big loss for many people, especially for a "professional" machine that is part of a local network. I'd be fairly surprised if this part of the rumor is actually true. I'd find it more likely that its slightly tapered and still keeps the ethernet.

Thunderbolt/USB 3.0 -> Ethernet adapter anyone? I'd buy one in a heartbeat and be fine with this.


Exactly. All this talk of "just get an adapter" is missing the point. The point is what are you gaining and what are you giving up?

So, why do I want to save a few millimeters on the laptop if that means I need a new adapter cable in my labtop bag, which will probably cost another $50-$100? It just seems silly. Soon 10GiB is going to be the new standard, and USB3 -> Ethernet will look just as pathetic as USB2 -> Ethernet.


As a pro, I carry enough adapters already, a simple USB to Ethernet adapter is gonna add, what....6 oz of weight. And $50-$100 is a pittance to the pro market. I use Ethernet when I'm in my home office, never on the road, so I'd take the thinner design over Ethernet port any day....Firewire on the other hand, they better have a TB->FW adapter...

And you'd rather be stuck with a 1Gb Ethernet port when TB/USB 3 adapters would give you at LEAST 5Gb ethernet options in the future? You're not thinking far enough ahead...

[WardC]

I think radio waves are dangerous, and yes, I can hear the high pitched squeal of a WiFi router or a WiFi-connected computer in a room.

I also think the Internet is highly dangerous and highly addictive. That's why I took down all my computers in my house and I only use the one in the office downtown.

And that's why I am not bitching about the ETHERNET PORT!

Edit: But yeah, I'm selling a bunch of my Macs very soon so I can get this new MacBook Pro. Of course.

[scottsjack]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

Are you kidding? Steve was an iToys and minimal-functional-easy-to-operate guy.

[Demonofelru]

Everywhere I look I see people with iPhones. Tons of people are getting iPads. Even though Macs don't have a dominant market share, they still help Apple maintain it's spot as most profitable company on Earth. & you think they'll fold up by 2014?

The MacBook Air can do many things a netbook cannot - run final cut pro x, photoshop (really well) to name a few.

A thinner MacBook Pro, which at worst will be a slightly thicker air with more memory/bigger ssd can hardly be said to have the same functionality as a $450 netbook, let alone a $150 netbook.

Sorry to be nit picky but they aren't the most profitable company on earth. I think you meant they are the largest publicly traded company by market cap. Big oil/gas/energy companies like Chevron make tons of profit, that's not even including state owned corporations like Saudi Aramco that some estimate would have a market cap in the trillions if it were public.

[theSeb]

Just what I'd want to do. Spend $1200+ and have to use an adapter for something that even a $250 pc includes as standard.

Then go get that PC. No one is stopping you from making that choice as a consumer.

[GREEN4U]

HAHAHA. This is funny.

Keep complaining about the lack of ethernet. Keep calling this redesign a failure. Keep giving me thumbs down.I'm coming from a 2005 15" PowerBook G4, and it's my turn to buy a new MacBook Pro. This fits my needs perfectly and there's nothing you can say to stand between me and Apple. Today is the best mac news day ever.

[Peace]

:D True. Here is what I don't understand. Why would "professionals" be worried about spending $50 or $500 to make their workflow faster? I am a "professional" in the sense that I use my computer to make money. I am not a creative person so I don't do digital content creation, but, if I need a computer or hardware to help me make money faster, then I don't mind spending it, especially seeing as it just goes through my company and reduces my profits and therefore tax. I just don't get it.

The incessant whining is amusing. I wasn't around in those days, but I know those drums were beating even back in 2004 on these forums. Don't people get tired of it?

Stick around a few more years. It never ends.

I get a lot of my comedy routine from this forum .

[wallysb01]

:D True. Here is what I don't understand. Why would "professionals" be worried about spending $50 or $500 to make their workflow faster? I am a "professional" in the sense that I use my computer to make money. I am not a creative person so I don't do digital content creation, but, if I need a computer or hardware to help me make money faster, then I don't mind spending it, especially seeing as it just goes through my company and reduces my profits and therefore tax. I just don't get it.

The incessant whining is amusing. I wasn't around in those days, but I know those drums were beating even back in 2004 on these forums. Don't people get tired of it?

The problem is that this is the kind of feature you should need to pay extra for. Yes, working for real money will pay off $50-$100, but presumably you could also buy something else to further improve your productivity. So do you want to spend $1500 on a computer that doesn't have something as basic as Ethernet? Wouldn't you rather put that $50-100 to better use than that? Its pathetic.

BTW, you do realize you're whining about what you call whiners....

[acearchie]

It's not gigabit.

But thunderbolt is and I'm sure they would release an thunderbolt to ethernet adapter.

[bungiefan89]

I believe the Ethernet Port is gone. The laptop can't get any thinner with it. It's the biggest connector on the machine.You might have an argument if the new Macbook Pro were half as thick overall as the older models.

Instead, all they've done is made the thing just a few millimeters shorter than an actual ethernet port. Barring a massive bump in battery life, HDD/SSD space, and/or overall performance, (which let's face it, would more likely be a result of more space being freed up by the lack of a DISC DRIVE rather than the lack of a puny Ethernet port) I don't think the few millimeters of size shaved off justifies the lack of a port as universal and as commonly used as Ethernet.

Hell, Ethernet is probably second only to USB 2.0 in terms of ports on computers these days. You can't just drop it in order to make the computer slightly thinner.

[KPOM]

You honestly believe that people won't buy the brand new Apple Macbook Pro with a retina display thinner design and flash memory because it doesn't carry an ethernet port?

Some people think that without a built-in ethernet port, a quad-core MacBook Pro with a Retina Display is just a worthless, overpriced netbook that can't do anything that a $150 PC netbook can't. :confused:

[Matthew Yohe]

Just what I'd want to do. Spend $1200+ and have to use an adapter for something that even a $250 pc includes as standard.

This is the comparison you want to make?

That $250 PC also will have a DVD drive (tray!).

Look, if it's not for you, then don't buy it.

[theSeb]

The problem is that this is the kind of feature you should need to pay extra for. Yes, working for real money will pay off $50-$100, but presumably you could also buy something else to further improve your productivity. So do you want to spend $1500 on a computer that doesn't have something as basic as Ethernet? Wouldn't you rather put that $50-100 to better use than that? Its pathetic.

BTW, you do realize you're whining about what you call whiners....

Ahh, that old chestnut. So then go buy the computer that does what you feel is necessary.

[pflau]

I Do Not Remember when was the last time I used the ethernet port on my MacBook pro. I used the dvd drive Once last week I think in 12 months.

I just upgraded the HD to a Seagate hybrid drive that is part SSD. So I believe in SSD.

I would gladly sacrifice the dvd drive for a bigger battery.

So all things considered the new MacBook Pro will be GOOD.

[diazj3]

Shouldn't Pro care about generating more revenue/profits?

At this point I don't see ethernet as a product that drives business profits. I see faster CPU/GPU/Storage tech mated with a solid OS as far more vital.

The Pro will be fast and if people need connectivity they purchase the right connectivity package.

Makes sense.

Depends on the line of work the Pro's in. There are more professional uses for a computer, and not everybody works in video processing.

[bungiefan89]

As a pro, I carry enough adapters already, a simple USB to Ethernet adapter is gonna add, what....6 oz of weight. And the slightly thinner new Macbook Pro is gonna weigh, what... 6 oz less than the current ones? Sounds like the only thing that'll be different is your laptop will be in two pieces now. :D

[Carlanga]

Exactly. All this talk of "just get an adapter" is missing the point. The point is what are you gaining and what are you giving up?

So, why do I want to save a few millimeters on the laptop if that means I need a new adapter cable in my labtop bag, which will probably cost another $50-$100? It just seems silly. Soon 10GiB is going to be the new standard, and USB3 -> Ethernet will look just as pathetic as USB2 -> Ethernet.

Because MOST people don't need it inside their computer and if you are truly "PRO" you can buy the adapter. An adapter does not take that much space on your bag and if you really want to have every type of port you should just buy a 17". My guess is that most PROs that use a hard connection use it at the same office so you can just leave the adapter in your office, no extra 'weight'. All this is doing is GAINING, NO LOSS. Smaller form factor & weight and an adapter for whoever needs to use hard connections.

[jason2811]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.

[sulfhydryl]

Relax everyone. They're just putting a 1920x1200 screen in the 15", with a recommended viewing distance of 4' ;)

On the other hand, should this rumor be true, just think of all the new yellow-screen-threads it will create. Yay! :D

[KPOM]

Steve Jobs would have never approved of this. He was a professional man and understood that professionals need a functional laptop, not a netbook. What a horrible horrible shame. If any of what is pictured comes to fruition, including the loss of the superdrive Apple is going to be doomed. They are throwing professionals out the window.

:confused:

Steve Jobs would NEVER have approved of a desktop without a floppy drive, or a phone without a physical keyboard. Oh, wait.

A 15" quad-core Ivy Bridge machine with a Retina Display is NOT a netbook just because it may need an adapter to access Ethernet, or lacks an internal optical drive. Actually, Steve Jobs hated optical drives and was quick to push notebooks that didn't have them. Remember, he called the MacBook Air the "next generation" of MacBooks, and said that one day, all notebooks would be like it. Well, "one day" has arrived (or will in June, at least).

[MovieCutter]

And the slightly thinner new Macbook Pro is gonna weigh, what... 6 oz less than the current ones? Sounds like the only thing that'll be different is your laptop will be in two pieces now. :D

Not when I'm just leaving the adapter at my home suite. I carry my laptop around a lot more than I carry all my adapters around.

[Roller]

With the 15" MacBook Pro looking more like an Air, it seems as if Apple is getting ready to merge the lines. I'm OK with that as long that there's an option for a high-capacity HDD on the 15" model. SSDs still can't compete on a $/GB basis.

[samac92]

This article from a few years ago is interesting, it talks about how Apple does its controlled leaks:

http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_apple_does_controlled_leaks/

the story was posted online late Monday, eastern time, so no one could ever suggest there was any attempt to manipulate the stock market.

[Dagless]

This conversation was repeated about 2000 times in the previous thread today.

Person A: No Ethernet
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Person C: No Ethernet!!
Person B: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor

and so forth.

Then it should be included in the box. But it won't be, it'll be a £60 adapter.

[blow45]

You might have an argument if the new Macbook Pro were half as thick overall as the older models.

Instead, all they've done is made the thing just a few millimeters shorter than an actual ethernet port. Barring a massive bump in battery life, HDD/SSD space, and/or overall performance, (which let's face it, would more likely be a result of more space being freed up by the lack of a DISC DRIVE rather than the lack of a puny Ethernet port) I don't think the few millimeters of size shaved off justifies the lack of a port as universal and as commonly used as Ethernet.

Hell, Ethernet is probably second only to USB 2.0 in terms of ports on computers these days. You can't just drop it in order to make the computer slightly thinner.
...with a big fat dongle hanging out of it and being carried along perpetually, lost and re-bought... This is an incredibly (in the full sense of the word) misguided decision and this one, as many other ones they are taking these days (and are starting to add up one after the other) is going to come back and bite them in the ass at some point. They are making the competition look better via their omission just to make this look infinitesimally thinner where they could have easily stole this 1-2mm via tapering. And for that ethernet has to go, while every other competitors notebook on the market will connect to the ubiquitous ethernet infrastructure out of the box. Oh how incredibly stupid they are in their decision making these days.

[MovieCutter]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.

Try transferring 25+GB of data over WiFi on a regular basis...Not to mention I remotely control 3-5 edit suites over a gigabit connection. Wifi would make it far more difficult.

[Tanax]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Uhm. Have you not been reading the statistics that Mac computers have increased by, I don't even remember how much? Which is why hackers has been focusing more on Macs - confirmed by Apple's decision to bring in Kaspersky as consultant on OS X security.

So no, PC is definitely not driving Apple out of the market.

[KPOM]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.

A lot of offices still use Ethernet for desktop connections. The wiring is already there. That said, for most people, a docking station (which might be an Apple Thunderbolt Display), or an adapter would work just fine.

[Dark Goob]

Macs I've owned:
2001 - PowerBook G4 TiBook
2006 - PowerBook G4 1.67 Ghz
2007 - MacBook Pro 8600M GT
2010 - MacBook Pro Unibody Core i7 2.66

I use the DVD burner almost every day on my computer. At my store we burn memory cards to disc for travelers. I refuse to carry around an external DVD for this purpose.

I use Ethernet infrequently -- several times per year -- but those few times when I need to use it are CRITICAL, such as reconfiguring a WiFi router at my business.

If they can shave 2 pounds from the weight, or even 1 pound, that is excellent. I am sure that the kind of nerds who come to this forum and who work at Apple rarely (if ever) use DVD or ethernet. Great.

However many of us in the real world (most of whom have never heard of macrumors.com and are too busy working to waste time on forums) rely upon technologies that are established, ubiquitous standards like DVD and ethernet because everyone has them.

The usefulness of a portable computer, to me, is contingent upon its ability to be a Swiss Army Knife of sorts. It needs to be able to interact with any situations that I might be confronted with as a professional photographer, as a small business owner, as a retail store manager, as an IT consultant, etc.

I am aware that external optical drives are now available that are compact and run off the USB bus. However that's one more THING to carry around, get broken, etc. I would prefer to have it "all-in-one" -- to me that's the point of a "desktop replacement" such as MacBook Pro.

Perhaps they will also have a thunderbolt-to-ethernet adapter or USB-to-ethernet adapter... one more THING to keep track of, which if you accidentally leave it at home, and the job calls for you to need it, now you are SCREWED.

Client wants all the photos burned to DVD. Oops, forgot DVD burner at home, or it's broken from floating around in my bag, etc. SCREWED.

Client needs Linksys WiFi router reconfigured. Oops, forgot ethernet dongle adapter. SCREWED.

I tell client, "Get with the times. You are so 2007." Never hear from client again. SCREWED.

I tell client, "Apple is a forward-thinking company, and your reliance on DVD and ethernet is quaint and laughable." Never hear from client again. Get bad review from client on Google. SCREWED.

Please, Apple, continue to offer the MacBook Pro in a DVD+ethernet configuration. I don't care if you also offer a MacBook Air Pro... fine, whatever... just don't screw over your long-time customers who need a professional tool that has these core, ubiquitous, standard technologies built-in.

Thank you.

[MovieCutter]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Not sure if full of crap or....

[SilianRail]

Do USB to Ethernet adapters hammer one of the CPU cores?

[iVoid]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.

Because it's faster, more reliable, and more secure.

[MovieCutter]

Please, Apple, continue to offer the MacBook Pro in a DVD+ethernet configuration. I don't care if you also offer a MacBook Air Pro... fine, whatever... just don't screw over your long-time customers who need a professional tool that has these core, ubiquitous, standard technologies built-in.

Thank you.

Um....no. They won't. Get an external superdrive and a USB to ethernet adapter if you want to live in the past. I'm a pro, and I haven't used a superdrive in over a year...but that's me.

[e-coli]

Fix'd that for you. If you think the 15" is very bulky and heavy, you need to hit the G-Y-M.

Actually if you lug your laptop around all day in a backpack or shoulder bag, then scuttle around from meeting to meeting with it all work day, then, yes, it is indeed a bulky laptop.

Cyclists spend an extra $1000 to shave a few pounds off the frame. If you're a freelancer in the city and run around everywhere with your laptop you'd do the same. Every pound taken off is a relief.

I so badly want to make my Air my primary computer, but it's not powerful enough. This news is music to my ears.

Why has nobody asked the question: when will we redesign the ethernet connector? It's huge and has been around since the 1970's. A redesign of that big $0.02 piece of plastic is long overdue.

[nuckinfutz]

Please, Apple, continue to offer the MacBook Pro in a DVD+ethernet configuration. I don't care if you also offer a MacBook Air Pro... fine, whatever... just don't screw over your long-time customers who need a professional tool that has these core, ubiquitous, standard technologies built-in.

Thank you.

Screw that! I'm not financing your need to have a bunch of crap stuffed into a computer. You need it...you pay for it.

[SyncSpin]

Finally! I have been waiting for this! At least now I have a date to look forward to. Money is still burning a hole in my pocket, but I can definitely wait less than 30 days.

[magic6435]

So far, to me, Thunderbolt has been FireWire 3.

So amazingly freaking awesome? There arebunch of thunderbolt accessories already out and some really amazing ones coming out this summer. I have 2 drives, a HDMI capture box and, 2 things preordered from BlackMagic already.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&sku=857480&Q=&O=productlist&A=details

Shut up and take my money!

[peapody]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.

I need the ethernet.

For example, at my health care system, wireless access is limited to people who already have the credentialing and user information set up. If you don't, you have to use the ethernet to tap into the network in order to access the intranet and applications.

[bungiefan89]

I don't understand why so many people need Ethernet. Is there a lack of Wi-Fi in most workplaces? This is an actual question.For me, I like the simplicity of a wired connection. If I want to turn things off, I don't have to navigate through menues and stuff, I can just physically disconnect the hard-line to my computer.

I also feel it's more secure. Whenever I can, I keep my wi-fi turned off because I don't want people tracking or accessing my computer wirelessly. So I do my internet browsing (which occasionally consists of sensitive things like accessing money) and all that through the closed, wired connection. It's also a little faster and in my experience more consistent than wi-fi.

I still use wi-fi, of course, but for them to take away such a useful feature just for a few millimeters of space seems ridiculous. If I want a laptop without ethernet, I'll buy a high-end Macbook Air.

[wallysb01]

As a pro, I carry enough adapters already, a simple USB to Ethernet adapter is gonna add, what....6 oz of weight. And $50-$100 is a pittance to the pro market. I use Ethernet when I'm in my home office, never on the road, so I'd take the thinner design over Ethernet port any day....Firewire on the other hand, they better have a TB->FW adapter...

Exactly, we already carry a handful of them. I don't want more. And yes, $50-100 is not much money to almost anyone, pro or not. The point is, its silly to spend this money on such a feature, or lack there of. And a lack of FW800 only complicates it.

What's happening is that we're getting pushed into buying these expensive TB docks. Yeah, again ~$500 (I'm thinking for those multiple feature TB docks here) for a someone using the machine to make money isn't a huge obstacle, but its also not totally trivial. Think if you're a small business and you need to buy 10 or 50 of these things. I'm sure you can think of a lot of things your business needs and paying maybe $10,000 just to get your business adequately set up to transfer data, when it used to cost nearly zero, doesn't sound like a pittance.

The retina display will be nice, and ultimately I'd certainly rather have a Macbook Pro w/out Ethernet than it competitors, but that won't exactly make me happy about the lack of Ethernet should I need to buy a new MBP.

[fermat-au]

Any rumors as to whether The Mac Book Pro with lose the option of a Matte screen. The loss of Ethernet is annoying, but an Adapter is an inelegant , but usable solution, the lack of a Matte screen would really screw parts of the pro market.

[baryon]

About the Flash memory: would that be replacing the hard drive entirely, or will it come in parallel to store just the OS or something like that?

I'd love to see it replace the hard drive entirely, but only if something decent like 500GB of Flash isn't too expensive...

[AppleScruff1]

Then go get that PC. No one is stopping you from making that choice as a consumer.

This is the comparison you want to make?

That $250 PC also will have a DVD drive (tray!).

Look, if it's not for you, then don't buy it.

Nah, I just posted what I did because I knew this is the type of replies I would get. If Apple decided that the screen should be dark all the time and unusable people would be raving at how wonderful it was. Obviously only Apple knows what an individual needs.

[iDemiurge]

I wouldn't be surprised if apple scuppered BOTH the 13" and the 17" to consolidate the line.

I don't think it highly likely nor a good idea, but it would definitely not surprise me.

[wallysb01]

Try transferring 25+GB of data over WiFi on a regular basis...Not to mention I remotely control 3-5 edit suites over a gigabit connection. Wifi would make it far more difficult.

No kidding. I find wifi quite infuriating when it comes to remotely accessing machines...

[Matthew Yohe]

Nah, I just posted what I did because I knew this is the type of replies I would get. If Apple decided that the screen should be dark all the time and unusable people would be raving at how wonderful it was. Obviously only Apple knows what an individual needs.

Oh so you're just trolling? Good to know!

[wallysb01]

Do USB to Ethernet adapters hammer one of the CPU cores?

Probably, USB does tax the CPU, that's why its lighter weight than other ports.

[nuckinfutz]

I wouldn't be surprised if apple scuppered BOTH the 13" and the 17" to consolidate the line.

I don't think it highly likely nor a good idea, but it would definitely not surprise me.

scuppered is such a great word. Thanks for using it!

The MBP 13 is the best seller so if anything we may be headed towards just 3 screen sizes.

11.6
13.3
15.2

[MovieCutter]

Exactly, we already carry a handful of them. I don't want more. And yes, $50-100 is not much money to almost anyone, pro or not. The point is, its silly to spend this money on such a feature, or lack there of. And a lack of FW800 only complicates it.

What's happening is that we're getting pushed into buying these expensive TB docks. Yeah, again ~$500 (I'm thinking for those multiple feature TB docks here) for a someone using the machine to make money isn't a huge obstacle, but its also not totally trivial. Think if you're a small business and you need to buy 10 or 50 of these things. I'm sure you can think of a lot of things your business needs and paying maybe $10,000 just to get your business adequately set up to transfer data, when it used to cost nearly zero, doesn't sound like a pittance.

The retina display will be nice, and ultimately I'd certainly rather have a Macbook Pro w/out Ethernet than it competitors, but that won't exactly make me happy about the lack of Ethernet should I need to buy a new MBP.

You will need to buy a new MBP eventually, so you might as well get used to the fact that it won't have an ethernet jack. It's the thickest port on the chassis, I'd be happy to get rid of it and buy an adapter for the places I usually use gigabit than have a thicker machine. I'm one of those guys who has a power adapter at every point-of-use for my MBP so I don't have to carry one everywhere, I'd use the same practice for a USB/TB->Gigabit adapter.

[linkismyhero]

Retina display = awesome. Loss of Ethernet and Superdrive = not awesome. I'm a DJ, I burn/backup CDs all the time on the go, and it isn't convenient to carry around an external. It's one of the reasons I didn't go with the MacBook Air in the first place.

Plus I live in a college apartment complex where everyone and their mother has a wireless router set up in their room, so Ethernet is the only way I get a reliable signal 99% of the time.

I guess this really doesn't affect me too much, since I bought the late 2011 model 13" Core i5 MBP anyway. That should last me at least a few more years before I feel the need to upgrade. :)

[WillGaspari]

Bring it on, folks! Anything will be an upgrade from my first gen MacBook.
(Yeah, that's right - I said MacBook!) :eek:

[wallysb01]

Screw that! I'm not financing your need to have a bunch of crap stuffed into a computer. You need it...you pay for it.

Only, you probably won't pay any less because its not there. In fact, it will probably be the opposite.

[apolloa]

I get a feeling you're going to see more than new MBP's at WWDC2012.

Why am I quoting you again?? haha

Anyway this statement is SSSSOOOOOOO true. Because the Mac Pro needs an update, even a quiet one!
If it isn't, then even I won't expect it to last much longer..

Wish they would release the next iPhone as well :(

[maswriter]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Sounds like you're reading the journalists the Macalope makes fun of. :)

[JohnDoe98]

About the Flash memory: would that be replacing the hard drive entirely, or will it come in parallel to store just the OS or something like that?

I'd love to see it replace the hard drive entirely, but only if something decent like 500GB of Flash isn't too expensive...

Same here. Use SSD blades and chuck out the HDDs, using the space for battery. If this is going to be a thinner MBP with Retina, we will need as much juice as possible.

I'd settle for a 128gb SSD blade if it'll give me a couple more hours battery. Don't even need as high as 512gb. With USB 3 and TB, if I need more space I can just get some small externals.

[nuckinfutz]

Only, you probably won't pay any less because its not there. In fact, it will probably be the opposite.

I WANT to pay more money. I am iSheep! LOL I'm kidding.


I feel like computers should be balanced. Which means that Apple needs to be looking and seeing where they can design their computers to affect the largest group of people.

DVD drive usage is waning. Wireless has become the standard for home users. Why not simplify and take the money that was used on the ODD and apply that towards things like SSD and higher quality display that everyone can use?

Then make sure that there are accessories that help me reach back and connect to legacy systems.

Thunderbolt to ADB!!!! FTW

[scarred]

I really wonder what is going to happen with the Air line now. I love my MBA, but that new Pro is going to be really tempting.

[jacktorrance]

However many of us in the real world (most of whom have never heard of macrumors.com and are too busy working to waste time on forums)



Count yourself out of that group.



Perhaps they will also have a thunderbolt-to-ethernet adapter or USB-to-ethernet adapter... one more THING to keep track of, which if you accidentally leave it at home, and the job calls for you to need it, now you are SCREWED.



Be more careful.




Client wants all the photos burned to DVD. Oops, forgot DVD burner at home, or it's broken from floating around in my bag, etc. SCREWED.



Be more careful.




Client needs Linksys WiFi router reconfigured. Oops, forgot ethernet dongle adapter. SCREWED.



Be more careful.




I tell client, "Get with the times. You are so 2007." Never hear from client again. SCREWED.



Learn how to deal with client expectations.




I tell client, "Apple is a forward-thinking company, and your reliance on DVD and ethernet is quaint and laughable." Never hear from client again. Get bad review from client on Google. SCREWED.



Learn how to deal with client expectations.

Oh, and don't drink any more whine.

[wallysb01]

You will need to buy a new MBP eventually, so you might as well get used to the fact that it won't have an ethernet jack. It's the thickest port on the chassis, I'd be happy to get rid of it and buy an adapter for the places I usually use gigabit than have a thicker machine. I'm one of those guys who has a power adapter at every point-of-use for my MBP so I don't have to carry one everywhere, I'd use the same practice for a USB/TB->Gigabit adapter.

I'd be happy to lose it, and anything else built into the computer, if I thought I had a adequate alternative. Having a single dock for all these needs in all two of the places I'd really need them, plus a few adapters for what I really need on the go, wouldn't really be so bad if they were more cost effective. Thunderbolt has that possibility, but its just not there yet. Right now its just insane to buy a multiple hundred dollar adapter for something that used to built in just to save a few millimeters and maybe 1/2 pound.

[Beliblis]

If they're really gonna introduce this on WWDC, I expect them to also introduce a Mac Pro – IF(!) they decided to continue the Mac Pro line.

No Mac Pro on WWDC = Mac Pro is dead.

[JohnDoe98]

I'd be happy to lose it, and anything else built into the computer, if I thought I had a adequate alternative. Having a single dock for all these needs in all two of the places I'd really need them, plus a few adapters for what I really need on the go, wouldn't really be so bad if they were more cost effective. Thunderbolt has that possibility, but its just not there yet. Right now its just insane to buy a multiple hundred dollar adapter for something that used to built in just to save a few millimeters and maybe 1/2 pound.

What's insane to me is that the few people who might genuinely need ethernet might think that everyone else should be prevented from benefiting from thinner, lighter, more aesthetically pleasing designs. Face it, there will not be two assembly lines, one producing an ethernet model for a couple % of the users who need it, and one producing everyone else's laptops.

And Apple shouldn't include the adapter for free, again for the exact same reasons. Most users wouldn't want to subsidize other people's adapters. If you can afford a laptop that is 2k, you can afford the adapters.

[pearvsapple]

I want to see a new design of the chassis.

[blow45]

Count yourself out of that group.



Be more careful.



Be more careful.



Be more careful.



Learn how to deal with client expectations.



Learn how to deal with client expectations.

Oh, and don't drink any more whine.

Condescending post of the month, finishing off with a freudian slip. Priceless. :D

[antseg]

Just got in line... (kidding)

[Rogifan]

Hmm...I must have missed the announcement from Apple that the new MBP would be losing Ethernet. When was that announced?

[FlatlinerG]

If they don't remove it from their desks, why on earth would it need to be made thinner and lighter?

Logic failure. Oop.


I was referring to the removal of ethernet and the superdrive, I reread my post and realized I didn't specify that. Appreciate the sarcasm though.


Some people like Mac Pros, too. And the old Matte Cinema Displays, as well.

I am more so stating this for the average consumer. The Mac Pro, while gladly accepted by many, is not aimed directly at the average Apple customer.

[wallysb01]

What's insane to me is that the few people who might genuinely need ethernet might think that everyone else should be prevented from benefiting from thinner, lighter, more aesthetically pleasing designs. Face it, there will not be two assembly lines, one producing an ethernet model for a couple % of the users who need it, and one producing everyone else's laptops.

And Apple shouldn't include the adapter for free, again for the exact same reasons. Most users wouldn't want to subsidize other people's adapters. If you can afford a laptop that is 2k, you can afford the adapters.

Most people also don't need quad cores, or the capability for 16 GB or RAM, much less 32. If you want a computer that suites the needs of the average guy sitting on the couch surfing the web, get an iPad. Your line of argumentation is not at all compelling.

[Peace]

If they're really gonna introduce this on WWDC, I expect them to also introduce a Mac Pro – IF(!) they decided to continue the Mac Pro line.

No Mac Pro on WWDC = Mac Pro is dead.

I think the Mac Pros are going to be updated online but not shown at WWDC because they don't have displays. WWDC 2012 is going to be about visuals thus the MBP and iMac being shown at WWDC.

I'd also expect to see Apples Airports refreshed to 802.11ac around the same time.

[wizard]

No Ethernet? I don't see this going down well. Thunderbolt hasn't been adopted enough for it to replace Ethernet.... yet. Will it do in the future, I'm not too convinced about that either. So far, to me, Thunderbolt has been FireWire 3.

Maybe I missed that someplace, lots of rumors of course but frankly nothing that makes sense. In any event to accommodate a full up laptop processor they will need a certain thickness to handle heat removal. So I tend to see these reports as garbage.

I will take a wait and see approach myself.

[lfikr]

So if Apple makes Thunderbolt to 4x USB2/3 + 2x FireWire + LAN + Thunderbolt adapter with short build-in TB cable for let's say $ 199 I will be OK with this solution.

[JohnDoe98]

Most people also don't need quad cores, or the capability for 16 GB or RAM, much less 32. If you want a computer that suites the needs of the average guy sitting on the couch surfing the web, get an iPad. Your line of argumentation is not at all compelling.

That's why most of those people are not buying 15" MBPs. That's why the best sellers are iPads, MBAs, etc.

Look, we are talking about people who either want or need the 15" MBP. Of that population specifically, how many do you honestly think need or depend upon Ethernet and cannot make do with the USB 3 adapters that are likely to be released alongside these new Retina MBPs? Give me an estimate or approximation, of what you think this population might be. Then tell me if it's really worth designing the new Retina MBPs with them first in mind.

[maswriter]

This is all speculation until Tim does the demo. The key thing I would expect from a Pro laptop is expandability. I want to be able to take off the bottom and upgrade or replace RAM and the HD or SSD. If the unit is going to be sealed, well, you might as well buy an Air.

I wouldn't mind losing Ethernet on a laptop. I haven't used it on a laptop in years. I would expect it on a desktop - especially if Apple seeks further acceptance in an enterprise environment. I'd miss an internal optical drive because I have software DVDs and want to rip my old music CDs to iTunes. That's why I got a refurbished Early 2011 MacBook Pro so I don't have to worry about losing those features. By the time I need to upgrade my Mac, I probably won't need those features any more.

[Peace]

Remember when Apple took the modem out of Macs and added a dongle ?


Good times. Good times.

[uclamacguy]

The ethernet cable and firewire cable connectors are probably on the side where the DVD used to go. If not, why not have that as a BTO option?

[xcfmx]

Here's how you get slim ethernet. Remember the Xjack?

xjack image (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/XJACK_network_card_extended.jpg)

[faroZ06]

I don't care. It's already thin enough to be too thin for many carrying cases.

I just want it to be faster (duh) and have half of the ports on the right side for convenience (like the old MacBook Pro did).

[wikus]

Now Firewire I'm happy to ditch for the versatility of USB 3.

Is there a way to use Firewire via Thunberbolt for DV recordings and such?

[theSeb]

I don't care. It's already thin enough to be too thin for many carrying cases.

Ah. Yet more proof that Apple does not care about professionals and their professional cases!!!11

[JohnDoe98]

The ethernet cable and firewire cable connectors are probably on the side where the DVD used to go. If not, why not have that as a BTO option?

Because those laptops would be thicker and require an entire separate assembly line. Too expensive.

[wallysb01]

I feel like computers should be balanced. Which means that Apple needs to be looking and seeing where they can design their computers to affect the largest group of people.

DVD drive usage is waning. Wireless has become the standard for home users. Why not simplify and take the money that was used on the ODD and apply that towards things like SSD and higher quality display that everyone can use?

Then make sure that there are accessories that help me reach back and connect to legacy systems.

Thunderbolt to ADB!!!! FTW

Isn't this what the Air is for? If they want to make a 15" Air and cut the MBP, or effectively merge them into a single Air/Pro line, so be it. That is their choice, and they should do what they think will make the most money. However, the Air is little more than an iPad with a built in keyboard. The MBP contains more serious functionality. Thus, between the mobile product lines, what will likely appeal to the most people is offering something closer to the MBP and an iPad. And that might be what they are trying to do. Making sacrifices where they think they can, but they may lose people on the fringes of both the Air and Pro user bases if they try to merge them. A light-Pro may not be pro enough, while a power-Air may just be to bulky. Broad appeal of a single product has its place, but do specialized products for diverse user groups. Apple should be careful if this is the route they choose.

[nuckinfutz]

Ah. Yet more proof that Apple does not care about professionals and their professional cases!!!11

"George Bush doesn't care about Black people"

Kanye West

[sachisme]

I'm all for removal of ethernet port but for one reason..

I have MBP for past 3 years and only time I use ethernet port is when my internet stops working and customer care ask me to hookup my macbook to the modem.

How does Apple expect everyone to setup their new wifi device...I think it comes down to paying $50 bucks more for the adapter the way I read it.

[urbanlung]

This absolutely proves that I was right! I knew there was going to be a new MacBook and here it is. I also predict that Apple will release a new iMac as well. I'm getting spooky!

[manu chao]

Here's how you get slim ethernet. Remember the Xjack?
[/URL]
If you changed the Ethernet port to something smaller that needed an adaptor, you might as well change it to a USB 3 port. Because this smaller Ethernet port would not serve any purpose while not used as an Ethernet port, whereas a USB 3 port could serve as a USB (1,2,3) port while not used as an Ethernet port. And whether you carry a mini-Ethernet to Ethernet adaptor or USB 3 to Ethernet adaptor with you, does not really matter.

[theSeb]

I'm all for removal of ethernet port but for one reason..

I have MBP for past 3 years and only time I use ethernet port is when my internet stops working and customer care ask me to hookup my macbook to the modem.

How does Apple expect everyone to setup their new wifi device...I think it comes down to paying $50 bucks more for the adapter the way I read it.

A USB 2 Ethernet adaptor is perfectly fine for non-pro tasks like setting up your router or doing diagnostics on it. It costs $29, but you can buy cheaper non-Apple branded ones too.

[Glideslope]

Will Safari feel snappier on these?

[Eadfrith]

uhhhhhh hellooooooo? Retina Display in a notebook? Why is no one here excited by this possibilty? :confused::confused:

[blow45]

That's why most of those people are not buying 15" MBPs. That's why the best sellers are iPads, MBAs, etc.

Look, we are talking about people who either want or need the 15" MBP. Of that population specifically, how many do you honestly think need or depend upon Ethernet and cannot make do with the USB 3 adapters that are likely to be released alongside these new Retina MBPs? Give me an estimate or approximation, of what you think this population might be. Then tell me if it's really worth designing the new Retina MBPs with them first in mind.

Professional people willing to fork out so much for a pro computer (and so much more than what they would have paid for at the competition) for their work that allows for out of the box interface with the most common network protocol on the planet in corporate, university, small business or conference settings (or for that matter on any occasion where ethernet comes very handy as quick ad hoc networking between computers, router set ups, places with poor wifi reception etc. etc.) dongle and hassle free? I would say about 70-80% and I am being modest here.

What's the retina to do with anything anyway? This is a completely bs non point. All the more so if this is a first gen retina computer it should be a millimeter thicker to allow for better thermals from the gpu to drive it.

The things you read to justify ANYTHING apple does, reminds me of the old joke that if apple come out with a pile of crap and call it the iturd and slap a $2000 on it, sure enough you are going to find quite a few people coming here and saying that it's ushering in a new era of human computer interaction, or how iconic the design is, or that competitors products are **** anyway at least apple are being upfront about it. :D

[FrizzleFryBen]

Hmm...I must have missed the announcement from Apple that the new MBP would be losing Ethernet. When was that announced?

They didn't....this is a rumor.

[Yetihunter]

Let's bring presumptions to something more believable:

1.) 13" Macbook Pro's are most popular because they're the most affordable.

2.) These rumors are all just that = rumors.

[pappasmurfshare]

I really just can't see them dropping thunderbolt this quickly.

*salt*

[imageWIS]

Get rid of superdrive? Sure, no problem... Get rid of Ethernet port.. IDK... If you can't get wifi to work, you are SOL when it comes to accessing the net.

[theSeb]

I really just can't see them dropping thunderbolt this quickly.

*salt*

They aren't.

[Thex1138]

What's the first rule about Ethernet?
Not to talk about Ethernet!
What's the second rule about Ethernet?
Start to talk about Thunderbolt!
8-)

[Millah]

1997: OMG WTF Apple no Floppy drive!? You guys are doomed.

2008: OMG WTF Apple no optical drive!? Apple has lost it

2010: OMG WTF Apple no flash support!? This will never succeed

2012: OMG WTF Apple no Ethernet!? Apple no longer makes professional machines.



People never change. I'm sure Apple will have a solution for people that absolutely need Ethernet, and it will work seamlessly. So let's just wait til Apple announces the thing before grabbing the pitchforks.

[samac92]

uhhhhhh hellooooooo? Retina Display in a notebook? Why is no one here excited by this possibilty? :confused::confused:

Because they're too busy complaining about losing a port that they can just add back using an adaptor.

[kiwiboi87]

yuck,
i dont flash memory.
and will miss the dvd disc drive.

i hope its not true

[sachisme]

Yes, we can buy adapters but it sucks when after spending $1500+, we end up buying separate adapters, one for HDMI, One for Ethernet etc.. Also these add up the weigh and space in the bag more than we gain with thinner MBP :(

[Peace]

Get rid of superdrive? Sure, no problem... Get rid of Ethernet port.. IDK... If you can't get wifi to work, you are SOL when it comes to accessing the net.

One more time.

D.O.N.G.L.E

What did Mac users do when Apple removed the modem from their laptops ?

:)

[BlazednSleepy]

lol who the hell uses ethernet on a laptop?

If you really need it just buy the usb adapter. Problem solved.

[Boe11]

Holy sh...

Finally some substance :D

[Yetihunter]

In 2012, would a laptop user rather be stuck without ethernet, or stuck without wifi ?

And all this whining, exactly how many film/graphic design/music/architecture/animation/medical/research folks are relying solely
on a laptop?

The pro moniker always served as a way to say: "this computer is bigger, badder and faster than the other line we offer".

Relax, breath. :)

[pappasmurfshare]

They aren't.

Are you saying these rumors are more than likely false? Or that they would be breaking the norm by including ports on the opposite side of the laptop since the superdrive would disappear.

[Codyak]

uhhhhhh hellooooooo? Retina Display in a notebook? Why is no one here excited by this possibilty? :confused::confused:

They're all to concerned about having to use a lossless, although probably expensive, adapter.

[soundguyami]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

This has to be sarcasm. Nobody can be that sheltered. There is absolutely no comparison between an MBP and a netbook...are you serious?????

Furthermore....Apple is dominating both the tablet and phone market...do you even pay attention to the reports?

[JohnDoe98]

Professional people willing to fork out so much for a pro computer (and so much more than what they would have paid for at the competition) for their work that allows for out of the box interface with the most common network protocol on the planet in corporate, university, small business or conference settings (or for that matter on any occasion where ethernet comes very handy as quick ad hoc networking between computers, router set ups, places with poor wifi reception etc. etc.) dongle and hassle free? I would say about 70-80% and I am being modest here.

Well we have rather distinct perspectives on the world I suppose. My estimate would be around 10%, and that's being modest too. I don't know about you, but I've pretty much accepted the fact that anytime I'm going to a conference or setting outside of my office, I bring all my adapters along because I simply don't trust the IT guys to have me covered. So again, this seems like a non-issue.


What's the retina to do with anything anyway? This is a completely bs non point. All the more so if this is a first gen retina computer it should be a millimeter thicker to allow for better thermals from the gpu to drive it.

I mentioned Retina just to be clear as to which MBP we are talking about. Nothing else was implied. It's not because it is Retina it needs to be bigger or smaller, that would be an irrelevant point, should anyone try to make it. But no one has in this thread until you came up with it.


The things you read to justify ANYTHING apple does, reminds me of the old joke that if apple come out with a pile of crap and call it the iturd and slap a $2000 on it, sure enough you are going to find quite a few people coming here and saying that it's ushering in a new era of human computer interaction, or how iconic the design is, or that competitors products are **** anyway at least apple are being upfront about it. :D

I'm not justifying what Apple is doing. If you look at my posts I've been asking for precisely what is here rumored for many years now. I guess there is a convergence with what I desire and with where Apple seems to be going. But honestly, I'm just as mesmerized to see the extent to which people are willing to justify hanging on to useless antiquated technologies. People resist change by any means necessary and come up with elaborate nonsense to rationalize themselves. Just look at the extent to which people are claiming adapters would not be a sufficient solution.

[nuckinfutz]

Isn't this what the Air is for? If they want to make a 15" Air and cut the MBP, or effectively merge them into a single Air/Pro line, so be it. That is their choice, and they should do what they think will make the most money. However, the Air is little more than an iPad with a built in keyboard. The MBP contains more serious functionality. Thus, between the mobile product lines, what will likely appeal to the most people is offering something closer to the MBP and an iPad. And that might be what they are trying to do. Making sacrifices where they think they can, but they may lose people on the fringes of both the Air and Pro user bases if they try to merge them. A light-Pro may not be pro enough, while a power-Air may just be to bulky. Broad appeal of a single product has its place, but do specialized products for diverse user groups. Apple should be careful if this is the route they choose.

The Air is about taking the size to the extreme. They did this by soldering the RAM, moving to Blade SSD and ULV processors for easier cooling.

A Macbook Pro simply must have full mobile CPU, upgradable RAM and if possible discrete graphics. It'll never get close to the Air in size and it shouldn't.

[soundguyami]

yuck,
i dont flash memory.
and will miss the dvd disc drive.

i hope its not true

You will love a flash start up partition once you try it...simply amazing and way less chance of os corruption. As far as the drive...how often do you seriously use it? In the past four months I have used mine once..when I replaced the hard drive.

[kiwiboi87]

uhhhhhh hellooooooo? Retina Display in a notebook? Why is no one here excited by this possibilty? :confused::confused:

ih I'm very very excited for the Retina Display,
given i watch a lot of movies and tv shows on my mac.
and look and edit photos on it
i think it will be great to have

[AustinIllini]

one more time.

D.o.n.g.l.e

what did mac users do when apple removed the modem from their laptops ?

:)

"the truth is not worth being wrong!"

[HishamAkhtar]

Can we PLEASE have a black aluminum MacBook Pro?!

[Krazy Bill]

I'm realistic. No ethernet, No ODD, SSD's standard and yes... even a thinner body. This is no surprise and anyone thinking the evolution of the MBP line would be otherwise is quite naive.

That said... if this "thing" is sealed like the Air then I have no choice but to move on to freaking Windows 8 and the best MacBook knockoff I can find.

God help me. :eek:

[kiwiboi87]

You will love a flash start up partition once you try it...simply amazing and way less chance of os corruption. As far as the drive...how often do you seriously use it? In the past four months I have used mine once..when I replaced the hard drive.

i use my dvd drive, every few days when i watch a dvd or import a cd.

my only issue with flash, is that i will be limited on my storage.
at the moment i have 750GB hard drive, and its over half full.
and i could easily fill the 750.

i just don't like the idea of have limits placed on my mac,

[theSeb]

Are you saying these rumors are more than likely false? Or that they would be breaking the norm by including ports on the opposite side of the laptop since the superdrive would disappear.

What are you talking about? The image is a mock up from an earlier rumour and only shows one side. The other side of the mock up had 2 thunderbolt ports. The mock up image was included to make the story look nicer, but has nothing to do with the story or reality.

[rkdiddy]

I personally can't remember last time I plugged my computer into Ethernet.

With that said, I'm sure there will be a doogle that plugs into one of the ports and lets not forget the TB ACD includes built-in Ethernet.