Anybody else frustrated with Apple's current laptop lineup?

[macjay]

Anybody else frustrated with Apple's laptop lineup? I'd like to replace my iBook but none of the current offerings appeal to me. This is frustrating. I like a compact laptop -- working with a small screen -- and the MacBook just doesn't do it for me (not a fan of the keyboard).

When I look at Sony, I see them offering laptops of every size. I even saw some nice-looking Fujitsu computers today. Wish I could use another brand, but I'm an OSX user. So I'm "stuck" with my iBook right now.

Anybody else frustrated in the same way?

[holamiamigos]

no

[Reflow]

Yup I'm frustrated that they don't make a 12 MB or an MBP. I still love my PPC 12 PB which I'm still loving *hugs PB*

[oceanmonster]

The keyboard on the macbook is not that bad. It is weird at first but it grows on you and you'll find that it is much easier to type on after you have used it a bit. At least that is what happened to me.

[yojitani]

The keyboard on the macbook is not that bad. It is weird at first but it grows on you and you'll find that it is much easier to type on after you have used it a bit. At least that is what happened to me.

Yeah, I agree with this. Actually, it was more a case of "oh, the keyboard's different" when I opened the box and "the keyboard is better" after using it.
That said, yes, I do wish there was an option for a 13" MB. I think I still prefer aluminium:D .

[Chundles]

It's only frustrating me because I don't have one.

[Reflow]

I think I still prefer aluminium

That what I like the most...

[BigPrince]

My problem is the freaking GLOSSY Screen. 15 inch is just way to big for me. 9-13 is in my preferred range. I'd have no problem getting a MacBook if it was not for the GLOSSY screen.

[phungy]

My problem is the freaking GLOSSY Screen. 15 inch is just way to big for me. 9-13 is in my preferred range. I'd have no problem getting a MacBook if it was not for the GLOSSY screen.

My problem is trying to take a clear picture of my Magsafe catching on fire. :D :apple:

[valdore]

I'd need glasses to see the screens of these tiny little hypothetical laptops so many here seem to pine for.

[dernhelm]

My problem is the freaking GLOSSY Screen. 15 inch is just way to big for me. 9-13 is in my preferred range. I'd have no problem getting a MacBook if it was not for the GLOSSY screen.

The glossy screen is optional. So I suppose you have no problem then.

[pianoman]

i would've preferred a 14" MBP instead of the 15" but i am happy with my purchase (especially since a 14" Pro notebook never existed in the PB line).

i think Apple is missing the smaller MBP but the rumors seem to indicate that it is coming.

i don't much care for the MB keyboard but it all boils down to personal preference.

[valdore]

I like the MB keyboard better than its predecessor, a Toshiba Satellite PC laptop. The letters on the keys even started coming off, which is what happens I guess when you post on message boards too much.

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

The glossy screen is optional. So I suppose you have no problem then.

not on the Macbook

[Fender]

I just bought a brand new MacBook C2D 2.0GHz, and I previously had a Core Duo 1.83 GHz. I love these damn MacBooks. They've even overtaken my Powerbook G4 1.67 GHz as my favourite computer.

[iW00t]

Like others said the Macbook's keyboard isn't that bad, it takes a couple days to get used to them but once you are good you are all set.

This is spoken as someone who owns a MBP and used a MB briefly, I thought I'd hate the keyboard but end up I don't.... and I even wrote code on my Macbook.

The only other thing that really pisses me off is the craptacular screens Apple insists on using for their laptops. It is simply a disgrace.

[likeavaliant]

is an extra inch on a macbook that big of a problem?


whiners.

[phungy]

I love my Macbook :D :apple:

[QCassidy352]

speaking as a macbook owner and former owner of 3 ibooks, the macbook keyboard is worlds better than the ibook keyboard. If that's what's holding you back then you really need to give the macbook and its keyboard another look.

Ditto the glossy screen. It's not a "high gloss" like on a lot of PC laptops and is quite great to look at actually. It's so much nicer than the dull, washed out screens on ANY pre-intel mac laptop that once you have a macbook, you'll be amazed you ever used an ibook.

[macjay]

Maybe I'm spoiled by the finish on my early "translucent" iBook G3. This was the version before the "opaque" iBook which became more plasticy. My iBook has a satin aluminum trackpad, similar to the MBP; the later iBooks, and now the Macbooks, have a plastic trackpad. The keyboard on my early iBook is also very good.

[OldCorpse]

Yeah, I'm on an iBook and feel for you. The whole reason why I intentionally got the iBook (even as I knew the macbook was coming out any day), is because of size - I didn't trust that Apple would come out with anything this small soon. To me the main selling point of iBook is size - it's perfect. Smaller would be too small from the point of view of the screen... I wouldn't mind thinner, and I certainly would welcome lighter, but not a smaller screen than 12".

Thing is, if you need to carry your 'book around, every inch and every ounce count. I just find the MB unwieldy - actually kind of an uncomfortable size. The iBook seems much more proportional and aesthetically pleasing. My objection to the 12" PB was that it seemed too fragile. My iBook in it's hard case seems bulletproof... for something that I use on the go, this is important.

As to keyboard, I've tried the MB and agree - it's better than the iBook. My iBook keyboard is kind of lame... springy, spongy, key edges are sharp and are often getting caught on fingertips, sleeve of the sweater and so on. Not great. And the screen is the weakest thing on this thing - so dim. If there's one think I really wish the iBook had is a better, brighter screen.

Also, I think the MB runs a lot hotter than the iBook - another point against the original 12" PB which I'd otherwise consider. I hate the frying heat on your hands/lap, the damn fans coming on etc. - all that I associate with the 12" PB and now all intel macs, including the MB. By contrast my iBook is cool as a cucumber most of the time - even when it's doing intense video encoding for 48 hours straight!

I so much don't like the new MB and generally intel laptops, that I've just poured $345 into my iBook to get a 120GB hard drive... rather than upgrade to a new MB, I prefer to stay with the iBook and extend it's power as much as I can - I love this form factor, I love the coolness, the long battery life, the excellent WI-FI reception etc.

So am I disappointed in the intel laptops from Apple - YES. Hot, buggy, crashy, and don't run a lot of PPC software that I have.

I'll eventually buy another Apple laptop, but it'll be probably in a year or two, after they solve or at least lessen the heat problems. And maybe we'll get lucky with a nice form factor.

Meanwhile talking about product range - where's Apple's sub-Mac Pro? I'd love something that's mid-range between the mini and the pro, but without laptop components and a forced monitor like the iMac, and something that doesn't cost much more than around $1000. But that's another topic.

[emotion]

is an extra inch on a macbook that big of a problem?


whiners.

I doubt you ever owned a 12" apple laptop. The "inch" is more like two when the size of the bezel is considered.

I've just replaced my two 12" powerbooks with a macbook. The size difference is noticable.

I'd love a 12" mbp.


So am I disappointed in the intel laptops from Apple - YES. Hot, buggy, crashy,....

My MB (Rev B, black) is extremely quiet, bug free, and most importantly very very cool to the touch.

I guess people's experiences vary.

[iW00t]

is an extra inch on a macbook that big of a problem?


whiners.

Actually I think 13.3" is a very very nice size.

As insane as it sounds a small Macbook Pro with a high rez screen is actually kinda nice if not for the fact that Apple insists my eye sight is not as good as it really is. Nevermind the fact that said eyes are actually in my eye sockets and not Steve's.

[BigPrince]

The glossy screen is optional. So I suppose you have no problem then.

Really, could you link me to the store that sells matte MacBooks.

[mick4394]

I doubt you ever owned a 12" apple laptop. The "inch" is more like two when the size of the bezel is considered.

I've just replaced my two 12" powerbooks with a macbook. The size difference is noticable.

I'd love a 12" mbp.

I completely agree. I have two 12" iBooks and one Macbook. People who say that the Macbook isn't much bigger than the iBook, haven't seen an iBook sitting on top of a Macbook. It's a pretty large size difference.

I carry my notebook with me everyday. I love my iBooks, but the major increase in power is worth the size increase of the Macbook, which goes with me everywhere.

[mkrishnan]

is an extra inch on a macbook that big of a problem?


whiners.

:D

Seriously, though, yes. An extra inch, an extra pound, and less battery life according to most reports. It is a problem for me. I mean I think the Macbook is great. But I want to see them come out with a sub... maybe when Penryn is out. Le sigh.

[acoustics940]

I think the current laptops are just fine. If the macbook is to large for you maybe you should get you a nice thick flimsy plastic dell for your needs and brag about that. I dont see how the macbook is to large its smaller than most of my text books I have to carry around all day. I dont see how people can say the screen quality is bad either I think it is extremely crisp and much better than most other peoples.

[emotion]

I think the current laptops are just fine. If the macbook is to large for you maybe you should get you a nice thick flimsy plastic dell for your needs and brag about that. I dont see how the macbook is to large its smaller than most of my text books I have to carry around all day.

There's nothing wrong with wanting a small laptop. Apple have done it before and I suspect they'll do it again at some point.

btw. in case anyone gets the wrong idea from my posts above I love my new macbook (it is thinner than the powerbooks it replaces for a start), I like smaller though :)

[smueboy]

Frustrated? Nope! My MBP is perfect! :D

But i can see the need for a 12" MBP release; hopefully Apple will release one this year.

[Cybergypsy]

You have to be kidding right?????

[crees!]

Anybody else frustrated in the same way? No. I'm still happy with my 3+ year old PB G4. Though I would LIKE a new machine I am not in NEED of one.

[smueboy]

You have to be kidding right?????

Who??

[Passante]

Last I looked there were 12 PBs for sale. Much snappier than an iBook.

My wife has an Macbook. Its a little bigger but you might get used to it. The keyboard is not an issue for me. Look at them side by side.

[JFreak]

One can always whine.

During the G4 era people complained about Apple having "almost" same parts inside iBook and PowerBook as they couldn't see why one costs more than another. Now that the MB internals differ more, people complain about having too big a gap between MB and MBP product lines. No matter what the specs are, some people are always unhappy.

That said...

I do dislike the idea that low-end Macs do not have dedicated GPU anymore. That might prevent me from buying a Mac Mini altogether. I could have bought a PPC one if only they had had optical audio output at that time. They didn't, so I waited. When they did, they lost the GPU. And I lost interest. It would have been perfectly sized box for a media center, but who is going to buy a media center without a GPU? Not me.

Anyway; it seems nowadays the low-end line is a low-end line because one cannot do a lot of choices. If you want to do choices, you are forced to buy a MBP. Or a Mac Pro. The cost of owning a nice-to-have extra Mac has risen significantly. At least for me. God, I'm a terrible whiner ;)

[macjay]

The cost of owning a nice-to-have extra Mac has risen significantly. At least for me.

This is absolutely true. When the aluminum powerbooks were released, the standard of Apple's consumer laptop was lowered. The price went down, but you could also see that the machine was reflective of the lowered price. To get the same quality of build and finish today as the old consumer laptops had (the original and "translucent" iBooks), you have to buy a MBP.

[maxvamp]

All,

I moved from an iBook 600 to a Macbook 1st gen. Probably should have waited to move to a MacBook C2D, as the problems I am encountering, they obviously have worked out, as I hit them.

I have to say that I am generally very happy with the move. Size was a huge factor for me, but the tradeoff off the extra screen width made the minor jump in size worth it. I haul my laptops everywhere, which makes the 15 and 17 out of the question.

Things I am not so happy about is the Intel 950 embedded graphics, and the lack of the acylic shell. The shell, however, I plan on taking care of here shortly. For christmas, I got my wife a new MacBook Pro C2D, and also ordered a speck (http://www.speckproducts.com/) shell for her. Other than a small manufacturing defect ( the back right of the shell kept catching on the screen, but a small nibbler took care of that ) the shell is very much like the original iBook.

I look forward to a pro series of this MacBook, but in short, I am very happy with the size and performance of my MacBook.

Max.

[miniConvert]

I'm frustrated with the laptop lineup. There's just not enough choice, and the MBP design just feels ancient since the MB got its revised case.

I have to say, iBook owners can't really go wrong with moving to the MB. It's a class machine, faults aside. The Pro line just has a vast hole in it, the MBP doesn't accurately reflect the latest innovations in laptop technology as it should.

I desperately want a Mac laptop for OS X, but I don't want any of the current range.

[mashinhead]

i'm pretty happy i wish they'd do an upgrade, or make a macbook with an aluminum finish, fw 800, and a card slot, but that's it really. it would be awesome if it could support a 30 inch display, i guess i wan't a 13 macboook pro, but a true one, even the 12 powerbook didn't have those options.

[acoustics940]

I am frustrated apple does not have a 9" neon orange macbook with a geforce 8800 for under $1000 they are crazy for not doing this. Apple needs atleast 4 other choices for laptops. Who in their right mind wants a $1099 laptop thats 13" thats faster than most peoples dekstops and big as a textbook? I know I dont I would rather spend $1500 for a nice plastic 15" dell inspiron so I could complain how dell doesnt have a notebook plated with gold. If they are this extremely horrible to use then why did you buy it in the first place?? If they are just that bad wouldnt you think apple may have considered more?? I dont know but I cant find any room to complain about a whole entire computer that I can carry around with me that is blazing fast and does everything. But I guees some people find something wrong with everything and maybe those people should just either make their own or buy something different :confused:

[notwist]

Really, could you link me to the store that sells matte MacBooks.

The new MacBoks only came with the glossy screen. MBPs come with either a glossy or matte screen.

[dopey220]

I love my MacBook, but I really wish I'd saved a little longer and gone for an MBP. The MacBook is fine for graphic design and writing papers and all that, but I've been planning on going into Multimedia and Animation for awhile. Plus, I do a little gaming every now and then, so I wish I had a dedicated GPU.

[TheBrazilianGuy]

It is really difficult to avoid the frustration with the current
Apple lineup. They do not offer a wider variety of options (for the
sake of the old "non cannibalizing" argument) and the PRICE is utterly
full of non sense.

Anyway, it is all about software...if you NEED the solutions offered under
OSX, there is nothing much else to do.

If you are tech savvy and have a family to feed, choosing any machine
made by Apple does not make much sense. As much as I enjoy
using a Macpro cluster (50 quad cores, 8 Gb each) at work,
I have found pretty darn good free alternatives in the linux side.

[2tallyAwesome]

Not at all.

I love the macbook. It's screen is bigger than the ibook, but not so big as to make it bulky. The integrated graphics don't bother me in the slightest since I don't do anything that really stresses it (seriously though, how many of you are doing 3D graphics that often anyways?).

No card reader? - Who cares? If you really need to get pictures off your camera just throw the usb cord in your bag, no biggie. Again how often will that really be a necessity?

No FW800? Again not a big deal. FW400 is still super fast, and honestly even USB 2.0 is fast enough for most uses.

Some people are never satisfied. Here is this great machine that has just enough features to make everyday use easy and streamlined, and some of you are still not happy. The Macbook is made for the average consumer who surfs the web, listens to music, and organizes pictures and movies. If you want something with more "professional" resources then by all means, buy the pro.

I personally would be very unhappy if my MB came with a bunch of features I had no use for, but increased the size or price of the machine.

[mkrishnan]

I personally would be very unhappy if my MB came with a bunch of features I had no use for, but increased the size or price of the machine.

And yet you're so dumbstruck by the iBook and Powerbook 12" users who are saying exactly the same thing about what *did* happen?

[deputy_doofy]

I'm not frustrated, but I would have preferred a 12" MBP to the 15" I bought when they released the C2D model.

Don't get me wrong. The C2D model destroys my PB 12" in terms of speed and raw performance, but I still like the 12" size better.
Some may argue to go with the MacBook - and I actually do like its keyboard - but I refuse to share RAM with the graphics processor. I don't necessarily do much gaming, but I tend to think my emulated Zelda games wouldn't run very well on a MacBook.

[2tallyAwesome]

Well...YEAH.

The only real cosmetic difference is that the screen went from fullscreen to widescreen. With the evolution of Televisions, moniters, and other viewing apperatus towards widescreen, not to mention the ever growing prevelance of widescreen media available, it would irresponsible and completely against the logical flow of technology for apple to put out another portable product that did not support widescreen.

Other than that the port section is nearly the same, with the addition of an audio in port, and the macbook is actually thinner than the ibook.

Sounds like people are bitching just to bitch, and it's a little ridiculous.

[macjay]

The only real cosmetic difference is that the screen went from fullscreen to widescreen. With the evolution of Televisions, moniters, and other viewing apperatus towards widescreen, not to mention the ever growing prevelance of widescreen media available, it would irresponsible and completely against the logical flow of technology for apple to put out another portable product that did not support widescreen.

I understand your reasoning. However, the MB's have 1280x800 resolution. Let's say Apple went from the iBook's 4:3 ratio to a 5:4 ratio and made a 12" 1280x1024 res screen. You'd STILL be able to watch the same widescreen as you could on a 1280x800 screen, PLUS you would have the screen "height" (vertical resolution) for documents.

With a 5:4 ratio, the portable would be more square, and therefore easier to carry.

[TuckBodi]

On my 2nd iBook and will switch to MBP when Leopard comes out (thinking they'll refresh the lineup by then and it'll be more Leopard prepared), if I can wait that long. My sister has a MB and while I like the size for the things I use it for (web dev), and running 10 apps and 30 windows at a time, I want to go to a bigger screen and to be able to run two monitors natively. I also like the idea of a lighted keyboard and of course the native graphics. Although I have to admit I'm really, really tired of the gray look and think they need to refresh the line-up. Hopefully by WWDC...

[maxvamp]

I am frustrated apple does not have a 9" neon orange macbook with a geforce 8800 for under $1000 they are crazy for not doing this. Apple needs atleast 4 other choices for laptops. Who in their right mind wants a $1099 laptop thats 13" thats faster than most peoples dekstops and big as a textbook? I know I dont I would rather spend $1500 for a nice plastic 15" dell inspiron so I could complain how dell doesnt have a notebook plated with gold. If they are this extremely horrible to use then why did you buy it in the first place?? If they are just that bad wouldnt you think apple may have considered more?? I dont know but I cant find any room to complain about a whole entire computer that I can carry around with me that is blazing fast and does everything. But I guees some people find something wrong with everything and maybe those people should just either make their own or buy something different :confused:


Niiiiiicee!!!

Max.

[maxrobertson]

I'm not frustrated, but I can see where you're coming from. I hope the rumors of a very compact MacBook Pro are true, although I'm fairly sure it will be pretty pricey if it come out.

[BlackMax]

The keyboard on the macbook is not that bad. It is weird at first but it grows on you and you'll find that it is much easier to type on after you have used it a bit. At least that is what happened to me.

Same goes for me. I recently upgraded from the PB 12" to a MacBook (no MBP 12" available). At first I wasn't sure of the MacBook keyboard, but after about a week I started to like it.

If you're looking for something reasonably small, sleek and fast, the MacBook 2.0 GHz will not disappoint.

[MacAngel]

I want to be a Mac user :apple: and I hope for a 12-13” MBP with LED tech as my 1st purchase. However, looking at Sony SZ 13” with LED tech (the screen is so damn thin and vibrant). I cant help but keep cursing and swearing at Apple online store since their last update on 30 Jan…. WTF

[gothiquegirrl]

It's only frustrating me because I don't have one.


AMEN

:apple: rocks

[ezekielrage_99]

It's only frustrating me because I don't have one.

me too

[iW00t]

I want to be a Mac user :apple: and I hope for a 12-13” MBP with LED tech as my 1st purchase. However, looking at Sony SZ 13” with LED tech (the screen is so damn thin and vibrant). I cant help but keep cursing and sweating at Apple online store since their last update on 30 Jan…. WTF

Hah!

Amen bro!