Asustek Supplying 13.3'' MacBook [Archive]

MacRumors

Apr 12, 2006, 10:14 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Another reports (http://news.cens.com/php/getnews.php?file=/news/2006/04/12/20060412012.htm&daily=1) claims that the 13.3" Intel MacBook is on the way.

According to this report, Asustek, Apple's iBook manufacturer, has received the contract for the manufacture of 13.3" intel iBooks.

This contract has been previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/04/20060403221422.shtml). The 13.3" MacBook is said to be replacing both the current 12" and 14" iBooks.

iGary

Apr 12, 2006, 10:16 AM

One iBook only?

13.3" is SMALL

dmw007

Apr 12, 2006, 10:22 AM

I was hoping for more than just one size screen as well (perhaps, someone else will make a different size MacBook?).

devilot

Apr 12, 2006, 10:23 AM

One iBook only?

13.3" is SMALLHaha, and here I am, thinking, "13.3" is BIG."

treblah

Apr 12, 2006, 10:38 AM

Come on Asustek!

I talked my sis into waiting for the MacBook to replace her G3 but that was last August and she is growing impatient. ;)

iGary

Apr 12, 2006, 10:39 AM

I've been working on my 12" iBook for three days (other computer is getting new logic board and processors) and it's killing me. I can't imagine 13.3" woul dbe much better. :o :(

JW Pepper

Apr 12, 2006, 10:41 AM

devilot

Apr 12, 2006, 10:43 AM

I've been working on my 12" iBook for three days (other computer is getting new logic board and processors) and it's killing me. I can't imagine 13.3" woul dbe much better. :o :(I think that's the difference between your uses and mine. :p Besides, I'm not used to a 30" monster of a display. I think I'd get carpal tunnel syndrome just trying to use a mouse w/ that thing.

iGary

Apr 12, 2006, 10:45 AM

I think that's the difference between your uses and mine. :p Besides, I'm not used to a 30" monster of a display. I think I'd get carpal tunnel syndrome just trying to use a mouse w/ that thing.

Yeah - admittedly this is the first time I have really given this thing a workout - I usually use it for travel (e-mail, web, light Photoshop).

Still, though, I thinkg a one-size fits all iBook is a bad idea.

emotion

Apr 12, 2006, 10:49 AM

I've been working on my 12" iBook for three days (other computer is getting new logic board and processors) and it's killing me. I can't imagine 13.3" woul dbe much better. :o :(

Get your eyes checked grandad :)

Seriously though I have two 12" Powerbooks as my only computers and that's all I use.

I couldn't do it on XP or linux but with expose the small screen is fine.

id-sign

Apr 12, 2006, 11:03 AM

JW Pepper said: "MB has a photo claimed to be a mock up, I am not sure."

Sorry for the ignorance; I don't know where "MB" is... Do you have a link?

pascalpp

Apr 12, 2006, 11:18 AM

JW Pepper said: "MB has a photo claimed to be a mock up, I am not sure."

Sorry for the ignorance; I don't know where "MB" is... Do you have a link?

i think he means this:

http://www.macbidouille.com/news/2006-04-12/#12625

pascalpp

Apr 12, 2006, 11:19 AM

The 13.3" MacBook is said to be replacing both the current 12" and 14" iBooks.

Previously you reported that this model would also be replacing the 12" Powerbook. I'm hoping not.

Do you have any more info on whether there will be a 12" Macbook Pro?

beverson

Apr 12, 2006, 12:16 PM

The 12" iBook existed long before the 14" one was added to the product lineup. I expect that the addition of a larger Mac Book screen could be a possibility in the future, but maybe it's not ready now (or Apple isn't sure it would sell). Honestly, I never understood the 14". Less portable, but the same resolution. If the larger screen were actually a higher resolution, it would make more sense. But maybe for older eyes it's a plus, I dunno.

As for the loss of the 12" PowerBook/Mac Book Pro, I would be a bit dismayed with that. I'm a very happy 12" PowerBook user, and I would hate to have to upgrade to a 15" MBP (again, less portable) or potentially downgrade to a MB when I get a new machine in a year or so. Admittedly, the PowerBook is a dressed up iBook anyway, but I like the Aluminum and the keyboard better. And DVI out and display spanning are a must (I know about the hack, but still). If the 12" PowerBook is not replaced in the Mac Book Pro lineup, I hope Apple at least puts DVI out and display spanning in the MB. (The precedent for this has sort of been set with the Intel iMac, so I am hopeful. I do realize that "precedent" is not a sure sign, though.)

vniow

Apr 12, 2006, 12:18 PM

13.3" is SMALL

Absolutely perfect size for at laptop.

For me at least.

LFrascogna

Apr 12, 2006, 12:20 PM

bousozoku

Apr 12, 2006, 12:35 PM

Previously you reported that this model would also be replacing the 12" Powerbook. I'm hoping not.

Do you have any more info on whether there will be a 12" Macbook Pro?

It would certainly make sense as an overlap machine.

It's really a nice size, especially if it's widescreen. I'm not a granddad, but there are a lot of people not accustomed to working with such small pixels. I'd been working on 1024x768 since the mid-1990s so it's nice to have better resolutions and having my tools out of the way certainly helps working on photos.

boncellis

Apr 12, 2006, 01:34 PM

Maybe the iBook replacement at that size will have a DVI out. My old 12" PB had S-Video and RCA out, but it's just not the same. I think there was an adapter available, but I never wanted to spend the money on it.

twoodcc

Apr 12, 2006, 01:48 PM

i just wish it would hurry up and come out;)

dizastor

Apr 12, 2006, 02:56 PM

I really hope this new Macbook has a really thin bezel, but with the "build an isight into everything" trend. I don't see this as possible.

As far as 13.3 being small, I think it's just about the sweet spot especially for a notebook targeted at education. I'd actually like to see them make a smaller one if they make another Macbook size... say 10".

Bigger is definately not better in this lineup. MacBook Pro will wtill have the 17" monster for those who don't mind carrying 7 pound "portables".

bigandy

Apr 12, 2006, 02:58 PM

if this runs motion ok (as in as well as my G4, 1.25Ghz PowerBook 15"), and has a 1280x854 or higher resolution (and there is no excuse not too), then i'll probably head for it instead of an MBP, considering my finances and all...

edit: oh, and a core duo, of course :D

Stridder44

Apr 12, 2006, 03:07 PM

One iBook only?

13.3" is SMALL

I hope they offer something bigger. 13.3 probably isn't that bad but 15 seems so much nicer

miketcool

Apr 12, 2006, 03:39 PM

i think he means this:

http://www.macbidouille.com/news/2006-04-12/#12625

Yeah......

Well, the apps in the doc are old. Does anyone use Appleworks anymore?

Menu? Panther.

Ahhh another poor fake.

Otherwise, one size doesnt fit all! But then again, you could always upgrade to a nice pro unit. This thing better be $999 so we can see the under 1K ads again!

Macnoviz

Apr 12, 2006, 04:20 PM

Let me just say this to Apple:

GET ON WITH IT !

We have had dozens of reports all saying the 13.3" Macbook is coming. When will we actually see it? Please, hurry up.

QCassidy352

Apr 12, 2006, 04:34 PM

I'm not sure about the 12" and the 14" ibooks, but add the 12" powerbook in there, I can't imagine the new macbook canabalizing all three of those models.

Though, if a 13.3" core duo is about to come out, then sign me up.

If the macbook eats all three of those models, it's going to need quite a range of options and price points. There really needs to be a ~$1k range notebook for students, as well as a much more powerful and full featured notebook for pro users who don't want to carry something bigger.

I think apple may be over simplifying at this point. If it were up to me, there would be these options:
Macbook - 13.3", 15.4"
Macbook pro - 13.3", 15.4", 17"

Yes, there are "consumer" level users who want a bigger screen, and there are "pro" users who want more portability. If apple just goes with a 13.3" macbook and only the 15" and 17" MBP, I think that would be a big, big mistake. I understand not wanting to confuse people with too many options, but having 2 lines each of which has 2 or 3 models is not too much. I don't want to shell out $2k for a MBP, but $1400 for a 15" macbook? Yeah, that could work.

And yes, please for the love of god release these. We know that the chips exist, we know they can fit in small enclosures, the current ibooks are very old now, and it's getting to be buying season for bulk educational orders. What exactly is the hold up?? :confused:

scottlinux

Apr 12, 2006, 05:18 PM

2005 news making headlines again. But good to know they are on their way.

http://www.engadget.com/2005/06/20/asustek-building-14-inch-widescreen-ibook-for-apple/

http://store.agearnotebooks.com/asusnotebook.html

http://www.macuser.co.uk/macuser/music/news/71268/asustek-receives-orders-for-a-new-154inch-ibook.html

Hattig

Apr 12, 2006, 07:52 PM

Yeah......

Well, the apps in the doc are old. Does anyone use Appleworks anymore?

Menu? Panther.

Ahhh another poor fake.

It's not like it was ever presented as real ffs.

"While waiting for the MacBook to be finally released, we have decided to publish a design made by one of our forum members, Orpioo."

The screen will obviously be 1280x768, not 1280x720. Maybe even 1280x800, but most 13.3" widescreens are the former.

jne381

Apr 12, 2006, 08:25 PM

It is all about working space. I would be the first person to agree that the 12 inch iBook was too small for actually working on, and at first impression 13.3 didn't sound much better. Even though there is a loss of depth compared to width of the screen, the extra width is efficient. I came to this conclusion after looking at the Sony 13.3 laptop. The wide screen gives you the ability to open 2 pages side by side. An example for me would be a word document on one side and a web page on the other.

My money would be on different versions of the new MacBooks, and I would hope the high end of the line would be the equivalent of the MacBook Pro only with a smaller screen and possibly less outputs, that wouldn't be much different from the old 12 inch PowerBooks.

reaper

Apr 12, 2006, 11:27 PM

Yes, there are "consumer" level users who want a bigger screen, and there are "pro" users who want more portability. If apple just goes with a 13.3" macbook and only the 15" and 17" MBP, I think that would be a big, big mistake. I understand not wanting to confuse people with too many options, but having 2 lines each of which has 2 or 3 models is not too much. I don't want to shell out $2k for a MBP, but $1400 for a 15" macbook? Yeah, that could work.

I agree completely. My 17" Powerbook finally got hosed, and I'm looking for a "pro" machine that's more portable than the 15.4" MBP. I simply don't want to have to lug a "cute" laptop into a meeting if they only offer iBook-esque smaller lappies.

That being said, Apple definitely needs to get these out to satisfy a gaping hole in their current lineup. Then they can play catch up all they want.

-reaper

ccool2ax

Apr 13, 2006, 09:08 AM

I hate the name MacBook. I was going to buy an intel iBook, but since Apple won't relase one, I won't. I think that the color rumor is made up (it's out of place with other Apple design), maybe not the 13.3 inch thing, but whatever idiot thoguht that the MBP was named to differentiate it from a future laptop is stupid. Why would apple give that away? Why would Apple lose so much name recognition?

ccool2ax

Apr 13, 2006, 09:15 AM

MB has a photo claimed to be a mock up, I am not sure. If t is a mockup then I think they are wrong and that it is more likely to be 16x10. If it is a leak and they are correct then the 13.3inch screen looses almost an inch in height compared to the iBook:(
Terrible. If that's all a mockup artist can do is stretch out a 12'' iBook and write Macbook on it (without changing the screen!), then they don;t deserve a Mac. Not that I could do any better... just don't try passing that off as an iBook with an intel chip.

Confidemus

Apr 14, 2006, 04:24 AM

Haha, and here I am, thinking, "13.3" is BIG."

Hi all,
I'm just thinking, whether 13.3" might come with a similar resolution like my nearly 4 years old TiBook 15"?

My Powerbook 15" has resolution 1280 x 854 pixels.

As I have seen, the new MacBook Pro has 1440 x 900. That is 18.6% more. The resolution I have is just fine for me. So is anybody here who might know the resolution of the 13.3" MacBook?

My hope is that I get more power, more RAM, more hard disk and less weight.

Best,
Fernando

stebu

Apr 14, 2006, 08:24 AM

I guess I'm just your archetypal low-end user. That's why my iBook 12" is really too much computer for me. So if the new MacBook is going to be prohibitively expensive without offering me any more than I'm going to really need, it will be a cold day in Hades before I venture into the market again.

thecheda

Apr 14, 2006, 11:30 AM

Get your eyes checked grandad :)

Seriously though I have two 12" Powerbooks as my only computers and that's all I use.

I couldn't do it on XP or linux but with expose the small screen is fine.

unless youre doing graphics/photo/animation and need the space.

iEdd

Apr 15, 2006, 04:46 AM

I hope they offer something bigger.
They do, 15.4" MBP.

Heb1228

Apr 15, 2006, 04:54 AM

That aspect ratio looks horrible. A laptop that small needs to stay with a 4:3 aspect ration IMO.

From www.macbidouille.com
http://files.macbidouille.com/news/200604/MacBook_2006.jpg

jamesi

Apr 15, 2006, 05:02 AM

13.3 inches IS small. obviously the macbook (ibook sounds so much better) is meant for poor college students and the likes. 13.3 is awful but not so bad when you are using it on the go. at the desk tho, i would want a larger monitor. 17" pb for life

7on

Apr 15, 2006, 03:25 PM

revjay

Apr 15, 2006, 03:36 PM

Joe2000

Apr 17, 2006, 08:18 AM

I diddnt do it, but whoever did has some trick PS skills :eek:

I WANT ONE! :D

BakedBeans

Apr 17, 2006, 08:35 AM

I diddnt do it, but whoever did has some trick PS skills :eek:

I WANT ONE! :D

i wouldnt mind one like that :)

DKZ

Apr 17, 2006, 08:46 AM

I diddnt do it, but whoever did has some trick PS skills :eek:

I WANT ONE! :D

Thats crazy, but is that really widescreen form? It looks like a normal 4/3 to me. But I sure wouldn't be sorry if thats how it'll end up looking.

Joe2000

Apr 17, 2006, 08:52 AM

I put this screenshot in using "MGI Photosuite" on a 900MHz Duron as i have sold both my Mac's in anticipation of the MacBook :o i know its not great quality but i had a go...
PS: Yes i does look like just 4:3 to me, as i said i diddnt make the mockup, i'm just posting it and adding screenshot. I think this PeeCee i'm using will die if I try and make it widescreen lol! Maybe another day!

mjstew33

Apr 17, 2006, 10:15 AM

Eh, it looks OK. Really thin.

But I doubt it'll look like that. :(

FadeToBlack

Apr 18, 2006, 03:33 AM

That aspect ratio looks horrible. A laptop that small needs to stay with a 4:3 aspect ration IMO.

From www.macbidouille.com
http://files.macbidouille.com/news/200604/MacBook_2006.jpg

Eh, that's just because it's a ****** mockup. If they did come out with a 13.3" iBook, I'm sure it'd look a lot better than that.

fozy

May 10, 2006, 12:49 PM

That's where external monitors come in...

iBooks currently do not support dvi out, do you think the new product will?

superwoman

May 13, 2006, 04:32 AM

iBooks currently do not support dvi out, do you think the new product will?

The MBPs come with dual-link DVI. So if the iBooks come with just DVI, that'll be enough differentiation. So yes, I think they'll come with DVI out. Besides, Apple does not seems like a company stuck with old technology.

fozy

May 13, 2006, 08:22 AM

The MBPs come with dual-link DVI. So if the iBooks come with just DVI, that'll be enough differentiation. So yes, I think they'll come with DVI out. Besides, Apple does not seems like a company stuck with old technology.

You are correct, Apple does not seem like a company stuck with old technology. But they are sales savvy and love to upsell and pressure pro users to use their higher end products.