Apple Releases Penryn-Based MacBooks

[tremendous]

I understand that you're implying it's somehow "dodgy" but I don't understand what does that mean for me, a buyer?

The only case I can think of is if those guys bought it with some stolen CC# etc but it's Apple's responsibility to check the seller's ID at the sale, they cannot claim it's mine.

What it means for you is you present stolen goods to apple and you think they're not going to take it off you/call the police? It could have been credit card fraud, could also have been jacked out of someone's trunk. I just can't believe you'd buy something in that situation - would certainly set off alarm bells with me - i mean, i'm sure you got it for a very good price, right? and so what if you checked his ID - against what? it wasn't even on the reciept - you told us that much yourself!

[stompy]

success, I don't have to pay restocking fee....however not available at the moment maybe later today he said

Good to hear, gets rid of any hint of buyer's remorse.

[malbert75]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

[sigamy]

Why not? Some of us don't want to burn DVD's, and I appreciate the fact that I didn't have to pay extra for a feature that I wouldn't use.

The point is that in Feb 2008 it should not cost "extra" for Apple to make the SuperDrive standard. DVD burners are no longer high-end options.

And don't just think about burning movies to DVD, think of DVD as a decent short term archival/backup option. I was in Walgreens and they had 50 pack of DVD-Rs on sale for $15, cheaper than they were selling CD-Rs.

[Hattig]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

Apple will probably refund you some of the purchase price if you are otherwise happy with the computer. Give them a call.

[Stella]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

Thats the nature of the beast with Apple....

Other people have gone back to the Apple store and asked to exchange without the restocking fee.. because they bought their machines so close to the update. The stores have agreed.

[milo]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

First, there were TONS of indications over the past few weeks, on this site, and on many others. I'm sure if you would have asked in the forums three days ago if you should be buying, people would have been screaming to wait.

Second, you should be able to either exchange it with no restocking fee or get some money refunded from Apple. Contact them or just drive to an Apple store if there's one nearby.

[kamm]

What it means for you is you present stolen goods to apple and you think they're not going to take it off you/call the police? It could have been credit card fraud, could also have been jacked out of someone's trunk. I just can't believe you'd buy something in that situation - would certainly set off alarm bells with me - i mean, i'm sure you got it for a very good price, right? and so what if you checked his ID - against what? it wasn't even on the reciept - you told us that much yourself!

Again: on what basis they would call the police on me? I walk in myself, presenting the copy of the original receipt, a paper about the private sale, which has the price - only off by ~150$ -, the serial# on it? I can't imagine anything more bona fide action...
Well, what do you think, what did I check on a driver's license?

You're not making sense with these wild accusations nor Apple would. Even if the name would mismatch it would not implicate anything about me. My seller could've gotten it from the original buyer or from another whole chain of people, it's nothing Apple has anything to do with from a legal standpoint, I think.

[jmorrison0722]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

Take it to an apple store, then inquire with the manager. In many cases they will waive the fee, especially since it's only been two days and new models have been announced. At my store, we would usually extend the ability to exchange for the new model to anyone who has purchase in the last 30 days...no fee. That being said, it's manager discretion so understand they don't HAVE to help you out.

[kanaka]

Why not? Some of us don't want to burn DVD's, and I appreciate the fact that I didn't have to pay extra for a feature that I wouldn't use.

I'm also happy the base option has a combo drive. I don't want a super drive. My PowerBook G4 has a super drive and I've never used it. When I upgrade, I don't want to pay for a super drive.

[tremendous]

Again: on what basis they would call the police on me? I walk in myself, presenting the copy of the original receipt, a paper about the private sale, which has the price - only off by ~150$ -, the serial# on it? I can't imagine anything more bona fide action...
Well, what do you think, what did I check on a driver's license?

dude, whatever. it's your risk. personally, i wouldn't go and present possibly stolen goods to a store asking for a refund. maybe that's just me though...

what was the guys excuse for selling and not returning for a refund?

[aphxtwinin]

Just ordered my first ever Macbook, sexy white 2.4Ghz...its my bday today and i couldn't have asked for a better present from :apple:. can't wait to get this beauty and now legally buy some drinks and get to know my new baby...hehe sorry im just very excited!

[Clive At Five]

I read somewhere online that a notebook superdrive costs them around $50, whereas they can aquire the combo drive version for around $29. Obviously doesn't make up for the $200 difference.

On NewEgg: Combo Drive: $40. SuperDrive: $45

And those are RETAIL prices. That means the difference for Apple is less than $5.00.

There is absolutely no reason to skimp on the optical drive when the price difference is so miniscule.

What gives, Apple? It doesn't matter if peope don't use it. It was old technology half a decade ago. Hell, my 6-year-old iMac can write DVDs.

There is no excuse for hardware like that. It's insulting, actually.

-Clive

[macenforcer]

While you have a point there it's obvious that the exclusion of the DVD burner from the cheapest model is obviously sheer marketing tactics from Apple, forcing you to buy the middle-tiered one for a higher price if you want to write DVDs.
Not a biggie, I think but let's be honest. :)

Yeah and lets not forget the $200 premium to get freakin BLACK color. What a joke.

I can get a 320gb hd for $149, I can get 4gb ram for $75, don't tell me $400 for black with superdrive is a good deal. Macbooks should never reach over $1100 TOPS! Ripoff apple, ripoff.

[jmorrison0722]

On NewEgg: Combo Drive: $40. SuperDrive: $45

And those are RETAIL prices. That means the difference for Apple is less than $5.00.

There is absolutely no reason to skimp on the optical drive when the price difference is so miniscule.

What gives, Apple? It doesn't matter if peope don't use it. It was old technology half a decade ago. Hell, my 6-year-old iMac can write DVDs.

There is no excuse for hardware like that. It's insulting, actually.

-Clive


I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't use the crap new egg sells. Who knows what Apples pricing is now, but I'm sure the difference between combo and super is similar to what it was when I read that teardown report. Regardless, my point is there isn't nearly enough difference to justify the $200 difference.

[imwoblin]

Ok, now everyone repeat after me......... SDK.........SDK...........SDK.........SDK...........

[Eidorian]

Yeah and lets not forget the $200 premium to get freakin BLACK color. What a joke.

I can get a 320gb hd for $149, I can get 4gb ram for $75, don't tell me $400 for black with superdrive is a good deal. Macbooks should never reach over $1100 TOPS! Ripoff apple, ripoff.I'm glad we agree for once macenforcer. :D

I knew that laptop gaming was an exercise in futility so I went with the MacBook (Santa Rosa). $1,170 with my education discount and I sold my old 20" iMac for $1,200. It got 64-bit and 4 GB over my old Core Duo. It's even more upgradable as well. I got 4 GB for $79 and with free shipping. I still don't have the need for more drive space, yet.

I don't see any reason for the Merom MacBook owners to really consider their laptops slightly obsolete until Montevina.

[milo]

I'm also happy the base option has a combo drive. I don't want a super drive. My PowerBook G4 has a super drive and I've never used it. When I upgrade, I don't want to pay for a super drive.

If the MB was cheaper, I could see your point. But these days, superdrives cost virtually nothing. Essentially, you ARE paying for a superdrive (considering they're included free on $499 peecees), you're just not getting it. And I guess you're happy with that.

[calpundit]

Can anyone give me an indication as to how much of an upgrade (if any) is represented by the x3100 integrated graphics? I'm not a gamer, but use Photoshop and would like to use FC Express. Is this the latest and greatest for IG and can anybody say from looking at the specs how it might perform on these apps?

Thanks

[pavelbure]

wtf, still a combo drive ? anyways, the 1 thing i wanted from this update was led screens. it didn't happen. so again i wait. although refurb macbook pros are almost the same price as new macbooks now. they don't even come with a remote now. i'm thinking that around aug. or sept they will hopefully release macbooks with led screens. alum. case would be nice, but not necessary.

[taliz]

I applaud Apple's decision to charge extra for that useless remote.
Normal people just wont use it, and in most homes it probably collects dust or is thrown into the garbage can immediately.

Also I think its a pity they didn't put in the LED-backlit LCD and multitouch.
That'll hold me off from buying one now. The combo drive in the base model
is pathetic, too, I'm sure it costs them more than the superdrive to manufacture nowadays. A Macbook might be cheap compared to a pro model, but it aint cheap compared to a PC, and there are no PC's with combo drives..
Anyhow, as far as I'm concerned, they could just drop the optical disc reader completely - it's so 90's.

i'm thinking that around aug. or sept they will hopefully release macbooks with led screens. alum. case would be nice, but not necessary.
Macbooks will probably NEVER come with an alu case. I've had both macbooks and pros though, and I must say I prefer the plastic. It feels more robust.

[s.hoz]

I don't see any reason for the Merom MacBook owners to really consider their laptops slightly obsolete until Montevina.

Montevina?

[psychofreak]

Purrrfect timing. I'm in the process of dealing with Apple, hoping to get a replacement Macbook. If I can up my processor, RAM and Hard Drive, I will be a very happy customer.

[Clive At Five]

I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't use the crap new egg sells. Who knows what Apples pricing is now, but I'm sure the difference between combo and super is similar to what it was when I read that teardown report. Regardless, my point is there isn't nearly enough difference to justify the $200 difference.

Of course Apple doesn't buy from NewEgg, but they often use Samsing drives, which is what those are. The drives are identical, in every aspect to a drive that would be found in an Apple piece.

Ok, now everyone repeat after me......... SDK.........SDK...........SDK.........SDK...........

Developers, developers, developers, developers...

Oh, Balmer, you make me laugh.

-Clive

[cfdlab]

This is terrible. I ordered a blackbook which is still in courier and they update the ****ing thing. I payed 140 euros more for 1 GB extra ram. And they reduce the price by 50 euros. Is there anyway I can return this thing, which I have not even received yet. But their website says if it is custom configured you cannot return it.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP !!!

[Eidorian]

Montevina?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrino#Montevina_platform_.282008.29

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=441416

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/intel-branding-montevina-platform-centrino-2/

Apple's laptop chipset derived hardware receives the most benefits from platform changes instead of processor ones.

[cfdlab]

Macrumours let me down real bad.

[michaelsviews]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

Is it worth going through all of the boxing and traveling down for another .2 GHz. You have 2.2 and the new ones 2.4 and a different processor.

I know I called the local store and there kinda hemming and hawing and I have to wait for a manager to call me back. I myself would like to have the latest and greatest but to pay a restocking fee and than have to take the 4 gig out and start all over , I am not sure I would go through all of that.

Do what you feel you have too and go from there

[macenforcer]

Let me tell you all why I am so fired up and pissed at apple right now.


All the mac lines SUCK. I'll explain.


1. Mac Pro: Defective. All crash and reboot from sleep. Must wait for update.

2. Macbook Pro: freaking old looking. Too expensive. Makes me sick to look at.

3. Macbook: No LED screens. Screen too small anyways.

4. Mac Mini: Child please. Older than my grandma.

5. iMac: Ok for my kids, not for me. Plus they piss water.

6. Macbook air: fans run at 6500rpms constantly. No ports. Slow. Expensive.



What do I want?


1. Macbook with LED screen, a freaking express card slot and a dedicated graphics card.

Oh, get a macbook pro then you say??? Ok, make the macbook pro black, put a mag latch on it, make it so I can upgrade the freakin hard drive without a team of engineers standing by and I would but not for $2K. Thats a ripoff.

Sorry but nobody charges $2500 for a laptop nowadays. Only top tiered gaming laptops cost that much.

[arkmannj]

Bleah. No updates for the Mini! Not even 802.11n. Maybe its really on the way out.

they're phasing out their xServe competition by phasing out the mini :p j/k

But seriously I know lots of people (myself included) that have mini's runnning as (non critical) servers. small, quiet, powerful enough for dev/testing and in many cases even production depending on what's needed.

[jmorrison0722]

This is terrible. I ordered a blackbook which is still in courier and they update the ****ing thing. I payed 140 euros more for 1 GB extra ram. And they reduce the price by 50 euros. Is there anyway I can return this thing, which I have not even received yet. But their website says if it is custom configured you cannot return it.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP !!!

You can refuse delivery. You'll have to wait a week or two for it to get back to Apple and they'll credit back your card. After that, you can place a new order.

[s.hoz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrino#Montevina_platform_.282008.29

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=441416

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/intel-branding-montevina-platform-centrino-2/

Apple's laptop chipset derived hardware receives the most benefits from platform changes instead of processor ones.

Ahh I see.

[cfdlab]

You can refuse delivery. You'll have to wait a week or two for it to get back to Apple and they'll credit back your card. After that, you can place a new order.

Really, that would be great. Are you sure this will work ?

[jmorrison0722]

Really, that would be great. Are you sure this will work ?

No...but I was told that by Apple Store online once before. Once you sign for it, it's yours. Call up the Apple Store online and ask what happens if you refuse delivery.

[MacSA]

The lack of DVD burning in 2008 is just shameful.

The drives are absolutely dirt cheap at this point - it costs the user $200 to get DVD burning, but the part probably only costs $10 more. And yeah, I know you get more stuff for that $200, but it's just idiotic that something included in PC laptops that cost hundreds less (probably half the price) can only be had in a mac laptop for $1299.

There's really no excuse for it, it's just gouging plain and simple.

Same goes for the mini, that POS is looking absolutely pathetic these days - combo drive AND still the slower wifi.

And what's up with the lack of multitouch? If apple is going to hype this technology, it seems counterproductive to only put it on some models.

Sadly I agree. I've always defended Apple against those arguments from non Mac users that they are badly overpriced. But I dont think I can anymore, What can you say about a £700 laptop that has 1GB RAM and no ability to burn a DVD?

[Ludde]

No multitouch, eh..? Ah well...less reason to buy a new Macbook before my current one runs old. Don't mind as long as they get upgraded before I decide to buy a new one ^^

[takao]

still a combo drive ? what a fricking idiocy ... sorry apple you got away 2 years ago with that ... it's 2008 now and it's impossible to actually get any laptop without it ... even in the 400 dollar laptop category everyone has a superdrive

apart of it it's a nice upgrade (especially euro price drop) if they had included the superdrive finally

[jhande]

Hmm... just an update, not an upgrade. The MBP surprised med, but the MB seems OK.

[imwoblin]

Well wadaya know, new iPhone software (1.1.4) available now. I don't know what improvements are included, but what the hey (sorry to hijack the thread)

[stompy]

I just bought a friggin' macbook 2 days ago! :mad: There was no indication from anywhere that this was going to happen 2 or 3 days ago. Now my only recourse is to return it and pay that restocking fee. Damn it! Does anyone out there think it's worth doing this or should I just be happy with my 2.2ghz model? Any advice will be greatly appreciated....

If the "what if" is going to bother you that much, you could check with the seller (B&M Apple store?) and see. This person bought one yesterday from the Apple store and was able to avoid the restocking fee.

success, I don't have to pay restocking fee....however not available at the moment maybe later today he said

You may not notice much speed difference, and I doubt anyone can yet say whether heat and battery life will improve.

If you decide to check with the seller, a face to face is better than a phone call, as long as you can remain calm and keep a smile on your face. (I know, easier said than done.)

[MacSA]

The sole purpose of the £699 Combo drive models existence is to make people look at its specs and say oh my god what an over priced POS. For another £130 I can get a lot more...and Apple are £130 up.

[michaelsviews]

At the refurb prices lately? Holy Cow, talk about a price drop.

Now if I could only win the NY Lotto ;-)

[kamm]

dude, whatever. it's your risk. personally, i wouldn't go and present possibly stolen goods to a store asking for a refund. maybe that's just me though...


Look I have registered this laptop at apple.com the day I bought it - don't you think someone would've contacted me from Apple if this unit was involved in some 'dodgy' story?


what was the guys excuse for selling and not returning for a refund?

I don't remember. To be honest I don't even care - when someone owed me with some money back in college and couldn't pay but he offered me his brand new phone I took it and sold it. I can see dozens of reasons someone would be selling an unopened MB for cheaper...

I will call Apple and ask them what to do, that's the best, I think.

[k2spitfire88]

Macrumours let me down real bad.

How? There have been rumors about the update for the last couple days! I wish that the multitouch and backlight keyboard and LED screens were standard but oh well. The only way I would wait when I have the money would be if a multitouch update comes out:D

[saule cogneur]

...2. Macbook Pro: freaking old looking. Too expensive. Makes me sick to look at.

3. Macbook: No LED screens. Screen too small anyways...

What do I want?

1. Macbook with LED screen, a freaking express card slot and a dedicated graphics card.

Oh, get a macbook pro then you say??? Ok, make the macbook pro black, put a mag latch on it, make it so I can upgrade the freakin hard drive without a team of engineers standing by and I would but not for $2K. Thats a ripoff.Give me a break. "Freaking old looking?" Yes, that's what we all want, "new" for the sake of "new." Who are you trying to impress, and who cares if it's been around for a while? The MBP enclosure is still sleeker than any other notebook I know of. You hate the macbook because it's "too small," so you want a larger screen and dedicated VRAM. That's called a MBP! Which you seem to realize, but now you're upset because it's not black? Come on man, are you that obsessed with a different color? Is it so much more important than hardware? And you can get a MPB in almost any color you want from http://www.colorwarepc.com/ A nonmagnetic latch makes the MBP junk?

Really?

[cazlar]

the real winner is the refurb black macbook. Previously going for $1299 has been lowered to just $1049. I'd highly recommend that macbook over any other!
Thanks for this post, for some reason my eyes had skipped over it in the refurb store. I'm in the position of having to buy my parents a laptop (they are travelling to the US in June) and also looking to finally upgrade from my 1Ghz 12"PB.

So it becomes a no brainer to buy an "older" 2.2 black refurb for the same price as the "new" 2.1 low end which I would have got my parents anyway (but with DVD-RW, +40GB HDD and +0.1Ghz, and black of course). The added bonus is that if they let me use it in the meantime, I can delay my own purchase for a few more months until I can finally decide between MB/MBP. In fact, I'm tempted to buy the second one for me anyway at this price!

[SirWells]

Take it to an apple store, then inquire with the manager. In many cases they will waive the fee, especially since it's only been two days and new models have been announced. At my store, we would usually extend the ability to exchange for the new model to anyone who has purchase in the last 30 days...no fee. That being said, it's manager discretion so understand they don't HAVE to help you out.

I called up my local store and was told about the 10% restocking fee. Maybe going in person and asking a manager, they can do something different? Might be worth a shot. I'm not going to do this if I have to pay...

[femiguel]

I bought my last MB 1 month but I'm very happy.
I could return but I will wait for Montevina. Penryn is not that different from Merom.... and I'm not a gamer anyway.
And I paid 1299 no tax free shipment w/ 4gb. not a bad deal.
:D

[ncbill]

shipping in the MacBook.

The MATSHITA DVD-R in my pre-Santa Rosa C2D MacBook is a PIECE OF JUNK - are they still shipping garbage like it in current MacBooks?

I have to keep external Firewire (Pioneer) DVD burners at work and home to ensure I can reliably read even commercially pressed DVDs.

Wish I had saved that $200 instead.

[kamm]

I called up my local store and was told about the 10% restocking fee. Maybe going in person and asking a manager, they can do something different? Might be worth a shot. I'm not going to do this if I have to pay...

Just spoke to my local store again and she confirmed what jmorrison0722 already stated: since it's within 14 days it's possible I won't have to pay any fee but it's up to the manager.

However we have checked the receipt together and the original buyer is my seller, names are matching. She also said that new MBs are in stock already.

I'll take it in, I think - I didn't do anything wrong, the seller was the guy who bought it, I really don't see what else could be the problem.:apple:

[Evangelion]

Yeah and lets not forget the $200 premium to get freakin BLACK color. What a joke.

I really don't understand that complaint. Had Apple only released white MacBooks back in the day, no-one would have complained. But they did release a black MacBook and loads of people whined. Don't like to pay extra? Then don't. No-one is holding a gun to your head.

I can get a 320gb hd for $149, I can get 4gb ram for $75, don't tell me $400 for black with superdrive is a good deal. Macbooks should never reach over $1100 TOPS! Ripoff apple, ripoff.

*sigh*, then don't buy the Blackbook and be done with it....

[rychencop]

good to see the macbooks finally made it to aluminum. they look nice!

[gkarris]

shipping in the MacBook.

The MATSHITA DVD-R in my pre-Santa Rosa C2D MacBook is a PIECE OF JUNK - are they still shipping garbage like it in current MacBooks?

I have to keep external Firewire (Pioneer) DVD burners at work and home to ensure I can reliably read even commercially pressed DVDs.

Wish I had saved that $200 instead.

I've always had great experience with Pioneer drives and DVD players. They seem to last the longest, is most compatible, and are very reliable. I've used both internal laptop and desktop drives in PC's and Mac's.

Apple probably switched to Matshita drives as they are cheaper..

Pioneer drives are so awesome because they have the longest experience with optical drives since they started with the Laserdisc... :p

BTW: No Aluminum MacBook? :mad: :mad:

[pointycollars]

Let me tell you all why I am so fired up and pissed at apple right now.


All the mac lines SUCK. I'll explain.


1. Mac Pro: Defective. All crash and reboot from sleep. Must wait for update.

2. Macbook Pro: freaking old looking. Too expensive. Makes me sick to look at.

3. Macbook: No LED screens. Screen too small anyways.

4. Mac Mini: Child please. Older than my grandma.

5. iMac: Ok for my kids, not for me. Plus they piss water.

6. Macbook air: fans run at 6500rpms constantly. No ports. Slow. Expensive.



What do I want?


1. Macbook with LED screen, a freaking express card slot and a dedicated graphics card.

Oh, get a macbook pro then you say??? Ok, make the macbook pro black, put a mag latch on it, make it so I can upgrade the freakin hard drive without a team of engineers standing by and I would but not for $2K. Thats a ripoff.

Sorry but nobody charges $2500 for a laptop nowadays. Only top tiered gaming laptops cost that much.

It's what we suffer in order to use OS X. Most of us are willing to put up with it - that's how good OS X is. But I agree, I wish they made the MBP in black.

[sw19]

I was planning on buying the 2.2 Black MacBook. Now, being that there's no real big improvement, should I buy a refurbished one from Apple and save $400?

[michaelsviews]

shipping in the MacBook.

The MATSHITA DVD-R in my pre-Santa Rosa C2D MacBook is a PIECE OF JUNK - are they still shipping garbage like it in current MacBooks?

I have to keep external Firewire (Pioneer) DVD burners at work and home to ensure I can reliably read even commercially pressed DVDs.

Wish I had saved that $200 instead.

Could someone explain the problem with these DVD drives? I have not had a problem with any of these. Burn DVD's CD's , yea it may be an inexpensive drive but it works?

[gkarris]

I was planning on buying the 2.2 Black MacBook. Now, being that there's no real big improvement, should I buy a refurbished one from Apple and save $400?

Yes, I did... $1049...

[sw19]

Yes, I did... $1049...
Did you get it, yet.
I was just wondering about the condition of these refurbs. Are they as clean looking as new?

[michaelsviews]

good to see the macbooks finally made it to aluminum. they look nice!

Where do u see that ?

[gkarris]

Did you get it, yet.
I was just wondering about the condition of these refurbs. Are they as clean looking as new?

Just ordered today - with the new announcments.

People at church ordered refurb'ed MBP's and they're just fine.

I don't know about MacBooks, though. Everyone I know (friends and church) that ordered one got it new.

I guess I'm the guinea pig...

[alexbo]

The Macbook is a great and beautiful computer if you do nothing except word process and use the internet, but the continued lack of a graphics card is a dealbreaker for me. I don't consider video cards a "professional" feature. I consider NOT HAVING video cards a bare bones way to skimp money... Does that mean I should have to get a $2500 power laptop? No. I want a mid-range, mid-price, consumer laptop that has a basic video card!

The 2.4 ghz chip is impressive, but unnecessary. Word processors and internet navigators don't need that power. I think that people who only need those basic things should be able to buy base-model laptops for $600, and people who do more computing (games, etc.) should be buying $1300 laptops with solid video cards. It's just too bad they still can't, even after this update.... Oh wait a minute! They can! From any other computer company in the world but Apple!

And to those who "don't understand" the complaining about a combo drive: It is upsetting to see an outdated technology used as a way to manipulate customers into paying more for a higher model. There is no cost savings in combo drives --DVD burners are practically free. They are using them 100% as a way to artificially differentiate their price points. The key word there is "artificially." It's even more upsetting how readily dedicated Apple fans applaud this move, simply because Apple can do no wrong. But they can do wrong. Leaving out basic technology as a form of manipulation is wrong. As a result, that $600 DVD burning laptop from Dell is looking even better vs the Apple competitor at twice the price with a 20th century CD burner...

I guess my main frustration is just the complete and total lack of a mid-range laptop from Apple. We have to pay $1300 just to start out with basic features in a consumer laptop, and that doesn't even have the capability to play games. I really don't want to have to get a Vista laptop, but Apple is making it hard for me :(. That $600 entry level Dell comes with a decent video card for only $100 more...

[sconnor99]

Good grief the moaning never ends, even when the freaking updates are out!!!!!!!!!

[chadder007]

Why do we have to pay for the remote now when it was included before?

Greed.

[jasonklee]

You know, I really want the $1499 MacBook. But I'm stuck with my stupid 2.16 MacBook Pro.

[tremendous]

The Macbook is a great and beautiful computer if you do nothing except word process and use the internet,

The 2.4 ghz chip is impressive, but unnecessary. Word processors and internet navigators don't need that power. I think that people who only need those basic things should be able to buy base-model laptops for $600, and people who do more computing (games, etc.) should be buying $1300 laptops with solid video cards.



hahah yeah right, you can't do anything with a macbook except use Word and surf the web. what planet are you actually on? and 'more computing' is playing games? hahah, again, what a joke. I do programming, web dev and use max/msp on an old powerbook. the macbook is way way more powerful. stop buying the hype that the macbook is totally useless.

Let me tell you all why I am so fired up and pissed at apple right now.


All the mac lines SUCK. I'll explain.

2. Macbook Pro: freaking old looking. Too expensive. Makes me sick to look at.

Ok, make the macbook pro black, put a mag latch on it, make it so I can upgrade the freakin hard drive without a team of engineers standing by and I would but not for $2K. Thats a ripoff.

Sorry but nobody charges $2500 for a laptop nowadays. Only top tiered gaming laptops cost that much.

The Macbook Pro looks great. It looks like a powerbook. Which looks great. Just because something is old, it doesn't automatically become crap. But you say you'd be happy with a black one, so I can only imagine you're a 15 year old kid with no clue anyway.

[AnthemAVM]

So can I run over to Bestbuy and pick up a new Macbook?

[tom1971]

Good grief the moaning never ends, even when the freaking updates are out!!!!!!!!!


Seconded !

Whatever Apple does, there are complainers.
No updates - complaints
updates - even more complaints... :confused:

[JohnHawkins]

I love apple...and now

OMG!!!! COME ON!!!

[applesmith]

I think Apple kept the combo drive MBs, so they could sell them to schools. A roomful of students don't need DVD burners on every machine.

[phiberglass]

Meh, minor update :(

[alexbo]

hahah yeah right, you can't do anything with a macbook except use Word and surf the web. what planet are you actually on? and 'more computing' is playing games? hahah, again, what a joke. I do programming, web dev and use max/msp on an old powerbook. the macbook is way way more powerful. stop buying the hype that the macbook is totally useless.


It's useless for it's price. That much money should get you a computer with graphics power greater than a 1 on the 1-10 scale. You need graphics power for versatility.

[michaelsviews]

Seconded !

Whatever Apple does, there are complainers.
No updates - complaints
updates - even more complaints... :confused:

Isnt human nature great, just think if there was NOT any complaining

[tremendous]

It's useless for it's price. That much money should get you a computer with graphics power greater than a 1 on the 1-10 scale. You need graphics power for versatility.

something does not become more or less useless based on its price - it just becomes better or worse value for money, and that is a big difference.

[AnthemAVM]

So do the local Bestbuy stores have them in stocks?

[alexbo]

something does not become more or less useless based on its price - it just becomes better or worse value for money, and that is a big difference.

You used the word useless first. I was only complaining about the value.

[akakillroy]

I was under the impression if you purchased your laptop within the 14 day you could return it for the new model, they are saying I have to pay a 10% restocking fee? What should I do? HELP!

[tremendous]

So do the local Bestbuy stores have them in stocks?

call them and find out

[michaelsviews]

I was under the impression if you purchased your laptop within the 14 day you could return it for the new model, they are saying I have to pay a 10% restocking fee? What should I do? HELP!

Politely tell the store manager that you either want a new what ever model your going for computer or your going to return the computer all together. Mite have to still pay restocking fee but I have seen this work, just go and be polite about the whole thing and you should be fine.

[viccles]

Great...I only bought a MB a month ago. Oh well

[tremendous]

You used the word useless first. I was only complaining about the value.

if it is only good for word processing and surfing the internet i am to assume it is no good for anything else - making it useless, right? face facts - the macbook is useful for way more than Word and the web. you'd be a fool to think otherwise.

[Quillz]

You know, I really want the $1499 MacBook. But I'm stuck with my stupid 2.16 MacBook Pro.
Which is hardly a bad machine at all. There is very little real world difference between 2.16 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Especially when the slower processor is in the overall better notebook, the MacBook Pro. Be happy with your purchase, it's not like it's a bad machine by any stretch of the imagination.

[alexbo]

if it is only good for word processing and surfing the internet i am to assume it is no good for anything else - making it useless, right? face facts - the macbook is useful for way more than Word and the web. you'd be a fool to think otherwise.

You'd be a fool to think that a 2.4ghz laptop with no video card is more versatile/powerful than 2.0ghz-ish with an average video card. It's unfortunate that the Macbook is so high powered in some ways, and so crippled in others. So the question is why? Probably another marketing thing... They purposefully leave things out of the low models (Macbook) to encourage people to buy the higher models (pro).

All I'm saying is I'd rather have a laptop with a video card included in the first place for a decent price, all marketing tricks aside.

[asdavis10]

I absolutely hate the white MB. It should be taken out back and put down once and for all. How about black for the low end models and aluminum for the high end. The MB just always seemed odd to me anyway. And now with the MBA it really seems weird. Its as thick as a MBP but has a smaller screen and less under the hood. While the MBA is much thinner and does almost the same things. But it does cost a lot less than the MBA or MBP so I do see its relevance.

[inkswamp]

Exactly. So why can't we have the option to upgrade the base model to a Superdrive for $20 !

Come on Apple, your business is booming, so give us options and let us pay for what we want. Don't force our hand by limiting and manipulating the options.

That's my biggest gripe about Apple right now and I'm finding justification for my next computer being a Mac slipping gradually. Apple has never been in a better position to offer customers more options and they aren't budging. We shouldn't be having Super- vs. combo-drive or glossy vs. matte screen arguments. Apple should be offering that stuff as options (and yes, even with a charge to go along with it. I'm not arguing for free stuff.)

Apple seems very keen on all-in-one approaches when it comes to the consumer offerings but as their popularity grows, that one-size-fits-all approach ain't going to cut it. If that's the philosophy they are going to adhere to, then they need to broaden the options available.

[SirWells]

Politely tell the store manager that you either want a new what ever model your going for computer or your going to return the computer all together. Mite have to still pay restocking fee but I have seen this work, just go and be polite about the whole thing and you should be fine.

I'm in the same boat. I may try this tactic in addition to my friend coming with me who is about ready to purchase an iMac. We can then mention how much money we plan to spend in the store, etc.

The only problem with the idea above is if the manager calls your bluff. There's no way I'd be without a Mac right now! :) I'll still give it a shot if all else fails...

[gkarris]

I absolutely hate the white MB. It should be taken out back and put down once and for all. How about black for the low end models and aluminum for the high end. The MB just always seemed odd to me anyway. And now with the MBA it really seems weird. Its as thick as a MBP but has a smaller screen and less under the hood. While the MBA is much thinner and does almost the same things. But it does cost a lot less than the MBA or MBP so I do see its relevance.

I've been wanting an Aluminum MacBook ever since I saw the MacBook Air...

They should just make all the MacBooks Aluminum and save on the cost of having two different cases for it.

I guess not until next year. I couldn't wait anymore and got the Black MacBook refurbished - great deal and I don't at all mind the black - it's the white that I'm tired of..

I definitely won't pay $1499 for a black one.

Definitely next year:

Aluminum MacBook
Next processor speed bump
Multi-Touch Pad
Backlit Black Keys

IMHO: They will announce this at the same time they up the specs of the MacBook Air..

[Quillz]

I absolutely hate the white MB. It should be taken out back and put down once and for all. How about black for the low end models and aluminum for the high end. The MB just always seemed odd to me anyway. And now with the MBA it really seems weird. Its as thick as a MBP but has a smaller screen and less under the hood. While the MBA is much thinner and does almost the same things. But it does cost a lot less than the MBA or MBP so I do see its relevance.
Actually, the MacBook is thicker than the MacBook Pro. 1.8'' vs. 1.0''.

You're damn right people over 8 years old will care that an entry level computer that starts at over $1,000 doesn't have a DVD burner. My first notebook was an entry level Dell from about three years ago. The entire package cost me a little over $700, and it had a DVD burner, 14'' screen (with higher resolution than the MB), 1 GB memory, etc. The fact that Apple charges you another $200 for a SuperDrive is simply highway robbery.

[billysea]

Will the 2.4Ghz Macbook able to run graphically intensive software like 3D rendering programs and Games (Call of Duty 4 etc)?

[macenforcer]

Seconded !

Whatever Apple does, there are complainers.
No updates - complaints
updates - even more complaints... :confused:

Yep, that tells you something. That apple is screwing up lately. Big time.

[mattydodgy]

Does anyone realize that the iPod shuffles (2GB) are now available to buy 7 - 10 business working days...

Just there is no mention on the main page of MacRumors

This is for both US and UK, however, on the front page of Apple website (US) it says that they are available now, but the UK website says that there coming soon, when in fact you can actually buy them from the UK store and it takes the same time for the normal shuffles to be shipped...

They must be all ready to ship and stuff...

Does anyone want a 2GB one?

For those really long jogging Sundays!?!

[caktusaurus]

Did the battery life just go down from 5 hours to 4.5, or am I missing something? Maybe it's another measuring method?

[billysea]

I will say their will kill the MacBook Air name entirely next year and merge it with MacBook.

Just like what they did when they killed the iPod Mini and switch it to Nano.

[jbee]

It seems apple are keen to wait things out and get as much revenue from their products without bringing their technology to the masses immediately.

The MacBook range is now a mess.

The MacBook should have a backlit keyboard, multitouch and a choice of faster hard drives if need be. The MacBook pro need to lose some weight and PLEASE DESIGN A NEW CASE!!!! It's soooo boring. Looks identical to my lousy G4 Powerbook that i'm about to throw in the bin.

Grrrrrrr.

[SB27]

I have a gen 1.0 MacBook Pro running at 1.8 Ghz. What would the speed delta factor be for my old MB Pro vs. a new 2.5 Ghz Penryn based MB Pro?

I realize that there are speed differences depending upon activities, software used, amount of load on disk drives, graphics, etc.

I am just curious about the 1-to-1 processor horsepower.

Thanks in advance.

SB

[anonicon]

Because some people would rather not pay for a DVD burner they won't use. Is it that hard?

14 pages too late, but your argument is called "moving the goalposts."

The retail price difference between a Combo Drive and a Superdrive are about $3 according to Google Products (retail price, not to be confused with what Apple actually pays for massive bulk orders).

The complaining about the lack of a Superdrive option for the base model stems from the fact that people are totally fine with the base model's specs and have no need or desire to spend $200 more just to get a +$3 Superdrive when they have no interest in buying the faster processor, hard drive, etc.

So, please, keep spouting about all the things you get for $200 more - things which many customers have no interest in whatsoever. They just want their Superdrive on the base model, for which I sincerely doubt anybody is going to complain about spending $3 more.

[!¡ V ¡!]

Combo-drive again....seriously??

Apple will kill the combo drive once Blu-Ray is available on the MBA and MBP. Sad truly to still offer a combo drive when a superdrive add almost nothing these days.

No Muliti-touch is upsetting.
Awhh well.

I believe Multi-Touch is a soft update or firmware which can probably be taken from the just released MBP and incorporated into the SR MBP and older. I remember that scrolling via the trackpad was not available on the PowerBook/MacBook Pro, so who know. I welcome the hacks. :D

Apple Remote sold separately.

Get used to it, Apple is one of the few companies that offers its consumer something and then when consumer see it as standard it retreats and starts to charge for it. Look at the wireless "n" situation, when Apple charged to activate it. :rolleyes:

..and no LED backlitscreen. C'mon Apple, didn't you say you'd replace your screens with LED backlit ones early last year. The technology is there - your competitors are using it and offer cheaper alternatives.

No LED and not by accident, this is only for people to buy into the MBP line, and no BTO option for LED either. Cheap marketing tactic. :rolleyes:

i almost got a combo, i couldn't justify the need for a super drive. i've lived without it until now and never once thought, "wow i really wish i could burn a DVD."

i can basically guaranty you i will never use it.

I thought the same until backing-up data and then you wonder why is there no Blu-Ray option. Having an external HDD is good however I love the idea of having a non-magnetic back-up.

L2 cache down from 4mb to 3mb?

You will not notice too much of a downgrade if the application are used to take advantage of the new instruction set SSE4.

[pine1045]

Will the 2.4Ghz Macbook able to run graphically intensive software like 3D rendering programs and Games (Call of Duty 4 etc)?

I was running Maya 7.0 on a 1.5GHz G4 Powerbook with 512MB Ram and a 128MB video card. Considering even the MacBook Air crushes the performances of my Powerbook, I think you would be able to get by with rendering, and some gaming especially, but COD4, I'm not so sure. It'd run but definitely not on full spec. There are videos on YouTube of Half Life 2 running pretty well on one. I think you ought to be ok with minimal specs.

[Eraserhead]

Actually, the MacBook is thicker than the MacBook Pro. 1.8'' vs. 1.0''.

The MacBook isn't 1.8" thick, its actually only 1.08" vs 1" so there isn't a big difference ;).

[vansouza]

Yep, that tells you something. That apple is screwing up lately. Big time.

No, it just means that a few will complain about anything and everything. I am going to get one of the new MBooks; and can not wait to do so.:D

[anonicon]

i don't mind apple putting a combo drive in the base model. if you want to burn dvd's, upgrade it.

I take it you make a habit of spending $200 for a $3 (or less) equipment upgrade? IMO, the fact that Apple doesn't even allow its customers to upgrade from Combo Drive to a Superdrive without buying a lot of other stuff they may have no interest in just about says it all.

[gwangung]

It seems apple are keen to wait things out and get as much revenue from their products without bringing their technology to the masses immediately.

Yes, generally, it's accepted business practice to do that....:rolleyes:

[Eraserhead]

I take it you make a habit of spending $200 for a $3 (or less) equipment upgrade? IMO, the fact that Apple doesn't even allow its customers to upgrade from Combo Drive to a Superdrive without buying a lot of other stuff they may have no interest in just about says it all.

Apple want to upsell you the better model. You can just buy an external DVD Burner for the base MacBook if you want to burn DVD's.

[Bubba Satori]

So do the local Bestbuy stores have them in stocks?

Not from the looks of their website.

[Bennett]

hi.

i'm torn between a high end macbook and a low end macbook Pro.

can the blackbook with 4GB RAM support advanced programs such as AutoCad?

Also...can the above mentioned blackbook play games such as call of duty 4 or battlefield: bad company?

(assume theyre available on mac :P)

thanks!

about 20 mins til i buy one eheh

[iiiii]

What a pity that there are no new designs.... I've been waiting for it for such a long time.... Anyway I have to consider the updated laptops.

Could anyone tell me if the new macbook "Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory" good enough to produce 3D models and renders? Some final quality is needed, for professional purposes.

Should I purchase a macbook pro instead, just because of that? And if so, is the 2.4/2.5GHz processor performance noticiable?

Thanks! :)

[fewture]

ummm Macbook just got Penryn, which is a huge surprise (since it just got updated in November).

So again, Apple has made sure its Macbook and not just MBP has the latest CPU.

Very nice.

Stop complaining. MB just got Penryn at same time as MBP!!

[IndyUK]

I think if you look at the progress with the iPod and the iPhone and compare that with the design progress on the MBP my opinion is that the best designers don't have their hands on the MBP. What a shame, as a pro laptop is the bit of kit I'm most prepared to spent a hunk of cash on.

This keyboard is old, old, old! It's dusty!

[Stella]

ummm Macbook just got Penryn, which is a huge surprise (since it just got updated in November).

So again, Apple has made sure its Macbook and not just MBP has the latest CPU.

Very nice.

Stop complaining. MB just got Penryn at same time as MBP!!

Hear Hear!

Plus, 2Gb standard.

Larger hard discs, and people still complain.

MB are very well priced. Apple are walking a fine line for taking potential sales away from the MBP line.

[Slurpy2k8]

The Macbook is a great and beautiful computer if you do nothing except word process and use the internet, but the continued lack of a graphics card is a dealbreaker for me. I don't consider video cards a "professional" feature. I consider NOT HAVING video cards a bare bones way to skimp money... Does that mean I should have to get a $2500 power laptop? No. I want a mid-range, mid-price, consumer laptop that has a basic video card!

The 2.4 ghz chip is impressive, but unnecessary. Word processors and internet navigators don't need that power. I think that people who only need those basic things should be able to buy base-model laptops for $600, and people who do more computing (games, etc.) should be buying $1300 laptops with solid video cards. It's just too bad they still can't, even after this update.... Oh wait a minute! They can! From any other computer company in the world but Apple!

And to those who "don't understand" the complaining about a combo drive: It is upsetting to see an outdated technology used as a way to manipulate customers into paying more for a higher model. There is no cost savings in combo drives --DVD burners are practically free. They are using them 100% as a way to artificially differentiate their price points. The key word there is "artificially." It's even more upsetting how readily dedicated Apple fans applaud this move, simply because Apple can do no wrong. But they can do wrong. Leaving out basic technology as a form of manipulation is wrong. As a result, that $600 DVD burning laptop from Dell is looking even better vs the Apple competitor at twice the price with a 20th century CD burner...

I guess my main frustration is just the complete and total lack of a mid-range laptop from Apple. We have to pay $1300 just to start out with basic features in a consumer laptop, and that doesn't even have the capability to play games. I really don't want to have to get a Vista laptop, but Apple is making it hard for me :(. That $600 entry level Dell comes with a decent video card for only $100 more...

Post of the thread. I cannot, for the life of me, understand how anyone here can defend a combo drive in a $1100 laptop. I mean... really? It's 2008. DVD writers cost absolutely nothing, and if a machine has an optical drive, DVD-writing should absolutely be standard. I shouldn't HAVE to look beyond the cheapest model (cheapest relative to the rest of apples line, not to other laptops).

And although this is my 1st post here, Ive followed this site for a long time, and have been an even-longer time apple fan. I love their products, but lately many of their decisions have been frankly disappointing, and almost spiteful and insulting towards the consumer.

[jnc]

Hear Hear!

Plus, 2Gb standard.

Larger hard discs, and people still complain.

MB are very well priced. Apple are walking a fine line for taking potential sales away from the MBP line.

Combo Drive model still has 1GB

[Eraserhead]

Post of the thread. I cannot, for the life of me, understand how anyone here can defend a combo drive in a $1100 laptop. I mean... really? It's 2008. DVD writers cost absolutely nothing, and if a machine has an optical drive, DVD-writing should absolutely be standard. I shouldn't HAVE to look beyond the cheapest model (cheapest relative to the rest of apples line, not to other laptops).

You are right and have been for a while, the problem is that people complain about this every single time Apple upgrade the MacBook. Its just a little old now :).

[theBB]

That means the difference for Apple is less than $5.00. There is absolutely no reason to skimp on the optical drive when the price difference is so miniscule.

What gives, Apple? It doesn't matter if peope don't use it. It was old technology half a decade ago. Hell, my 6-year-old iMac can write DVDs. There is no excuse for hardware like that. It's insulting, actually.

I agree. During the last refresh, it was barely acceptable, but now I don't see any Windows laptops, even the ones sold for $500, with just a combo drive. This is a very pathetic attempt to get you to buy the $200 more expensive laptop if you need a DVD writer. I am going to be in the market over the summer for a laptop for my parents, but I am not paying $1300 just for Superdrive. I guess they will stay in Windows world.

[dibara2003]

time to buy a refurb 2.2 now :P

[Slurpy2k8]

Oh, and enough with the 2GB 'standard'. Has the definition of standard changed, and I didnt get the memo? The $1100 model still has 1GB. Thats not called standard.

Another thing that irks me is apple's decision to use the multitouch as a differentiating factor between the 2 lines- as if they arent differentiated enough already. Multitouch should become synonymous with Apple and their products, and I think its a big mistake not to make it ubiquitous.

[DaBrain]

I'm surprised more people aren't upset over the lack of a backlite keyboard. I sure am. I don't need the power of a MBP, nor multitouch, but I like seeing the keyboard in the dark.

I thought for sure Apple would FINALLY add this to the MB. If it had it, it would be the perfect laptop for many.

shame.

Yeah LED back light was one of the key things I had hoped for and also the lit keybd. But I wonder if Apple will ever have a MB lit keybd other than the Pro?

Sure would of liked the multi touch pad.

Oh well I will continue to wait. Overall not too bad of an update.

Oh thought that an extra $20 for the remote was a rip. Don't like the nickel and dime us for everything. What's next? They gonna charge us additional for the shipping box? :D

Oh well! Seems to be the way all things are going now a days! :(

[ryanwarsaw]

I agree. During the last refresh, it was barely acceptable, but now I don't see any Windows laptops, even the ones sold for $500, with just a combo drive. This is a very pathetic attempt to get you to buy the $200 more expensive laptop if you need a DVD writer. I am going to be in the market over the summer for a laptop for my parents, but I am not paying $1300 just for Superdrive. I guess they will stay in Windows world.


I guess it sucks to be your parents then.

[DaBrain]

Dude this could be the ganja speaking but I never noticed how much notebook hard drives went up in space man. I got my iBook in '03 with 20gb and even my iMac from 1yr ago has only 120gb.. Now the macbook has 250gb.. Maybe ill get one when I start at school for graphic design

Take another hit on that ganja and the next thing ya know holographic drives will be standard while you buzz away your life!--))) :D

[Bennett]

Q: my mum's a teacher...

what would work out cheaper:

- buying it under her name so she can redeem it in tax stuff
- buying it under my name so i can get the $199 ipod rebate

thanks

[corneng]

The Macbook is a great and beautiful computer if you do nothing except word process and use the internet, but the continued lack of a graphics card is a dealbreaker for me. I don't consider video cards a "professional" feature. I consider NOT HAVING video cards a bare bones way to skimp money... Does that mean I should have to get a $2500 power laptop? No. I want a mid-range, mid-price, consumer laptop that has a basic video card!

The 2.4 ghz chip is impressive, but unnecessary. Word processors and internet navigators don't need that power. I think that people who only need those basic things should be able to buy base-model laptops for $600, and people who do more computing (games, etc.) should be buying $1300 laptops with solid video cards. It's just too bad they still can't, even after this update.... Oh wait a minute! They can! From any other computer company in the world but Apple!

And to those who "don't understand" the complaining about a combo drive: It is upsetting to see an outdated technology used as a way to manipulate customers into paying more for a higher model. There is no cost savings in combo drives --DVD burners are practically free. They are using them 100% as a way to artificially differentiate their price points. The key word there is "artificially." It's even more upsetting how readily dedicated Apple fans applaud this move, simply because Apple can do no wrong. But they can do wrong. Leaving out basic technology as a form of manipulation is wrong. As a result, that $600 DVD burning laptop from Dell is looking even better vs the Apple competitor at twice the price with a 20th century CD burner...

I guess my main frustration is just the complete and total lack of a mid-range laptop from Apple. We have to pay $1300 just to start out with basic features in a consumer laptop, and that doesn't even have the capability to play games. I really don't want to have to get a Vista laptop, but Apple is making it hard for me :(. That $600 entry level Dell comes with a decent video card for only $100 more...

This is seriously the post of the thread. Apple plays a cunning game with consumers between the base and mid-range Macbook. They have fooled people into thinking that the component differences between the two are worth the price difference.

Thus, anyone who wants a Superdrive in the $1099 Macbook is immediately shouted down with the claim that this addition would raise prices; after all the more expensive model has the Superdrive so the drive itself must cost at least a hundred more.

In reality, nothing is farther from the truth. All adding a Superdrive to the $1099 model would accomplish is the lowering of Apple's very high profit margin. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple was making a 10-20% margin on these machines.

What's even more unsettling is the fact the combo drive and Superdrive are probably the exact same thing. The manufacturer just disables the DVD burning functions per Apple's request. After the update, I visited the Dell website and found machines that cost half the Macbook's price with a DVD burner.

[viccles]

Hey, the minute I buy a new laptop, a few weeks later a new one comes out. I should keep buying! :D LOL. I'm kind of cheesed in a way but I'm happy with what I have

[viqas]

The Charlotte NC Apple Store said they will charge the restocking fee for an opened box, so I'll keep the one I bought Saturday.

I guess i will not open mine.


My order is a replacement of my second generation macbook. They are supposed to ship my computer after i send them my current computer. I sent an email to the customer service specialist that is replacing my computer to see if i can get an upgraded macbook. Lets hope he says sure :/

[jnc]

2008 combo drive lol wow

Anyway... do you have an issue with the existence of a combo drive model, or the price of the SuperDrive model? Because I could do without the drive altogether. If there was only ever a $1299 SD model with a -$149 Combo "downgrade" I'd bet there'd be less whining.

PS I have no idea what that edit message is about. o_O

[ageha]

I agree. During the last refresh, it was barely acceptable, but now I don't see any Windows laptops, even the ones sold for $500, with just a combo drive. This is a very pathetic attempt to get you to buy the $200 more expensive laptop if you need a DVD writer. I am going to be in the market over the summer for a laptop for my parents, but I am not paying $1300 just for Superdrive. I guess they will stay in Windows world.

Even the so called "Superdrive" is hardly a super drive. Common, it just has a max. reading speed of 8x, it's slow at recognizing discs and it's loud as well! I would prefer the 2.1GHz MB because I don't want the additional heat of the 2.4GHz model and I prefer a longer lasting battery. Unfortunately Apple doesn't want me to configure a 2.1GHz CPU with their super "8x" burner.

[!¡ V ¡!]

Anyway... do you have an issue with the existence of a combo drive model, or the price of the SuperDrive model? Because I could do without the drive altogether. If there was only ever a $1299 SD model with a -$149 Combo "downgrade" I'd bet there'd be less whining.

You are describing the MacBook Air. ;)

[lazydesi]

any chances of getting multi touchings during the next update

[takao]

Anyway... do you have an issue with the existence of a combo drive model, or the price of the SuperDrive model? Because I could do without the drive altogether. If there was only ever a $1299 SD model with a -$149 Combo "downgrade" I'd bet there'd be less whining.

well both is equally insulting price and existence of a combodrive

seriously you can't get a notebook _without_ superdrive in the windows world unless it's an ultraportable ... even 400 dollar laptops have them (which btw have the same chipset and GPU as the macbook)

for a cutting edge brand which often touts themselves for having features others don't have it is simply ridiculous ... not that it is ridicolous enough that you don't get get the remote or a dedicated graphics chip in a 1000 bucks laptop

edit: or the adapters to connect it actually to a screen or projector ...

[caj]

Did the middle white MB always come with 2GB RAM standard?

[theBB]

Even the so called "Superdrive" is hardly a super drive. Common, it just has a max reading speed of 8x, it's slow at recognizing discs and it's loud as well! I would prefer the 2.1GHz MB because I don't want the additional heat of the 2.4GHz model and I prefer a longer lasting battery. Unfortunately Apple doesn't want me to configure a 2.1GHz CPU with their super 8x burner.
Well, buying an external burner is another option. It just costs a lot more than the $5 Apple would pay to put it in there in the first place. This is similar to car makers who wanted to charge you more than $200 extra for a CD player ten years after people pretty much stopped listening to tapes.

[DaBrain]

good to see the macbooks finally made it to aluminum. they look nice!

What are you smoking? :confused:

Isnt human nature great, just think if there was NOT any complaining

I bet if you eliminated all the posts of complaints about complaints there'd be a lot less complaining here!--)) :D

[mjstew33]

Just ordered a new MacBook Pro.
2.6GHz
4GB RAM
200GB 7200RPM
512MB VRAM
Multitouch
15"

Hear Hear!

Plus, 2Gb standard.

Larger hard discs, and people still complain.

MB are very well priced. Apple are walking a fine line for taking potential sales away from the MBP line.

I agree with everything here.

[marcg007]

Hmmm ... a good friend of mine just bought the entry level Macbook this past weekend. Dunno how happy he'd be finding this out.

Does Apple have some sort of grace period for exchanging in the event of a new release like this?

If he were to walk in within 14 days of his purchase, they might do a swap or they might just discount the price for the one he got. Also, depending on if he paid with a credit card, there might be some kind of price protection thing in place. I suggest he check right away. Another possibility is if he purchased from apple online, they might have just sent him the updated equal of the model he purchased.

[BadNewsPrad]

as the owner of a one day old macbook.. what do i do??

[jnc]

You are describing the MacBook Air. ;)

Which I am very likely buying :D

[ruftytufty]

Still no eSATA port on the MBP :( . I know there are eSATA ExpressCards available, but you can't boot from them, and there have been some compatibility issues. Guess this will wait till a real case redesign?? Or, is Apple still hanging onto Firewire 800?

Built-in eSATA is available on some PC laptops (e.g. Asus Z84J, Asus U3) but not common.

[Say What??]

I dont' think the MBP have the magnetic latch :(

aw man

[one1]

You are all expecting entirely too much out of the low line apple laptop.

Remember this is still an iBook. It's still a budget laptop. It's still as white as the iBook and it's still as watered down on features as the iBook that it replaced. I think this "MacBook" name has everyone entirely too comfortable with buying an iBook. Apple gets a full ten points on the marketing on this one, as it seems to have worked.

If you want top features, buy a top laptop. PowerBook/MacBook Pro is where you should be looking instead of complaining that the lowest book on the totem pole doesn't have all the features you want from the big book.

Frankly it's quite ridiculous.

[jnc]

You are all expecting entirely too much out of the low line apple laptop.

Remember this is still an iBook. It's still a budget laptop. It's still as white as the iBook and it's still as watered down on features as the iBook that it replaced. I think this "MacBook" name has everyone entirely too comfortable with buying an iBook. Apple gets a full ten points on the marketing on this one, as it seems to have worked.

If you want top features, buy a top laptop. PowerBook/MacBook Pro is where you should be looking instead of complaining that the lowest book on the totem pole doesn't have all the features you want from the big book.

Frankly it's quite ridiculous.


but top apple laptops don't cost $1299! :(:(:( waaa

[StrudelTurnover]

You are describing the MacBook Air. ;)

Which has a stupid name! :p

But seriously, I tried out a demo today and I love it. The shell feels much better than just a MacBook, and I prefer the keyboard to the Pro's style.

Still, it's not worth $1800 to me. A mid-range MacBook is barely worth $1250, but it's my best option, since I don't want to spend $200 for a black paint job.

[Say What??]

hi.

i'm torn between a high end macbook and a low end macbook Pro.

can the blackbook with 4GB RAM support advanced programs such as AutoCad?

Also...can the above mentioned blackbook play games such as call of duty 4 or battlefield: bad company?

(assume theyre available on mac :P)

thanks!

about 20 mins til i buy one eheh

Macbooks don't have graphics cards, so good luck playing call of duty 4

[ageha]

Macbooks don't have graphics cards, so good luck playing call of duty 4

Even the GPU of the MBP is outdated for that price.

[takao]

You are all expecting entirely too much out of the low line apple laptop.

Remember this is still an iBook. It's still a budget laptop. It's still as white as the iBook and it's still as watered down on features as the iBook that it replaced. I think this "MacBook" name has everyone entirely too comfortable with buying an iBook. Apple gets a full ten points on the marketing on this one, as it seems to have worked.

If you want top features, buy a top laptop. PowerBook/MacBook Pro is where you should be looking instead of complaining that the lowest book on the totem pole doesn't have all the features you want from the big book.

Frankly it's quite ridiculous.

1000+ dollars isn't "budget laptop"
neither is a dvd burner a "top feature"

in fact actual budget laptops (400-500 dollars) all have that "top feature" called superdrive pretty much standard

[jnc]

Which has a stupid name! :p

But seriously, I tried out a demo today and I love it. The shell feels much better than just a MacBook, and I prefer the keyboard to the Pro's style.

Still, it's not worth $1800 to me. A mid-range MacBook is barely worth $1250, but it's my best option, since I don't want to spend $200 for a black paint job.

I owned the original Core Duo BlackBook and now have a mid-2007 white Core 2 and I definitely prefer the black model. It's not just a "paint job", it has a very different, dull finish as opposed to the shiny finish on the white models.

It's pretty much the same sort of material as the interior of the white MacBook - much less scuff prone. Taking the 250GB standard HD config on the BlackBook into consideration it's an extra $100... not that I'd buy another MB, but I'd go back to black if I did. ;)

[Bregalad]

A lot of people are marking this announcement as Negative, but the MacBook was already the most frequently updated model before today and wasn't due for another update until May. Any update at the 3 month mark should be considered great news.

1. Combo drive? Apple must be using that as a strategy to get people to buy the more expensive model.

2. $200 for black still looks like a rip-off to me.

3. Performance is awfully close to the MB Pro now. So close, in fact, that the low end MB Pro has a smaller HD than the black MB.

4. Penryn means way more than just 100MHz. This is a very nice update.

5. The published battery life has dropped, but is probably more accurate now.

[bankshot]

Hey, the minute I buy a new laptop, a few weeks later a new one comes out. I should keep buying! :D LOL.

Please buy a Mac mini. Thanks.

[Whistleway]

In 2008, you can still buy a laptop with a combo drive for over thousand dollars, $1099 to be exact.

Kudos Apple ;)

[SB27]

I am curious if anyone has any numbers on the speed differences b/w the original MacBook Pro (1.8 Mhz) vs. the new 2.5 Mhz penryn based MB Pro's.

If someone has seen some numbers, I would appreciate a link.

Thanks.

SB

[Durandal549]

I picked up a Macbook on Friday. Sorta the same boat but I got mine from an apple certified reseller called Computer World. The nearest apple store is over an hour away and I like going to them over best buy.

Does anyone know what other resellers do in this case? I will be calling them tomorrow regardless but i want to be prepared as much as possible. Would an Apple store swap mine? I tend to doubt it because i didn't buy from their store.

[BigPana]

1000+ dollars isn't "budget laptop"
neither is a dvd burner a "top feature"

in fact actual budget laptops (400-500 dollars) all have that "top feature" called superdrive pretty much standard


Thank you, some people seem to be forgetting that.

[one1]

1000+ dollars isn't "budget laptop"
neither is a dvd burner a "top feature"

in fact actual budget laptops (400-500 dollars) all have that "top feature" called superdrive pretty much standard


Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

....though I feel they are indeed making more than enough off of them already, sometimes it is a matter of preservation.

[iPeg]

I am curious if anyone has any numbers on the speed differences b/w the original MacBook Pro (1.8 Mhz) vs. the new 2.5 Mhz penryn based MB Pro's.

If someone has seen some numbers, I would appreciate a link.

Thanks.

SB


First you meant Ghz and there will be jokes about this in a few minutes.

Second the new top of the line is 2.6 ghz, so that would be the whole distance

Third, yes, I'd like to see these numbers to, as I own the original 1.8 and ordered the new 2.6 ghz. But in a few weeks I will know anyway

[ageha]

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

Mercedes doesn't ship cars with tape decks anymore.
Of course it's a PC, it's just a x86 computer. You can install Windows, Linux or whatever on it and you can install OSX on every PC as well.

[Say What??]

I'm buying a pro this fall. Does anyone know when the next update should come based on patterns of previous years?

haha I know this is jumping the gun a bit :D

[diamond.g]

Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

....though I feel they are indeed making more than enough off of them already, sometimes it is a matter of preservation.

That is like me saying that Apple should go back to IBM and leave the x86 arch to the "trailer park folk". Very uncalled for. If Apple is to increase its market share they need the convert PC people, whom will compare the Apple notebook to *gasp* a PC from Dell. And with Apple using x86 arch that is what is going to happen.

[asdavis10]

Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

....though I feel they are indeed making more than enough off of them already, sometimes it is a matter of preservation.

Thank you for pointing that out. Apple is not the everyday consumer computer. Low end Apple products are priced higher than low end PC products. But customize a PC with the same specs as a Mac and your basically looking at identical systems just with different OS's. And OSX is the best OS hands down (not up for debate). I like your Ford to Mercedes point. LOL. Sorry that Macs aren't cheaper. Maybe some day they will be as Apple continues to gain market share, but that is not today. If anyone is looking for a low end Mac, you should consider getting a Mac mini which still has better specs than most entry level PC's and use the peripherals you already have.

[alexbo]

Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.


That would be an awesome analogy if not for the fact that all these computer parts were coming from the same exact sources, regardless of who assembles it an slaps their name on it. If Dell/Ford uses the exact same Intel CPU/Engine and NVidia GPU/Supercharger as Apple/Mercedes, but for half the price, suddenly Ford's looking pretty good! What Apple still has though is superior design. I love my iPhone and I was willing to pay a premium for the design over its competitors. Unfortunately, I don't feel the same way about the Macbook.

Leaving out multimedia messaging in my phone was no big deal, but leaving out a graphics card in my laptop is unacceptable. Superior case design or not, I just can't ignore the complete lack of value in the Macbook. I guess I have to stay with my Nvidia+Intel-powered Ford, at least until Mercedes starts using better hardware again.

Ducati and Ferrari deserve to charge a premium for their products because they are engineered better from the ground up. Computers simply don't work that way, and the analogy just doesn't hold water. We're talking about paying a huge premium for relatively minor (IMO) things like case design, and the all-important privilege of using OSX.

I'm not sure if any of those analogies make sense.:D

[AlmightyG5]

I'm buying a pro this fall. Does anyone know when the next update should come based on patterns of previous years?

haha I know this is jumping the gun a bit :D

Ya...Im hoping there is some sort of update between may and july so I can get a new macbook fro college...But knowing apple they will get rid of all their stock by doing that back to school promotion w the iPod and then first week of september they will update thier whole lineup...

[lostfan916]

Having the latest and greatest was fun while it lasted... ;)

Gah, the technology game is so bitter sweet... you get something great and 4 months later it's not "new." Oh well, I still love my baybee.

It makes sense that they put the touch gestures in the upper models, although I would've liked to see it in the Macbook. Guess that that feature is a "pro" thing... oh well.

[BigPana]

Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

....though I feel they are indeed making more than enough off of them already, sometimes it is a matter of preservation.


Oh yeah, that's why there's still so much hate for mac people...

[crazyskillz07]

So my refurbished 2.2GHz white macbook is going to be here tomarrow. I thought about getting the 100 dollars back from apple but I called them up and asked for a shipping label instead. I am going to spend the extra 100 dollars and get the 2.4Ghz white macbook. Plus, it will make my first mac experience better with the new box stuff. I don't really care about the box though, I am just happy that I won't have buyers remorse the first day I get the macbook.

[john789]

NOOOOOO BAD APPLE!!!!!!! I just got my Macbook last thanksgiving!! and now there are new ones!?!?!? mine is 160gb 1GB mem Black model.....Nooooooo Noooooooooo Noooooooo it feels old now......outdated!!!!! nooooooooo BAD STEVE JOBS!!!! THAT WAS A BAD JOB!!! :confused::eek::mad:

[one1]

Mercedes doesn't ship cars with tape decks anymore.
.

(actually they do)

I've driven Mercedes for the last few years and just went last week to find my CLK's replacement, which I found....... a tape deck in three different models ;)

Mac's command a premium in the same way the VIP products command a premium. The day I drive through a trailer park and see Apple stickers on everyone's cars I'll re-visit that statement. Those aren't my rules, that is the way Apple zealots have wanted it since it's inception.

Can anyone find a good reason to pay $300 for an air freshener from junction produce? No, but if you have one... you get the VIP cookie. (personally I wouldn't)

[gkarris]

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

:p

With my iBook G3, I used to be the only person in the coffee shop with a Mac.

I walked into a coffee shop one day with a Windows laptop and everyone else there had a Mac... :eek:

I remember going into the Apple Store to check out the Snow iMac G3 and I was one of only a few people. Now try walking into an Apple store, if you can actually fit inside...

It's just more "consumers" buying Macs. The people, still who buy the cheapest, will always get the cheapest PC, and the Windows Fans, well, they will always buy a Windows PC.

Raise prices? They don't have to - not with everyone else's prices going down around them.

[jasonklee]

Which is hardly a bad machine at all. There is very little real world difference between 2.16 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Especially when the slower processor is in the overall better notebook, the MacBook Pro. Be happy with your purchase, it's not like it's a bad machine by any stretch of the imagination.

Oh I know, it's just that, after a year with this machine, I think a MacBook would've been better for me, since all I do is write for a living, and a MacBook is a bit more portable.

[lostfan916]

NOOOOOO BAD APPLE!!!!!!! I just got my Macbook last thanksgiving!! and now there are new ones!?!?!? mine is 160gb 1GB mem Black model.....Nooooooo Noooooooooo Noooooooo it feels old now......outdated!!!!! nooooooooo BAD STEVE JOBS!!!! THAT WAS A BAD JOB!!! :confused::eek::mad:
Come on! We still got a great machine. Look on the bright side, you could still be stuck with NO macbook. Imagine the past 3 months without having a Macbook... *shudders*

Yea, it sucks... If I would've waited I'd be getting 40 more GB and 1GB more of memory... but I can easily upgrade the RAM and get an external drive. And I got an excellent deal on Black Friday.

Be happy you're one of the few folks who are enjoying the amazing producrs that are Macbooks.
:D

[one1]

NOOOOOO BAD APPLE!!!!!!! I just got my Macbook last thanksgiving!! and now there are new ones!?!?!? mine is 160gb 1GB mem Black model.....Nooooooo Noooooooooo Noooooooo it feels old now......outdated!!!!! nooooooooo BAD STEVE JOBS!!!! THAT WAS A BAD JOB!!! :confused::eek::mad:

There is nothing wrong with your machine in any way. I've said it before and I'll repeat again..... there's not much more they can do to help a MacBook. It is limited by it's graphics capability and no matter how much ram you shove into it and how fast the processor is, it's not going anywhere beyond it's bottleneck capabilities in it's graphics "on board" card.

The Rev A was more than enough for the graphics it is capable of doing, the newer Macbooks cards are better, but these tiny little increases are just milking the cow. It's already as good as it is reasonably going to get until they stick a card in there that can compete with it's processor and ram.

They do not seem interested in letting it catch up to it's big brother so until they do a major revision everyone with a MacBook is playing on the same field with only mild advantages.

iBook to MacBook = Upgrade
PowerBook to MacBook Pro = Upgrade
MacBook to MacBook = Meh............

[john789]

Come on! We still got a great machine. Look on the bright side, you could still be stuck with NO macbook. Imagine the past 3 months without having a Macbook... *shudders*

Yea, it sucks... If I would've waited I'd be getting 40 more GB and 1GB more of memory... but I can easily upgrade the RAM and get an external drive. And I got an excellent deal on Black Friday.

Be happy you're one of the few folks who are enjoying the amazing producrs that are Macbooks.
:D

You got yours on black friday!? HAHA me too!!! Yeah i cant imagine the last 4 months without my Macbook......But still.....ohh well.....ill just need to get over it.....still Grr apple......but....../me huggles his own Macbook.

[lostfan916]

You got yours on black friday!? HAHA me too!!! Yeah i cant imagine the last 4 months without my Macbook......But still.....ohh well.....ill just need to get over it.....still Grr apple......but....../me huggles his own Macbook.
Haha yes. The Apple Store was HELL! But the guy gave me the student discount on Apple care (even though I'm a Senior in HS) and I got Microsoft Office for $100 less, and free Office '08, and a bag for like half off, it doesn't get any better than that.

I know, I was happy for the updates (no more MBP threads!!!) but at the same time still a little bummed. But that's the way the game goes :cool:

[ZorPrime]

I'm buying a pro this fall. Does anyone know when the next update should come based on patterns of previous years?

haha I know this is jumping the gun a bit :D

I'm in the same boat, my last-gen 17" Powerbook is planning its retirement to my Macs of the Past collection. I've been in denial but I'm ready... sniff sniff... to let PPC go. :o

[panda79]

Does the new macbook support DDR2-800 ram or still DDR2-667??

[ZorPrime]

Does the new macbook support DDR2-800 ram or still DDR2-667??

It's stocked with 667MHz RAM (http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html)

[diamond.g]

Does the new macbook support DDR2-800 ram or still DDR2-667??

It's stocked with 667MHz RAM (http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html)

No DDR2 800 till Nehalem. And even then it will be DDR3.

[Quillz]

Oh I know, it's just that, after a year with this machine, I think a MacBook would've been better for me, since all I do is write for a living, and a MacBook is a bit more portable.
If all you do is word process, you'd probably do fine with a MacBook Air.

[cb311]

This is bad news.. I just ordered 2 new MB from macconnection on monday. It will arrive tomorrow. checked their return policy and there is a 15% restocking fee. Its not worth returning both. I will probably just learn to live with this horrible timing. What are my other options?

[jfremani]

What about the firewire chipset? Is it still the horrific Agere chipset that doesnt work very well with pro audio and video interfaces? Apple refuses to acknowledge this problem.

[john789]

Haha yes. The Apple Store was HELL! But the guy gave me the student discount on Apple care (even though I'm a Senior in HS) and I got Microsoft Office for $100 less, and free Office '08, and a bag for like half off, it doesn't get any better than that.

I know, I was happy for the updates (no more MBP threads!!!) but at the same time still a little bummed. But that's the way the game goes :cool:

Wow! You got an AWESOME deal with Office there!! I Want office and i need it really bad. :confused::confused: Anyways..YEAH no more MBP convos again!!! i was getting sick of those......and like im not even rich to get those. LOL

[blpx99]

Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing.

And some Apple customers apparently do not conform to rational thought. Apple uses the same hardware standard on all PCs: same Intel chips sets, same video cards. Maybe only the build quality and design are different. Maybe better, maybe not. But I'm sure Apple appreciates the cult-like adherence to its marketing strategy that they are "different."

[uNext]

And some Apple customers apparently do not conform to rational thought. Apple uses the same hardware standard on all PCs: same Intel chips sets, same video cards. Maybe only the build quality and design are different. Maybe better, maybe not. But I'm sure Apple appreciates the cult-like adherence to its marketing strategy that they are "different."

Agree,

Couple of weeks ago I removed the macbook pro from the packaging did not turn it on at all removed all the screws left it open.

went to the vista laptop i was replacing installed the vista formated hard drive on the macbook pro and when i turned it on vista booted. This is without ever booting into mac or installing boot camp. Macs are nothing but rebranded windows compatible hardware with the apple logo and tpm chips,efi etc. (same architecture with some minor differences)

Some mac users need to get of the high horse and accept the fact that the ppc cult mac use to be back when it was really "DIFFERENT" no longer exist. Boot camp is just a distraction. Imagine apple saying vista can be installed directly with no needed software?
they have to make you believe it is diffrent when in reality it is not.

[pondie84]

Surely I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the hugely negative response to this release. Were people really expecting the world? Are people really that unhappy with the current line-up? If so, why not just take your custom elsewhere and buy other products? Surely your life would be much more pleasant if you just moved on and stopped being so bitter.

Also, you don't have to buy a low-end MacBook with a combodrive if you don't want to. However, you should recognise that for a portion of the market a superdrive isn't necessary or even desirable. Personally I have a dvd burner on my PC, and use that if I need to (rarely). Apart from that I don't store much on my notebook and just use external drives and usb drives as desired. But then, I understand a lot of people like to have the option there so I wouldn't be furious if they made every MacBook have a superdrive.

I guess I just don't understand they extent of the negativity a lot of people have. Do you really expect Apple to cater to your every whim?

[SamNeeds]

I'm really disappointed with this weeks releases :(

Especially the fact that the Macbooks don't have Multitouch... I suppose we'll have to wait for a whole design refresh. Not that they currently aren't nice, because they are. It would just have been nice to see a new design (like the white iMac to the aluminum one)

[Slurpy2k8]

Surely I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the hugely negative response to this release. Were people really expecting the world? Are people really that unhappy with the current line-up? If so, why not just take your custom elsewhere and buy other products? Surely your life would be much more pleasant if you just moved on and stopped being so bitter.

Also, you don't have to buy a low-end MacBook with a combodrive if you don't want to. However, you should recognise that for a portion of the market a superdrive isn't necessary or even desirable. Personally I have a dvd burner on my PC, and use that if I need to (rarely). Apart from that I don't store much on my notebook and just use external drives and usb drives as desired. But then, I understand a lot of people like to have the option there so I wouldn't be furious if they made every MacBook have a superdrive.

I guess I just don't understand they extent of the negativity a lot of people have. Do you really expect Apple to cater to your every whim?

No, but most people here expected just a bit more from the updates than what we got. Its not that hard of a concept to understand. Why does it have to be either that we expect nothing, or that we expect apple to 'cater to our every whim'? Why can't it be something in between, apart from the extremes and the hyperbole you and others spout to trivialize any comments and complaints? What a concept! And your superdrive comments completely miss the point that has been made dozens of times in this thread, in that in this day and age combo drives shouldnt even EXIST, and they DON'T, outside of apple products. Jesus Christ, some of you are really something else.

[mrfaize]

Mercedes doesn't ship cars with tape decks anymore.


Lexus still does!

[Stella]

Apple computers are PCs: Personal Computer. All of the below are PCs:
- Macbook Pro
- Macbook
- iMac
- Mac Pro
- Dell
- Acer
.. etc etc etc

As other people have mentioned, Apple use majority standard PC components... they don't use better quality, just standard. You'd find the majority of Apple components in a Dell et al, and vice versa.

For its Pro laptops, Apple do not conform to PC pricing. However, for Apple's desktops, yes, they are very very good value. Generally, if you compare a Macbook Pro price, you'd get more value out of other mobile laptops.


Apparently you are not quite understanding of the fact Apple is not a PC and does not conform to PC standards or pricing. This is APPLE, not IBM, nor Dell, nor anyone else.

You are standing in on a Ford lot looking for a Mercedes. It simply is not the same in any way. Whether or not it is better is opinion and not relevant to the fact it is NOT A PC. There is not a way to compare them.

....and yes..... this is budget pricing for an APPLE laptop.

Quite frankly I think they should raise the prices to get rid of all the windblow converts coming off the IBM and dell machines so it can have it's exclusiveness back. It's like the whole trailer park has invaded the country club.

....though I feel they are indeed making more than enough off of them already, sometimes it is a matter of preservation.

[DavoMrMac]

For its Pro laptops, Apple do not conform to PC pricing. However, for Apple's desktops, yes, they are very very good value. Generally, if you compare a Macbook Pro price, you'd get more value out of other mobile laptops.

I disagree. You will not get more value out of other laptops. You will buy the headache of dealing with rubbish build and more importantly bad software (which is all part of the package).

[RHD]

To everyone who was on here moaning about no magnetic catch - next time, read the specs on Apple's website!:


"Designed for life on the road

Innovations such as a magnetic power connection and an illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor put the MacBook Pro in a class by itself."

[jnc]

To everyone who was on here moaning about no magnetic catch - next time, read the specs on Apple's website!:


"Designed for life on the road

Innovations such as a magnetic power connection and an illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor put the MacBook Pro in a class by itself."

...Aaaand what does MagSafe have to do with the latch?

[eVolcre]

...Aaaand what does MagSafe have to do with the latch?

/homer simpson/

DOH!

/homer simpson/

[BongoBanger]

I disagree. You will not get more value out of other laptops. You will buy the headache of dealing with rubbish build and more importantly bad software (which is all part of the package).

Absolute drivel. This might apply if you're buying crap but it's hardly representative.

[mhaas]

I think Apple kept the combo drive MBs, so they could sell them to schools. A roomful of students don't need DVD burners on every machine.

That's exactly one of the reasons why Apple kept that model in the line-up. And it is a justified point as they sell thousands of macbooks to schools each year. A lot more than the winers here are buying :rolleyes:

[Grokgod]

Isn't the INtel Graphic card an actual graphics card with shared RAM.
So the Macbook does have a graphics card, just a lower Intel model to save space on motherboards etc.

Remote excluded from sale of laptop because its redundant.
I have 4 remotes, everytime i buy a Mac, i get a new remote.
I have too many remotes!

Combo drive, yeah seems cheap but just get the higher unit.
Apple is making their money and deserve to decide how.
It's not your usual company, if it were then we would all be using, Windows.

[diamond.g]

Isn't the INtel Graphic card an actual graphics card with shared RAM.
So the Macbook does have a graphics card, just a lower Intel model to save space on motherboards etc.


Actually it isn't separate, which is the argument. Dedicated graphics is almost always better than integrated. The major problem is the X3100 has to fight with the CPU for bandwidth, and it doesn't have the oomph to accomplish some tasks due to scarce NB die space. IMO a 8400M G would be great for the Macbook and still provide the line of difference between the MB and MBP.

[kamm]

Update: yesterday night I went to the local store and exchanged my 13.5 days old black MB for the Peryn-based black one. No questions asked and even restocking fee was dropped. :cool:
Apple, you not only made me glad but also a customer, I must admit. :)

[tony820]

i just got my new shiny blackbook penyrn notebook and couldnt be happier and i was just about to buy one this past weekend. good thing i waited

[kamm]

I have 4 remotes, everytime i buy a Mac, i get a new remote.
I have too many remotes!


Send me one then, I'll pay for the shipping. :) They took back mine with the 'old' MB I exchanged yesterday.

[lucky3killer]

People need to stop complaining about the combo drive. No one is forcing you to buy that model. The middle model is the version I would buy, but there are people who would like to save a couple hundred dollars and get the combo drive, slower processor, less ram, and smaller hard drive. I'm don't know many people who would, but its nice that apple is giving some people that option. Personally, I think the middle model is the best value.

Yup, I agree.

I can smell all whine about MB update, that sounds like little children.

If combo drive in MB then you can use USB based external DVD burner to burn it, that's simple.

No multitouch because Apple made MB as low price and little less feature than MBP, get deal with it or buy MBP.

[Stella]

I disagree. You will not get more value out of other laptops. You will buy the headache of dealing with rubbish build and more importantly bad software (which is all part of the package).

Hardware: depends on your needs. For some people spending $$ on a MBP may not be good value (read: overkill). For others, spending $499 on a 'windows' laptop may not represent good value.

Define 'bad software'.

There's a lot of crap software for OSX too. Many windows apps are better than their OSX counter parts. The opposite is true of course.

If software does everything that the user wants and meets performance expectations, then its 'Good'.

Yes, even windows can be good: if it does everything the user wants it to do, then its fine. For other users, windows will fail to deliver. In this sentence, you can replace windows for OSX and the same will be true ( for geeks: s/windows/OSX :)).

Its not all black and white. There are many shades of grey.

[s1r1]

Can someone give me some advice please

I ordered the low-level combodrive MB three weeks ago and they will deliver it tomorrow morning. It has a 120 GB disk.

Of course I always wish to have the newest product but i did the math and it looks like, if i would have ordered today, i would have paid 82 usd less for getting 100Mhz more. That includes the price for the new separate remote, i like to have one.

So should I bother refusing the delivery and waiting again? From your posts it looks like the answer is: no. Btw if you find the prices to be strange it's cause i'm converting from swedish currency, and yes 1 528 bucks for the entry level MB *with* education discount is a total ripoff!

Many thanks :)

[sk8monkey]

I've been waiting nearly 4 months to buy a macbook pro, the upgrade couldnt have come at a better time! for me anyway....:D

[Prof.]

I think i am going to wait to get a new macbook once they reach 3GHz processor. :cool::p

[Desiderata]

I am finally in the market for a new MacBook (after using my 1.0Ghz powerbook G4 for the last five years), but before I buy I have one question to ask. I actually do not need the computer until August (when I will begin graduate school), so I was wondering what the general schedule for updates is. I know there was a new update a few weeks ago, so I was curious what the likelihood of another update is before August. Does Apple usually update once a year (February in this case), or twice a year (perhaps in June/July as well)?

I guess my question boils down to whether or not I should buy now and enjoy five extra months of my new computer, or if should I wait until another update (possibly) comes. My computer is still functional, and money is not really an issue, but I'd just love to get the best computer I can since I tend not to upgrade very often.

Thank you in advance for all of your time and assistance.

[asdavis10]

I am finally in the market for a new MacBook (after using my 1.0Ghz powerbook G4 for the last five years), but before I buy I have one question to ask. I actually do not need the computer until August (when I will begin graduate school), so I was wondering what the general schedule for updates is. I know there was a new update a few weeks ago, so I was curious what the likelihood of another update is before August. Does Apple usually update once a year (February in this case), or twice a year (perhaps in June/July as well)?

I guess my question boils down to whether or not I should buy now and enjoy five extra months of my new computer, or if should I wait until another update (possibly) comes. My computer is still functional, and money is not really an issue, but I'd just love to get the best computer I can since I tend not to upgrade very often.

Thank you in advance for all of your time and assistance.

Apple usually has a well-conceived plan when it comes to releasing new (and refreshed) products. Its just that they don't make all their plans public which sometimes can be frustrating. Sometimes they release products (the new Penryn MB and MBP) before they might have wanted to (IMHO) because of outside factors (Intel moving to the newer chipset). But the best rule of thumb is to buy a computer when you need it. If you wait for the latest and greatest just know that the next-best system is being planned for release already.