What Size Next MacBook - 14"?

[Gosh]

Just pondering what the Jobs/Ives partnership will come up next on the MacBook front?

At the present sizes it seems that the likely replacement for the current MacBook will have an aluminium case and a multi-touch trackpad but that might diminish the MBA in some peoples minds.

Just wonder if they might take the MB up to 14" to accentuate the main advantage of the MBA - being portability and anyway screen sizes are getting larger still (anyone for an 18.4" MBP)?

[illidian]

I think the 13.3" screen will stick around.

The MB and MBA are two completely different markets, no reason to penalize the MacBook to make the MBA even "more" ultra-portable.

[ZiggyPastorius]

I think the 13.3" screen will stick around.

The MB and MBA are two completely different markets, no reason to penalize the MacBook to make the MBA even "more" ultra-portable.

I agree. It's really not even making it more ultra-portable, it'd just be giving a sort of impression of its smallness compared to Apple's other laptops. But I think they'll stay with the 13.3", and to be honest, I hope they do.

[Shackler]

Please God no.

[thechidz]

would love to see a 12 incher but doubt its going to happen

[SFStateStudent]

13.3" is the bomb-diggity; 15" is huge and heavier; the 17" might-as-well come with a desk or a hand-truck; I've got a 9" Fujitsu LifeBook and it's light, compact, but the keys are too small, and it takes 7 minutes to start-up and I can cook eggs on the bottom of it, b/c it's so HOT! Please Apple keep it right where it's at for at least 10 years! IMHO :cool:

[Gosh]

Well, I guess pretty much that's that then - no 14" MB!

I was certain the MBA would be 13.3" because of that phenomenon known as screen size push!

I don't know, just the marketing position of an Alu MB with multi-touch and SuperDrive, probably LED backlit screen - maybe a 3D card - at 60-80% of the basic MBA price?

Anyhoo, I love my current MB!:)

[tbear1]

I think the MB will get the LED screen from the MBA before they will give it a bigger screen. It is only a matter of time and I wonder if the change will be bundled with the refreshed look...

Glenn

[SFStateStudent]

Though I have the MBA, I'm totally bewildered by the small 80GB hard drive. Sure, I had the SuperDrive, but I missed my BlackBook 2.4 Penryn 250GB and having 197GB free space on my hard drive! The SCREEN on the MBA is really nice, but my brother has made an offer I can't refuse, so it's heading to Southern California in about 2 weeks for a new life in Signal Hill, California. :cool:

[illidian]

Well, I guess pretty much that's that then - no 14" MB!

I was certain the MBA would be 13.3" because of that phenomenon known as screen size push!

I don't know, just the marketing position of an Alu MB with multi-touch and SuperDrive, probably LED backlit screen - maybe a 3D card - at 60-80% of the basic MBA price?

Anyhoo, I love my current MB!:)

The Aluminum case is a substantial cost, compared to the high-grade plastic the MB current has. The Aluminum is more about prestige than actual results - I don't see the MB going to Aluminum for some time.

The LED backlit screen and multi-touch were added to the MBP without a price increase. The LED screen is not only better for the user, but it's also more "green," which Apple is pushing. The multi-touch must be implemented on all Apple's laptops before it becomes more of a standard and gets used more -- it will come soon, but must go (as it has) to the MBP first because of the added prestige.

Also, the graphics card will be much improved on the new MB line - that's another $200 right there to something premium. I don't expect this to change either simply because it's too big a cost.

[HaGG]

I can't see them changing the current size.

[DaBrain]

I can't see them changing the current size.

I Agree. I think Apple will keep this screen size for quite some time.

I tried one of those eee pc's but man that 7 in screen wreaked havoc on my sorry eyes and I just wasn't happy with linux. Really missed OSX right off the bat! I find the 13.3 in the macbook screen just the right size for me. If I had 20/20 I might prefer like a 10 or 12 but man IM glad I got the macbook now. :D

[Pacer69]

Gads, I hope and pray they don't go to aluminum casing on the MB (though I wouldn't mind a 14" hi-res screen). First of all, it's just a friggin' antique look (in silver, anyway) as they've been using it for what, 7 LONNNG years and all the PeeCees have aped it. Having owned a PB 1400, a Pismo (my favorite 'Book to date), an iBook 900, two Al Books, and now a BlackBook 2.4...I can tell you why non-Al casing is better imho:

1) No dings: Al Books are delicate and scratch-prone. Look at them wrong and whoops! And I'm pretty careful with my stuff.

2) Wireless reception: I can see four networks right now on my MB. I could only see my own, and even then, not all bars, on my Al Book 1.5 and 1.67. Why they haven't connected the entire Al casing to the internal antenna so the whole 'Book is a super-antenna is beyond me. Seems like a no-brainer.

3) Heat: this is more of a function of processor efficiency, but my Al Books would get too hot to use as a laptop without a magazine or book beneath them.

4) Perspective: The original iBooks (fruit clamshell/"toilet seat") were either loved or hated -- and thus made for just 2 years. White 2g iBooks lasted 5 years. And the current MB form factor is < 2 years old. I'd say this MB will last at least another year, maybe even 2+. It's still fresh. Unlike the silver aluminum casing. No offense to those owners, as I said I had a couple myself. But let's face it: at 7 years old, the aluminum 'books are long overdue for a new case.

[nick9191]

I swear they make the macbook heavy on purpose so people will buy the air. Its only .6 pounds less than the Pro.

[beppo]

I could picture apple making the high-end version of the macbook aluminum like the iPod nanos. With color. Before you start thinking that I'm an idiot just think about it if colors were added to the macbooks then they would look more young and a lot less pro. And you would semi-forget that it is actually aluminum. All while pushing the environmental stuff that apple wants to get there foot in. :p

PS: I also think they would be just slightly wedged like the macbook air but not nearly as drastic.

[pattman247]

I could picture apple making the high-end version of the macbook aluminum like the iPod nanos. With color. Before you start thinking that I'm an idiot just think about it if colors were added to the macbooks then they would look more young and a lot less pro. And you would semi-forget that it is actually aluminum. All while pushing the environmental stuff that apple wants to get there foot in. :p

PS: I also think they would be just slightly wedged like the macbook air but not nearly as drastic.

go back 9 years or so
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBook

[zap2]

I think that 13'' is too big IMO, for the Air....11'' would be great!


The large footprint hurts the MBA for me.



I think the MB is staying at 13.3'' for a while...smaller would eat into the Air(people who want portable would need to pick between screen vs weight) and larger would eat into MBP users.


Still a price drop would be nice...those 999 iBook were lovely!

[MacDude415]

I think its going to stay 13.3 for a while. I think there are more people interested in seeing the size of computers decrease if anything.

[Jpoon]

13.3" is a pretty comfortable size for portables. 15" is for the graphics conscious, and 17" is for the people mostly stuck to a desk, but need to occasionally move their computer around from time to time.

Why switch something that already works :O?

The Eee and other internet PC's are geared towards machines specifically built for just light web browsing, and word processing. MacBook is built for people that need a computer that can meet all of their multimedia needs, save for graphics intensive apps.

The size is perfect imho, just up the resolution and add a better integrated video card. the X3100 is effing horrible. Either that, or release a firmware update that better uses it. LED!

[nickXedge]

go back 9 years or so
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBook

I love when people point this out to the people who ask for colors. Thanks for the post. When will people learn that the future isn't always dictated by the past?

Colors would be neat again, but I agree that it's Apple's attitude is, "Been there, done that."

[krye]

I don't think we will see a form factor change for a while.

[Jpoon]

I don't think we will see a form factor change for a while.

/agree

[Gosh]

Your all wrong!

Or maybe it's just me!

I'm gonna stick my neck out (on a pike on London Bridge) and say definitely 14" . I was right about the MBA so I have form on this!!! Differentiation!

And Alu too because what's good for the iMac is good for the iBook/MacBook.

That doesn't mean an end to colours though. Colours are popular on the iPod Nano and would be a real hit on MB.:apple:

[johndoe588]

I don't think the screen size will change. I've gotten used to the 13.3, it's my first wide screen notebook, coming from a long line of thinkpads. What I would really like to see is the screen and backlit keyboard from the MBA. That shouldn't be too hard. Call it the MacBook Semi-Pro. :-)

And please no aluminium case!

John B.

[urbanskywalker]

I'm going against the stampede on this one. I think there will be a 14" MacBook. I also think black will go downstream on the next revision.

[MacHappytjg]

why would they make it smaller by 0.3 and then make it an inch bigger dont they want smaller?

[iBookG4 FTW]

My God, if Apple released a 12" non widescreen MacBook, I would drive straight to the nearest Apple store and blow all my life savings in a heartbeat.

14", no thanks.

[MacHappytjg]

My God, if Apple released a 12" non widescreen MacBook, I would drive straight to the nearest Apple store and blow all my life savings in a heartbeat.

14", no thanks.


agreed i liked those little ibooks but i had a stupid idea of getting a intel
and i did and i regret it sorta.....

[AlexanderTgreat]

The Aluminum case is a substantial cost, compared to the high-grade plastic the MB current has. The Aluminum is more about prestige than actual results - I don't see the MB going to Aluminum for some time.

The LED backlit screen and multi-touch were added to the MBP without a price increase. The LED screen is not only better for the user, but it's also more "green," which Apple is pushing. The multi-touch must be implemented on all Apple's laptops before it becomes more of a standard and gets used more -- it will come soon, but must go (as it has) to the MBP first because of the added prestige.

Also, the graphics card will be much improved on the new MB line - that's another $200 right there to something premium. I don't expect this to change either simply because it's too big a cost.

If the macbook uses high grade plastic I'd hate to see a computer made out of low grade plastic:D

[Gosh]

If they brought out the MBA two years ago it would have been 12"!

Everything gets bigger - cars get bigger for the same model replacement - screens are getting bigger.

Anyway, if the 14" MB was not made of dint-able aluminium or Planet Earth murdering plastic - what would it be made of? What's gonna be the new Apple material?

[Hawkeye411]

Maybe they will come out with a 12" MBA in the future?

[Lucky8]

Anyway, if the 14" MB was not made of dint-able aluminium or Planet Earth murdering plastic - what would it be made of? What's gonna be the new Apple material?
maybe carbon fiber.. or maybe titanium.. magnesium.. :rolleyes:?

[Fuchal]

Anyway, if the 14" MB was not made of dint-able aluminium or Planet Earth murdering plastic - what would it be made of? What's gonna be the new Apple material?

Hemp.

[psychofreak]

Anyway, if the 14" MB was not made of dint-able aluminium or Planet Earth murdering plastic - what would it be made of? What's gonna be the new Apple material?
Wood

http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/06/27/asus_ecobook_1.jpg

[beppo]

I love when people point this out to the people who ask for colors. Thanks for the post. When will people learn that the future isn't always dictated by the past?

Colors would be neat again, but I agree that it's Apple's attitude is, "Been there, done that."

I really belive that apple will return w\ color. They had colored iPod minies then left it with the iPod nano then brought it back to the iPod nano. I remeber Jobs' quote when introducing the colored iPod nanos: "colors are back"

Not saying that apple is completely predictable but I think it is something to be expecting.

[MacHappytjg]

Maybe they will come out with a 12" MBA in the future?


id cry and run out to the ****ing machelper.com and go buy one

[Gosh]

OK! Interesting alternative case materials!!!

I thought Hemp was illegal in the US? Can't have people trying to smoke their Macbooks now can we?

Finally then. 14" MB with discrete graphics or 13" like now?:confused:

[illidian]

OK! Interesting alternative case materials!!!

I thought Hemp was illegal in the US? Can't have people trying to smoke their Macbooks now can we?

Finally then. 14" MB with discrete graphics or 13" like now?:confused:

Hemp is a fashionable alternative in the United States.

Even Nike makes shoes (that are sold in the U.S.) made out of Hemp material.

[NightFlight]

I hope that we will see a 14" option, the only thing preventing me from buying a MB right now is the small screen. For everyone saying that a 15" screen is "too big and heavy" needs to go to the gym immediately, gaining a pound is absolutely nothing. :rolleyes:

I travel for my job and I travel with a 15" laptop. In all of the airports I have been in and all international flights that I must take I have never wished for a smaller laptop. I would not like to loose the real estate that I am now accustomed to.

[DaBrain]

I hope that we will see a 14" option, the only thing preventing me from buying a MB right now is the small screen. For everyone saying that a 15" screen is "too big and heavy" needs to go to the gym immediately, gaining a pound is absolutely nothing. :rolleyes:

I travel for my job and I travel with a 15" laptop. In all of the airports I have been in and all international flights that I must take I have never wished for a smaller laptop. I would not like to loose the real estate that I am now accustomed to.

So you honestly think an increase from 13.3 in to 14 inch is going to make that much of a difference?
You suggest people going to the GYM? Ha Ha! I suggest you go to an eye doctor if you think .7 inches is such a huge difference! If thats the only thing holding you back as you do state, well your the one missing out at such a huge .7 inch increase.

Good Luck! :rolleyes:

[Zwhaler]

I swear they make the macbook heavy on purpose so people will buy the air. Its only .6 pounds less than the Pro.


I agree. I was just noticing the other day how heavy the thing is :p

Well obviously it isnt too heavy, but I agree Apple wants you to buy the Air

[randyf]

After waiting over two years for a 12" MacBook, earlier this month I relented and upgraded from a 12" PowerBook to a 13" black MB. While I appreciate (and require) the performance gain, I can attest that the 1 inch difference is significant for those of us who favor the smaller form factor. The extra space around the keyboard serves no consumer function, and I prefer the 12" PB's full-size keyboard compared to the "stretched" keys on the MB. The extra width makes taking the machine out of and putting it into a standard laptop bag a more gingerly and time consuming maneuver -- which is significant to those users who bring out and put in our machines several times a day. If you've never had a 12 incher, you may wonder what I'm taking about? But that' reinforces my point: a 13" machine does not serve the 12" market. So I hope Apple does come back to the smaller form factor, and I'll ditch this 13 incher.

[xraydoc]

My preference would be to keep the 13" screen, but reduce the bezel to as thin as possible. Cutting off the space along the sides of the keyboard would make the machine less wide as well - think 12" PowerBook G4 for bezel and thinness around the keyboard. That would reduce the width footprint by well over an inch (probably closer to 2"). Add the next gen Intel integrated graphics (X4500 I think its called) and I I'd be quite satisfied. To hope for even a low-end discrete graphics chip might be pushing it, knowing Apple's modus operandi.

[NightFlight]

So you honestly think an increase from 13.3 in to 14 inch is going to make that much of a difference?
You suggest people going to the GYM? Ha Ha! I suggest you go to an eye doctor if you think .7 inches is such a huge difference! If thats the only thing holding you back as you do state, well your the one missing out at such a huge .7 inch increase.

Good Luck! :rolleyes:

For me, yes it is.

I have 20/20 vision and I still appreciate a bigger screen, I honestly would like to see a 15" version.