iPod Touch and MacBook Updates for September?

[MacRumors]

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

A new analyst report from Piper Jaffray claims (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/149688/new_ipod_touch_and_macbooks_coming_soon_analysts_say.html) that Apple's September announcement will reveal a new iPod Touch and new MacBooks.

Analyst Mike Olson predicts that the iPod Touch will be tweaked to resemble Apple's new iPhone 3G and also raises the possibility of price drops and/or capacity increases. Recent Firmware hints (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/29/firmware-hints-at-new-ipod-touch/) have suggested the iPod Touch could see feature upgrades as well. The expectation of a new iPod Touch is also consistent (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/september-event-to-introduce-ipod-updates-and-more/) with whispers we've heard.

Olson also points to slimmer MacBooks which could also have newly designed keyboards. This prediction may have been inspired by circulating rumors and photos (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/04/leaked-aluminum-macbook-case/) depicting an aluminum MacBook. Apple has been rumored (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/07/apple-notebooks-to-see-major-design-changes/) to be introducing "major design changes" to their notebook computers this fall.

Apple's choice of processors for a new MacBook revision will certainly be Intel's upgraded Penryn (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/14/intel-announces-centrino-2-montevina/) processors which were introduced alongside the Montevina platform in July. The latest Intel processors boost processor speeds up to 3.06GHz and also increase bus speeds to 1066MHz (from 800MHz). The new MacBooks will likely also benefit from upgraded integrated graphics with the GMA X4500. The GMA X4500 benchmarks (http://www.notebookjournal.de/praxis/79/2) significantly faster than the GMA X3100 found in current MacBooks. While there has been some talk that Apple will migrate to a 3rd party chipset (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/28/apple-to-adopt-alternative-chipsets-for-next-laptops/), the implications of such a move remain unclear.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/ipod-touch-and-macbook-updates-for-september/)

[iOrlando]

stock is ripping for no reason (this must be it....maybe people waking up...) this has been out though since June... weird.

[dasikes]

When are Apple's September announcements usually? (as in early, mid, late, the 17th at 2:00 PM, etc.)

[digitalfrog]

Let's hope this will indeed be in early september, and that the shops will have some stock at least on standards configs.

Wished there would be something around a more powerfull Air too...

[mixmacface]

eh.

[Donkeyfart]

it'll happen AFTER the IPOD TOUCH deal is over.

so at least end of september to early october.

[urbanskywalker]

The MacBooks are already made of plastic. Do these people do anything other than predict based on the weather.

"The new MacBooks will be slimmer, might have exteriors made of plastic instead of aluminum and could also have a newly designed keyboards, said Mike Olson, an analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co."

[Stang68]

Well, what about MacBook Pros?? Does this mean they'll see an update before this event?

[dasikes]

Well, what about MacBook Pros?? Does this mean they'll see an update before this event?

No. If they do get an update, it'll be along side this one, I'd bet.

Nice Avatar, btw :D

[Donkeyfart]

How much do you think I can sell my Macbook Combo Drive 12" in a year for this?

Also, will superdrive become standard?

[scotty56]

I wonder if the pricing will stay the same? Also, what the speeds will be for all three computers..

[Eric S.]

Is there anything new here?

[stuff4dave]

Analyst Mike Olson predicts that the iPod Touch will be tweaked to resemble Apple's new iPhone 3G and also raises the possibility of price drops and/or capacity increases.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/ipod-touch-and-macbook-updates-for-september/)

Then I suppose we might soon be hearing about plastic backs and cracks in the casing of the new ipod Touches as well. I suspect, depending on the desirability of the features in the updated Touch, that refurbs of the 1st gen Touch will be a hot commodity after the update if they use the same plastic as in the iphone 3g.

[dasikes]

I wonder if the pricing will stay the same? Also, what the speeds will be for all three computers..

There are actually some rumors indicating that Apple may go back to iBook pricing, ie starting at $999. I don't have a clue how credible that is, but that'd be nice :D

[johnnyjibbs]

Why would the MacBook move to the new Intel processor platform before MacBook Pro? I vote for MBP updates also.

[motulist]

Here's another thread that shows unverified pictures of the alleged new macbook that are different pictures than the ones linked to in the OP above.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6022833

[11800506]

Here's another thread that shows unverified pictures of the alleged new macbook that are different pictures than the ones linked to in the OP above.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6022833

Those pictures are probably fake though

[arn]

The MacBooks are already made of plastic. Do these people do anything other than predict based on the weather.

"The new MacBooks will be slimmer, might have exteriors made of plastic instead of aluminum and could also have a newly designed keyboards, said Mike Olson, an analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co."

hmm... i'm going to guess this was just misreported on IDG.

arn

[isoceles]

No new MacBook Pro? I could care less about the MacBook. I'm waiting to hear about a real laptop. :P Just kidding MacBook owners. I'm excited to see what they do for you guys, but the Pro is due for an overhaul as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[brn2ski00]

iPod Touch will definitely have the 3G plastic backing...

[bigmc6000]

Now that could get me off the bench (3.5 year old 12" PB) and should address most of my concerns

1) I don't play hard core games so I don't really care if doesn't have a dedicated card but it better be able to play 100-200MB games without any lag
2) I'm not going to buy a plastic computer
3) I, sadly, don't have the cash to buy a 2k+ MBP. I can see dropping 1200-1300 but that extra 700+ is the stickler...

I'm just guessing here but I think there's a fair number of people with the same scenario (not the 12" PB but the 1-3 list)

[bigmc6000]

iPod Touch will definitely have the 3G plastic backing...

Considering the only wireless they need to put in there is the Wi-Fi there just wouldn't be any reason for that. Also, I sure as heck hope they wouldn't do that - the new iPhone looks cheap enough - please maintain some level of style and quality!

[brn2ski00]

Considering the only wireless they need to put in there is the Wi-Fi there just wouldn't be any reason for that. Also, I sure as heck hope they wouldn't do that - the new iPhone looks cheap enough - please maintain some level of style and quality!

I bet my iMac on it!

Reasons:

Wi-Fi will have far better reception. My Aluminum iMac doesn't get nearly as good reception as my wife's iBook G4.

The plastic back is cheaper to manufacture.

Apple will also want to keep some sort of consistency across their devices.

[iMacmatician]

More of the Same…

Can we get some NEWS (New Stuff)? If this is how analysts get reliability records then I'm not impressed.

Olson also points to slimmer MacBooks which could also have newly designed keyboards.Hmmm. Either misrepresented (MacBook Pro) or they know something we don't…

And just because the analyst says iPod touch and MacBook doesn't mean we won't see other products unveiled at the event.

When are Apple's September announcements usually? (as in early, mid, late, the 17th at 2:00 PM, etc.)The last few have been in the first half of September.

[CWallace]

Well the analysts are smelling blood in the water so it must be getting close to update time.

Interesting that some say the new MacBooks will use Montevina while others say they will move to nVidia's new mobile chipset.

Since this is nVidia's first mobile chipset, I tend to think Apple won't launch it and instead will use Intel's Montevina.

[dasikes]

Apple will also want to keep some sort of consistency across their devices.

Which is precisely why Apple WON'T give the Touch a plastic back. It's NOT a low-end iPhone; it's a premium iPod. And every iPod has the same backing (except the Shuffle, of course)

[bigmc6000]

Which is precisely why Apple WON'T give the Touch a plastic back. It's NOT a low-end iPhone; it's a premium iPod. And every iPod has the same backing (except the Shuffle, of course)

Not only that but Apple is moving everything to metal - even the MBs are going metal. I've never had a reception problem with my PB since they put those tiny little plastic areas on the lid. The only reason for the plastic on the iPhone was to fit all that hardware into such a small space they couldn't continue to put it all at the bottom of the phone. I'm sure Apple would have preferred to maintain the metal back as it is more "professional" and, dear ol' Al would be happy about this, environmentally "friendly."

[karlfranz]

It would be nice if they added speakers to the iPod Touch as they have on the iPhone. I know several people who don't want an iPhone but won't buy the Touch because they don't want to use headphones all the time. This would be really handy when playing games. The main reason I doubt they would do this though is that it would make a newer Touch thicker than the current model and Apple never likes to go bigger.

Also, would be great to have Wifi 802.11N on the Touch, but I suspect it's too much of a battery drain right now.

Finally, it would be cool to stream my video podcasts to my iPhone or an iPod Touch without having to download it to the device first. That way I can watch my podcasts anywhere in my house, or (even better) anywhere through an Internet connection without eating up storage on my portable device.

[johata3]

It says Macbooks but this is also refering to the Macbook Pros, right? My bad for asking this question.

[tkiss]

Good, so it looks like I will be able to play Spore with a even better (but still not great) video card. But I realllllllllllllllllllllllllly hope they don't change the keyboard. I love the current keyboard.

[twoodcc]

well, it looks like it should be a nice september, to say the least

[barkomatic]

Which is precisely why Apple WON'T give the Touch a plastic back. It's NOT a low-end iPhone; it's a premium iPod. And every iPod has the same backing (except the Shuffle, of course)

Hey! watch it with the "low-end" iphone comments! :) I thought the reason Apple went with plastic for the iphone was to improve reception. Not that its really helped but that was the official justification I believe.

Betcha we will see a 64gig ipod which will put my 16gig iphone to shame. It will still have a metal back -- though perhaps it will have a brushed finish and will come in different colors.

[commander.data]

There going to introduce another new keyboard design? I thought the MacBook keyboard was already the "new" design that they've used on desktop keyboards and the MBA.

[uncclew]

stock is ripping for no reason (this must be it....maybe people waking up...) this has been out though since June... weird.

Stock's also ripping because JPM analyst reinforced $225 price target this morning.

[NiroNavro]

I really hope that they put a new backing on the iPod touch to make it look like the iPhone. For one, the back on my current iPod touch is scratched to all hell. For two, with that much extra room...couldn't they add a hard drive to it and offer more storage that way since flash is so expensive?

Sure there are cracks in the plastic but they could've improved it by now. Even if they didn't, it would still be better than all of the scratches in my chrome iPod touch. Plus I really like the new backing and it offers options for colors...like a product (RED) iPod touch, which I really want.

Also, any chance of another iMac update before the year's end?

[dasikes]

Hey! watch it with the "low-end" iphone comments! :)

Haha. Don't worry. I love my Touch :D I think it looks and feels way better than any iPhone out there. I just don't know if I could let go of it if I got an iPhone :(

Betcha we will see a 64gig ipod which will put my 16gig iphone to shame.

There's a lot of threads debating this. The argument is that 64GB flash drives are just not cost efficient enough for this to happen. I tend to believe that.

I really hope that they put a new backing on the iPod touch to make it look like the iPhone. For one, the back on my current iPod touch is scratched to all hell. For two, with that much extra room...couldn't they add a hard drive to it and offer more storage that way since flash is so expensive?

All good points, but I still don't think it'll happen. The scratching has been a problem for iPod generations, and they still haven't fixed it. Maybe, though.

The extra room comment is a good point! But that would add so much thickness to the Touch... I personally like the thin factor.

[phalewhale]

Couldn't this simply have been an update to the earlier story (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/september-event-to-introduce-ipod-updates-and-more/)?

[zedsdead]

There going to introduce another new keyboard design? I thought the MacBook keyboard was already the "new" design that they've used on desktop keyboards and the MBA.

This is likely what was meant by update, simply using the illuminated MBA keyboard in the Macbook. Makes sense, since Jobs stated that it was the best keyboard they ever made...and I agree. I want it for my iMac now instead of the white which simply does not match the Aluminum iMac.

[bigmc6000]

Sure there are cracks in the plastic but they could've improved it by now. Even if they didn't, it would still be better than all of the scratches in my chrome iPod touch. Plus I really like the new backing and it offers options for colors...like a product (RED) iPod touch, which I really want.


You do know they have a multitude of colors for the Nano right? Anodized Aluminum vs Plastic doesn't really have any bearing on ease of coloring. If anything I'd expect them to make it out of the anodized aluminum of the old (read: "cool retro") iPhone and allow for an array of colors (probably 4 or 5) with the rim matching the back face and, possibly, the home button matching the color as well although I'm not too sure how good that would look. Also look for a Product (RED) touch either with this announcement or just before Christmas to add to the repertoire. Oh - and 1 more thing - double storage in all iPods. Looking at Creatives newest player they are offering a 32GB beast for only $279 - Apple needs to do something about that even if the experience on that is crap it's still insanely cheap compared to the Touch.

One more thing to consider - the fiscal quarter ends September 30 so whatever they are going to unveil has to have a margin of, around, 23-27% in order to do the damage to the over-all numbers that Opp was talking about...

[pimentoLoaf]

3ghz laptops with 1ghz bus speeds?

:eek:

Beats the hell outta my antique 1.33ghz/167mhz PowerBook G4 from 2003.

Time to upgrade! :cool:

[motulist]

Those pictures are probably fake though

What are you basing you opinion on? They seem plausible to me and many of the people posting in that thread. I'm not saying they definitely are real, but they're certainly plausible.

[Shop]

There going to introduce another new keyboard design? I thought the MacBook keyboard was already the "new" design that they've used on desktop keyboards and the MBA.

It would be too cool if they made it spill-proof :)

[Shackler]

Couldn't this simply have been an update to the earlier story (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/september-event-to-introduce-ipod-updates-and-more/)?

Yeah i think so too. Just reinforces what we already know.

[gcmexico]

sweet I'm in line for a new itouch!

[DaBrain]

There going to introduce another new keyboard design? I thought the MacBook keyboard was already the "new" design that they've used on desktop keyboards and the MBA.

A Back lit Keyboard would be nice! ;)

[Donz0r]

it'll happen AFTER the IPOD TOUCH deal is over.

so at least end of september to early october.

Not necessarily, last year they updated about 2 weeks before the end of the free ipod deal.

[morespce54]

enough!
I want my new MB now!!! ;)

[digitalbiker]

I've never had a reception problem with my PB since they put those tiny little plastic areas on the lid. The only reason for the plastic on the iPhone was to fit all that hardware into such a small space they couldn't continue to put it all at the bottom of the phone. I'm sure Apple would have preferred to maintain the metal back as it is more "professional"

Not true!

Apple went to plastic on the iphone for better reception. The AL PB's and MBP's are two of the worst laptops on the market for wi-fi reception. The plastic MB gets about 1 1/2 times farther reception of wi-fi than the MBP.

I have a new iphone 2.0 and my wife has an iphone 1.0. Her old model looks so big clunky and old compared to the new iphone 2.0, it's like comparing an edsel to a ferrari.

I also consistently get more bars and better reception than her at the same location.

[swarmster]

Apple, please don't strangle the Macbook with Intel's worthless video again! Well, unless they're putting out a $500 version to compete with similarly specced $400 PC laptops.

I really hope they get under $1000 with this revision, in any case. And I don't just mean $999. Having a low-end laptop that's 3x the price of a low-end PC (these "low-end" PCs still have dual-core, multiple gigs of RAM, and DVD burners) is starting to look a little silly.

[iOrlando]

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

A new analyst report from Piper Jaffray claims (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/149688/new_ipod_touch_and_macbooks_coming_soon_analysts_say.html) that Apple's September announcement will reveal a new iPod Touch and new MacBooks.

Analyst Mike Olson predicts that the iPod Touch will be tweaked to resemble Apple's new iPhone 3G and also raises the possibility of price drops and/or capacity increases. Recent Firmware hints (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/29/firmware-hints-at-new-ipod-touch/) have suggested the iPod Touch could see feature upgrades as well. The expectation of a new iPod Touch is also consistent (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/september-event-to-introduce-ipod-updates-and-more/) with whispers we've heard.

Olson also points to slimmer MacBooks which could also have newly designed keyboards. This prediction may have been inspired by circulating rumors and photos (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/04/leaked-aluminum-macbook-case/) depicting an aluminum MacBook. Apple has been rumored (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/07/apple-notebooks-to-see-major-design-changes/) to be introducing "major design changes" to their notebook computers this fall.

Apple's choice of processors for a new MacBook revision will certainly be Intel's upgraded Penryn (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/14/intel-announces-centrino-2-montevina/) processors which were introduced alongside the Montevina platform in July. The latest Intel processors boost processor speeds up to 3.06GHz and also increase bus speeds to 1066MHz (from 800MHz). The new MacBooks will likely also benefit from upgraded integrated graphics with the GMA X4500. The GMA X4500 benchmarks (http://www.notebookjournal.de/praxis/79/2) significantly faster than the GMA X3100 found in current MacBooks. While there has been some talk that Apple will migrate to a 3rd party chipset (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/28/apple-to-adopt-alternative-chipsets-for-next-laptops/), the implications of such a move remain unclear.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/ipod-touch-and-macbook-updates-for-september/)



hey arnold,

Is this Mike Olson new? Gene is the analyst at Piper...I'm wondering who Mike Olson at Piper is. Gene came out last week saying new products are expected...so why would someone else at Piper say the same thing. i'm confused.

[faffoo]

Also, any chance of another iMac update before the year's end?

Same question. I am going to be buying a 24" iMac at christmas.

Do you guys think there will be a iMac update before christmas.

The buyers guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/) says 'mid product cycle' for imac

[ipo]

iPod Touch will definitely have the 3G plastic backing...

What makes you think so ?
The iPhone 3G has ,..well 3G and GPS and it needs good reception and it has more antenas to pack in, so there goes the plastic... so what should force apple to turn the back panels of the ipod Touch plastic ??
:confused:

[Bubba Satori]

Apple, please don't strangle the Macbook with Intel's worthless video again! Well, unless they're putting out a $500 version to compete with similarly specced $400 PC laptops.

I really hope they get under $1000 with this revision, in any case. And I don't just mean $999. Having a low-end laptop that's 3x the price of a low-end PC (these "low-end" PCs still have dual-core, multiple gigs of RAM, and DVD burners) is starting to look a little silly.

+1

An OSX/style tax of $50-$100 is reasonable enough. $1K budget laptops are a 3 year old phenomenon.

[arctic]

iPod touch will get new features and case refresh but retain 32gb capacity. Cheaper pricing. It'll recieve capacity bumps late January together with 32gb iPhones.

The regular Macbook name will be dropped. We'll see all alu 13" 2.6ghz entry level MBP with competitive pricing, while 15" and 17" MBPs recieve premium specs. All Centrino2 (Montevina). I'm quite skeptical Apple will unleash 3.06 ghz yet since the figures will go down again with the i7 next year. Backlit keyboards, led, new iLife and iWork, storage upto 500gb for the flagships, better power efficiency and graphics cards, thinner but no SSD or blu-ray support yet. New Cinema Display updates.

BTS ends at Sept 15 so my guess would be Sept. 23.

Oh and one more thing, new Minis utilizing Penryns at usual pricing. :D

[elgrecomac]

Apple is all about hype and spin. First it is MWSF, the iPhone announcements, then fall announcements for laptops, then it back to MWSF...and so the cycle never ends. Steve appears, the fans go crazy--(I've seen the MWSF videos) and then we wait for the summer and fall announcements.

Don't get me wrong, there are products, and good ones at that, but the hype and spin is such bovine-scat: no other word for it. And the Mac loyalists eat this bovine scat up. Now lets look at the announcements: the MacBook Air - innovative but geared for a niche market and not a big selling item so I've been told; the 3G iphone - nice but just a much needed upgrade over last year's model (new and improved?(!)) and now the 9 month overdue laptops that will miss the back to school period. Everything is a secret to build hype and the crowd eats it up.

Interesting, the one product that WAS NOT a 'secret' and is hand down Apple's best one (ever(?)): Mac OS X and it's evolution to Snow Leopard.

Hey everyone, don't you feel manipulated and, maybe, just maybe, a bit foolish acting this way?
:eek:

--------------------

[bigmc6000]

Not true!

Apple went to plastic on the iphone for better reception. The AL PB's and MBP's are two of the worst laptops on the market for wi-fi reception. The plastic MB gets about 1 1/2 times farther reception of wi-fi than the MBP.

I have a new iphone 2.0 and my wife has an iphone 1.0. Her old model looks so big clunky and old compared to the new iphone 2.0, it's like comparing an edsel to a ferrari.

I also consistently get more bars and better reception than her at the same location.

We're making the same argument...

They went with plastic across the whole back for reception yes but the original iPhone had, as you well know, plastic at the bottom for reception. The only problem with the new one is that there are too many/too big components that need reception for them to fit all of them in the tiny plastic part at the bottom (while maintaining the "thinness"). So rather than make it half plastic and half aluminum they went with all plastic and spread the receiving components across the entire body.

Also, I'm glad you like your new iPhone but I've seen the new one, held the new one and I prefer mine any day over that plastic thing. I've never had reception problems on my phone or my PB so it doesn't really matter if doesn't pick up a wi-fi signal from an ultra long distance as I don't find myself sitting three stores down from a Starbucks trying to get on their Wi-Fi. All I care is if it works at my house and, occasionally, at the airports and I've never had that problem at all.

I think that has to be one of the most over-rated features out there. Oh yay, my Wi-Fi can work 1/4 mile away. Do you ever walk a 1/4 mile away from your router to surf the web? If you do then you must have 1 big @ss house...

[ipo]

More of the Same…

Can we get some NEWS (New Stuff)? If this is how analysts get reliability records then I'm not impressed.

Hmmm. Either misrepresented (MacBook Pro) or they know something we don't…

And just because the analyst says iPod touch and MacBook doesn't mean we won't see other products unveiled at the event.

The last few have been in the first half of September.

the MBP NEEDS an upgrade ...desperately - a whole year++ has passed and the only thing was the processor upgrade + touchpad upgrade(a little one- the AIR has smth better ...ahead of the pro !??!) so ...

PLEEEASE As Soon As Possible !! (the first days of September )

[kabunaru]

I am 99.9% certain that the new MacBooks will be aluminium.

[wonderkid]

Hi, as friends and family can confirm, and I can prove anytime in person, if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium, from the 12" PowerBook to the keyboard on the MacBook Air, within minutes, my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive. After a few days, it will crack and bleed from the cracks, taking about a week or two to recover. I have researched this online and found a few references. Some believe it could be a coating used on Apple's aluminium products - even including the new Apple keyboard sold with the new iMacs.

For the last two years, since parting with my 12" PowerBook, I have used a MacBook and am currently using a lovely Mac Mini with a plastic 3rd party keyboard as a go between until the new MacBooks arrive.

My question is this: If the new MacBooks are what I am after (light, compact and at least as powerful as my former 2GHz MacBook) but made from aluminium, what are those of us alergic to aluminium Apple products going to do? Who else suffers from this condition? (I do plan to contact Apple on this at some point.) *Aloominum to those the other side of the Atlantic! :-)

[Clayne]

I'd rather have scratches on a sturdy metal iPod touch, than have cracks and feel like it's falling apart.

But my main focus is this damn Macbook. I'm tired of this.

[BeyondtheTech]

I'm really sick and tired of these so-called analysts. They're probably rehashing information they've read here and other blog sites, then try to put their spin on it as if they're going out on a limb or they're the first to announce it.

I remember a previous declaration of "50/50 chance of an update" in a previous news article... Now, that's confidence!

He probably heard of the previous references to the "1,2" and "1,1" in the new firmware releases, so it's easy for someone to now speak of a likely update to the iPod touch. And with all those spy shots of enclosures, a pre-teen fanboy would have come up with the same conclusions.

[Yixian]

WTF what about the PRO?! :(

[Insulin Junkie]

A Back lit Keyboard would be nice! ;)

God yeah, that'd be nice. Means I could finally use it in the dark too :)

[motulist]

if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium... my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive.

Well whadda ya know, ya learn something new everyday.

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&pwst=1&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=aluminum+allergy&spell=1

[PeterQC]

if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium, from the 12" PowerBook to the keyboard on the MacBook Air, within minutes, my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive. After a few days, it will crack and bleed from the cracks, taking about a week or two to recover.

Or you know, you might be allergic to aluminium. Had a friend who had the same problem, not with Apple product, but most of the metals (Aluminium, steel, etc.). You should try to hold something made out of aluminium sold by another company see if it do the same thing.

[bigmc6000]

Hi, as friends and family can confirm, and I can prove anytime in person, if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium, from the 12" PowerBook to the keyboard on the MacBook Air, within minutes, my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive. After a few days, it will crack and bleed from the cracks, taking about a week or two to recover. I have researched this online and found a few references. Some believe it could be a coating used on Apple's aluminium products - even including the new Apple keyboard sold with the new iMacs.

For the last two years, since parting with my 12" PowerBook, I have used a MacBook and am currently using a lovely Mac Mini with a plastic 3rd party keyboard as a go between until the new MacBooks arrive.

My question is this: If the new MacBooks are what I am after (light, compact and at least as powerful as my former 2GHz MacBook) but made from aluminium, what are those of us alergic to aluminium Apple products going to do? Who else suffers from this condition? (I do plan to contact Apple on this at some point.) *Aloominum to those the other side of the Atlantic! :-)

As you said I'm pretty sure it's the coating but I don't think Apple is going to change that -the only thing I could suggest would be to get a clear plastic cover for the places you're putting your hands - just be sure not to cover up any of the places that are primary heat dissipation points.

[jade]

I am hoping for aluminum on the macbooks. I have debated going MBP to replace my ibook G4. I could not justify going with an MBP with the latch for closing, it feels like there have been impending updates for years now. I like metal. Sick of plastic. But in reality I don't doing anything special, so the $700 upgrade isn't really necessary maybe I'll be lucky. Hopefully updates come soon. I am itching for a new notebook and an updated iPod Touch!

It looks like updates are coming really soon. Hopefully I can hold out.

[DaBrain]

God yeah, that'd be nice. Means I could finally use it in the dark too :)

Yep and I sure hope they come out with the LED back lit display too! ;):D

[optophobia]

No new MacBook Pro? I could care less about the MacBook. I'm waiting to hear about a real laptop. :P Just kidding MacBook owners. I'm excited to see what they do for you guys, but the Pro is due for an overhaul as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I don't believe you. I think you couldn't care less....;)

[DaBrain]

Or you know, you might be allergic to aluminium. Had a friend who had the same problem, not with Apple product, but most of the metals (Aluminium, steel, etc.). You should try to hold something made out of aluminium sold by another company see if it do the same thing.

It might be a pain in the arse, but you could always use those disposable cheap latex gloves and perhaps cut some of the top half off or puncture the top half so your skin can breathe and not get all sweaty? Just a thought.

[iTeen]

The second I see a updated iPod Touch...I am placing my order.

[Orlandooo]

PRO, please :|

[mlmorg]

The second I see a updated iPod Touch...I am placing my order.

Oh I see what you did there

[137489]

Bah - bought my macbook in April
bought my wife a mini two weeks ago

What I am looking for now is a sub-$1000 tablet for school (I only need it for 1 or 2 apps).

I bought a livescribe pen and I love it. however, it only works on XP and vista. The native mac client will not be out until the end of the year and then it will be a beta. Found out the hardway like everyone else that the livescribe will not work in Parallels, VM, or Crossover. It is only certified for Xp, Vista or those running through boot camp on a mac. I do not own any Windows machines now that my Dell died (except a work PC).

and since I am already running parallels, and have everything loaded on my mac - I really do not want to have to partition the hard drive and start over loading all my mac stuff and the little windows stuff I have left.

sigh......

And I really do not want to go out and buy some cheap-o windows laptop just for livescribe and word.

if there was only an inexpensive way to have my live scribe... All I want to do is use it as my tablet, and then transfer those images into Circus Ponies. Would be nice if I could transfer the audo too, but I would just be glad for the imaged pages right now and I could go back and listen to the missed audio to write down what it said.

[Chic0]

I'm really sick and tired of these so-called analysts. They're probably rehashing information they've read here and other blog sites, then try to put their spin on it as if they're going out on a limb or they're the first to announce it.

I remember a previous declaration of "50/50 chance of an update" in a previous news article... Now, that's confidence!

He probably heard of the previous references to the "1,2" and "1,1" in the new firmware releases, so it's easy for someone to now speak of a likely update to the iPod touch. And with all those spy shots of enclosures, a pre-teen fanboy would have come up with the same conclusions.

exactly what I was gonna write......

[rushmere]

Not true!

..... it's like comparing an edsel to a ferrari.....



Oh dear. I love the Edsel! :eek:

[schubes]

enough!
I want my new MB now!!! ;)

Ditto

[Brien]

I still don't get why Apple would move the MacBook over to an aluminum chassis.

Before the Intel transition, Apple had very clear delineations in it's product lines; Consumer products had an 'i' prefix and were clad in shiny white plastic, and professional products had a 'Power' prefix and had aluminum bodies.

Since doing away with the i and Power monikers (except the iMac, but I suppose that's only because of the namebrand recognition), we've seen things gradually move from plastic to aluminum (except oddly the iPhone, that went in the opposite direction, go figure).

If all 3 of the notebooks are aluminum it's going to be hard to distinguish the pro lines, unless we're going to see a complete redesign of the Mac Pro as well as the MBP and them move to a case material/color other than aluminum... black anodized? Carbon fiber? It's already been proven people will pay more for a different color (I have a a BlackBook, I should know).

[clu10]

The MacBooks are already made of plastic. Do these people do anything other than predict based on the weather.

"The new MacBooks will be slimmer, might have exteriors made of plastic instead of aluminum and could also have a newly designed keyboards, said Mike Olson, an analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co."

that was a misquote from the orginal article. C-MON PPL STEVE JOBS SAID ALL THE MAC WILL BE ALUMINUM BEFORE 2009, HE SAID IT. WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL WILLING TO ARGUE HIM TO THE GROUND ABOUT IT

[clu10]

I still don't get why Apple would move the MacBook over to an aluminum chassis.

Before the Intel transition, Apple had very clear delineations in it's product lines; Consumer products had an 'i' prefix and were clad in shiny white plastic, and professional products had a 'Power' prefix and had aluminum bodies.

Since doing away with the i and Power monikers (except the iMac, but I suppose that's only because of the namebrand recognition), we've seen things gradually move from plastic to aluminum (except oddly the iPhone, that went in the opposite direction, go figure).

If all 3 of the notebooks are aluminum it's going to be hard to distinguish the pro lines, unless we're going to see a complete redesign of the Mac Pro as well as the MBP and them move to a case material/color other than aluminum... black anodized? Carbon fiber? It's already been proven people will pay more for a different color (I have a a BlackBook, I should know).
APPLE IS TRYING TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY

[Shot22]

that was a misquote from the orginal article. C-MON PPL STEVE JOBS SAID ALL THE MAC WILL BE ALUMINUM BEFORE 2009, HE SAID IT. WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL WILLING TO ARGUE HIM TO THE GROUND ABOUT IT

Thank you. Really. That needed to be said.

[isoceles]

Hi, as friends and family can confirm, and I can prove anytime in person, if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium, from the 12" PowerBook to the keyboard on the MacBook Air, within minutes, my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive. After a few days, it will crack and bleed from the cracks, taking about a week or two to recover. I have researched this online and found a few references. Some believe it could be a coating used on Apple's aluminium products - even including the new Apple keyboard sold with the new iMacs.

For the last two years, since parting with my 12" PowerBook, I have used a MacBook and am currently using a lovely Mac Mini with a plastic 3rd party keyboard as a go between until the new MacBooks arrive.

My question is this: If the new MacBooks are what I am after (light, compact and at least as powerful as my former 2GHz MacBook) but made from aluminium, what are those of us alergic to aluminium Apple products going to do? Who else suffers from this condition? (I do plan to contact Apple on this at some point.) *Aloominum to those the other side of the Atlantic! :-)

Wear gloves.

[clu10]

Hi, as friends and family can confirm, and I can prove anytime in person, if I touch ANY Apple product made from aluminium, from the 12" PowerBook to the keyboard on the MacBook Air, within minutes, my skin will feel dry and begin to feel sensitive. After a few days, it will crack and bleed from the cracks, taking about a week or two to recover. I have researched this online and found a few references. Some believe it could be a coating used on Apple's aluminium products - even including the new Apple keyboard sold with the new iMacs.

For the last two years, since parting with my 12" PowerBook, I have used a MacBook and am currently using a lovely Mac Mini with a plastic 3rd party keyboard as a go between until the new MacBooks arrive.

My question is this: If the new MacBooks are what I am after (light, compact and at least as powerful as my former 2GHz MacBook) but made from aluminium, what are those of us alergic to aluminium Apple products going to do? Who else suffers from this condition? (I do plan to contact Apple on this at some point.) *Aloominum to those the other side of the Atlantic! :-)

NUMBER ONE, I JUST THINK YOUR BEING MELO-DRAMATIC, BUT IF YOU ARENT, IT IS PROBABLY LIKELY THERE GONNA USED THE PLASTIC CHICLET STYLE KEYBOARD FOR ALL THIER COMPUTERS, BUT THATS JUST MY GUESS, IM STILL JOE SMOE SITTING IN HIS BASEMENT

[iMacmatician]

Also, any chance of another iMac update before the year's end?It's possible. Apple could upgrade the CPU at least with a speed bump and a possible quad-core option.

But a safe bet would be early next year, then there'll be a bigger upgrade.

I still don't get why Apple would move the MacBook over to an aluminum chassis.I'll explain things.

Since doing away with the i and Power monikers (except the iMac, but I suppose that's only because of the namebrand recognition), we've seen things gradually move from plastic to aluminum (except oddly the iPhone, that went in the opposite direction, go figure).The iPhone switched to plastic for better wireless reception.

If all 3 of the notebooks are aluminum it's going to be hard to distinguish the pro lines, unless we're going to see a complete redesign of the Mac Pro as well as the MBP and them move to a case material/color other than aluminum... black anodized? Carbon fiber? It's already been proven people will pay more for a different color (I have a a BlackBook, I should know).
The MacBook Pro is likely to have a black keyboard while the MacBook is likely to have a white keyboard.
The MacBook Pro is likely to have an aluminum border around the display while the MacBook is likely to have a black border around the display.
The MacBook Pro has a bigger display than the MacBook.

It's true that the visual differences would be less now than in the PowerPC days, but maybe Apple's going to use greater component differentiation between the two laptop lines. It would then be reasonable to predict that there could be clear differences in CPU speed, RAM type (DDR2 vs. DDR3), hard drives (5400 RPM vs. 7200 RPM), graphics card (integrated vs. discrete), and maybe a number of other factors (I have a big wishlist here). These differences would further the MacBook Pro into the professional segment and the MacBook into the consumer segment. Looking at the price points of the iMacs and the Mac Pros, the MacBook may get cheaper while the MacBook Pro may get more expensive, increasing the component differentiation.

So what I'm thinking is, previously the two lines were distinguished by both looks and features, now they will be distinguished less with looks and more with features.

[Mtn Tamale]

I think we may be looking at a new iPod Touch with built in iChat Videoconferencing using a dedicated h.264 enc/dec chip.

Think about it. Apple is getting into the individually mobile networked communications game. AT&T's network is miserable and can't handle mass video comms anytime soon. I work in that industry (building Wireless networks). But Apple could start by only offering video over Wifi in a "test" appliance like the iPod Touch. A standalone chip could offer both better power consumption and compression speed. Also, to really think out of the box, imagine Apple making use of that patent where the screen is the camera so you could just look directly at the display and have a video chat.

Three years ago I forecast here in these forums that Apple would enter the Cell phone business soon. Now watch portable iPod iChat Videoconferencing happen.

[mcheng4]

I thought the whole reason MacBooks were changing to aluminum casings were because Apple had a whole Green thing going and then, all their laptops offered would be fully recycleable.

sooo...then what is the whole point of using plastic for 3G (changed from aluminum) and then now changing iTouch as well to plastic?

[isoceles]

I still don't get why Apple would move the MacBook over to an aluminum chassis.

Before the Intel transition, Apple had very clear delineations in it's product lines; Consumer products had an 'i' prefix and were clad in shiny white plastic, and professional products had a 'Power' prefix and had aluminum bodies.

Since doing away with the i and Power monikers (except the iMac, but I suppose that's only because of the namebrand recognition), we've seen things gradually move from plastic to aluminum (except oddly the iPhone, that went in the opposite direction, go figure).

If all 3 of the notebooks are aluminum it's going to be hard to distinguish the pro lines, unless we're going to see a complete redesign of the Mac Pro as well as the MBP and them move to a case material/color other than aluminum... black anodized? Carbon fiber? It's already been proven people will pay more for a different color (I have a a BlackBook, I should know).

I was just thinking the same thing. What if they changed the MacBook Pros to Carbon Fiber, Titanium, or maybe just make them an anodized black? There needs to be an aesthetic difference between consumer and pro lines.

That would be funny if the MacBooks were actually plastic with some aluminum colored spray paint. I know this would never happen. It was an amusing thought.

[digitalbiker]

Thank you. Really. That needed to be said.

It would have been better if he actually posted a link to that quote rather than using all caps in a large font.

I don't believe SJ said anything of the sort. All I remember him saying is that they would transition to greener products and led backlit screens by 2009. I don't remember him mentioning anything about all macs would be aluminum before 2009.

[alphaod]

September updates... that'll be a first.

[iMacmatician]

That would be funny if the MacBooks were actually plastic with some aluminum colored spray paint. I know this would never happen. It was an amusing thought.That's what I thought when I read this (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/04/17/apple_orders_aluminum_13_inch_macbook_shells_3g_iphone_chips.html).

Having signed a non-disclosure agreement with Apple, the worker was hesitant to respond to questions on the matter from fellow members of the discussion forum, but did initially let slip that the order was for traditional aluminum-colored casings only.The other interpretation of that would be the color is traditional grey aluminum, that is, no colored aluminum.

[IlliniDude]

ummm...

http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/08/12/apple-blogosphere-goes-nuts-product-rumors-chase-own-tail/?mod=yahoobarrons

[Yixian]

The MacBook Pro is likely to have an aluminum border around the display while the MacBook is likely to have a black border around the display.

Dude isn't it the other way around?

[FuuFuu]

ummm...

http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/08/12/apple-blogosphere-goes-nuts-product-rumors-chase-own-tail/?mod=yahoobarrons

served!

[iMacmatician]

Dude isn't it the other way around?Probably not, considering that the iMac has a black border and the MacBook Air (higher up in the pro/consumer ladder than the iMac) has an aluminum border.

[clu10]

C-MON PPL STEVE JOBS SAID ALL APPLE PRODUCTS WILL BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
AND HERE IS MY PROOF (http://www.apple.com/hotnews/agreenerapple/)
I LOVE BIG FONT, IT REALLY GETS A POINT ACROSS
AND THIS TOO
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/04/17/apple_orders_aluminum_13_inch_macbook_shells_3g_iphone_chips.html

[iMacmatician]

C-MON PPL STEVE JOBS SAID ALL APPLE PRODUCTS WILL BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
AND HERE IS MY PROOF (http://www.apple.com/hotnews/agreenerapple/)
I LOVE BIG FONT, IT REALLY GETS A POINT ACROSSCalm down. You don't need big font to get your point across, it just makes your post more annoying. Seriously. Stop with the big capitalized posts please.

Yeah, that's true, but where does it say Apple will use aluminum in all its product by the end of 2008?

[Eric S.]

C-MON PPL STEVE JOBS SAID ALL APPLE PRODUCTS WILL BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
AND HERE IS MY PROOF (http://www.apple.com/hotnews/agreenerapple/)
I LOVE BIG FONT, IT REALLY GETS A POINT ACROSS
AND THIS TOO
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/04/17/apple_orders_aluminum_13_inch_macbook_shells_3g_iphone_chips.html

I believe you. Anything that is said twice in REAL BIG LETTERS must be true.

[bretjohnson90]

Can we discuss when you think these updates will roll out. We've heard a lot of speculation, but it's looking impossible to time these things. I've been waiting all summer for updates and they just don't seem to come. Thankfully UCLA starts September 25th, but I don't know. Do you think I'll have enough time?

[dasikes]

Yeah, that's true, but where does it say Apple will use aluminum in all its product by the end of 2008?

I think this is it:

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.

It doesn't necessarily say aluminum. It just says it won't be using the PVC anymore.

But you're right: nothing in there says anything about switching all computers to aluminum. It seems like its going that way, granted (only one computer, the MacBook, still uses plastic), but its not really stated in that article.

[digitalbiker]

AND HERE IS MY PROOF (http://www.apple.com/hotnews/agreenerapple/)
I LOVE BIG FONT, IT REALLY GETS A POINT ACROSS
AND THIS TOO
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/04/17/apple_orders_aluminum_13_inch_macbook_shells_3g_iphone_chips.html

Still no quote that Jobs said "all macs will be aluminum by 2009". Sorry but posting in large font is annoying and it does not make your statement anymore correct.

[drb6]

It must be so fantastic to be an analyst these days. Just conservatively reiterate whats been said on blogs and tech sites for three months and call it an insight. And boom, you make a bazillion bucks, just like that!

I don't care what you may say, those guys are smart and I want that job! :cool:

[Rtb1]

the performance gap is so slim right now b/w MB and the MBP, that any upgrade to the macbook would make it better than the Pro. Apple would not do that.

i say at least, but not limited to:
aluminum macbook, better speakers in the MBP, both updated right after the back to school sale is over.

increased capacity and battery in ipod touch at the same time.

[branjosef]

Yeah.. I can't wait. I'll be like a paraplegic in a wheelchair store. It'll be greater than the great chicago fire. It will be more intense than billy banks 10 minutes intense ab focus workout. It'll be...etc etc etc :)

[branjosef]

Yeah then maybe they can start updating the macbook semi-pro. You know I feel like the flag ship laptop is becoming second fiddle to the macbook.

[bretjohnson90]

so you think that the updates will come right after the back to school sale goes off september 15th?

[sam10685]

When are Apple's September announcements usually? (as in early, mid, late, the 17th at 2:00 PM, etc.)

Calm down man... they're usually pretty random.

[farmboy]

Apple is all about hype and spin. First it is MWSF, the iPhone announcements, then fall announcements for laptops, then it back to MWSF...and so the cycle never ends. Steve appears, the fans go crazy--(I've seen the MWSF videos) and then we wait for the summer and fall announcements.

Don't get me wrong, there are products, and good ones at that, but the hype and spin is such bovine-scat: no other word for it. And the Mac loyalists eat this bovine scat up. Now lets look at the announcements: the MacBook Air - innovative but geared for a niche market and not a big selling item so I've been told; the 3G iphone - nice but just a much needed upgrade over last year's model (new and improved?(!)) and now the 9 month overdue laptops that will miss the back to school period. Everything is a secret to build hype and the crowd eats it up.

Interesting, the one product that WAS NOT a 'secret' and is hand down Apple's best one (ever(?)): Mac OS X and it's evolution to Snow Leopard.

Hey everyone, don't you feel manipulated and, maybe, just maybe, a bit foolish acting this way?
:eek:

--------------------

You should have noticed that Apple says very little...rumor sites add the hype and spin. For instance, the iPhone was announced in January, and then almost nothing from Apple for six months until its release. The hype wasn't theirs. And there wouldn't be any hype if Apple didn't deliver great products, because nobody would care.

As far as the MBA being a niche product, yes it is, and that's almost the definition of "not a big selling item"; it's selling as expected. As far as laptops being "overdue" by 9 months, since when does anyone's wishful thinking equal Apple's product release schedule?

[iMacmatician]

I think this is it:



It doesn't necessarily say aluminum. It just says it won't be using the PVC anymore.

But you're right: nothing in there says anything about switching all computers to aluminum. It seems like its going that way, granted (only one computer, the MacBook, still uses plastic), but its not really stated in that article.That's what I was thinking too, but I needed more solid evidence than that.

[clu10]

I think this is it:



It doesn't necessarily say aluminum. It just says it won't be using the PVC anymore.

But you're right: nothing in there says anything about switching all computers to aluminum. It seems like its going that way, granted (only one computer, the MacBook, still uses plastic), but its not really stated in that article.

wel than since no one can back me u here, i guess i might be wrong, but i strongly believe it will be aluminum, i mean all the rumors hint at it, but i supose ith just rumours. if im wrong i look like and idoit, but if i'm right i'm gonna pulll out BIG FONT and rubb it in, it's gonna be soooo annoying to y'all who said i was wrong

[clu10]

Interesting, the one product that WAS NOT a 'secret' and is hand down Apple's best one (ever(?)): Mac OS X and it's evolution to Snow Leopard.

Hey everyone, don't you feel manipulated and, maybe, just maybe, a bit foolish acting this way?
:eek:

--------------------

mainly, because every boddy knows theres gonna be a new os update coming, ther always is, it's never a maybe, and plus apple really cant keep it too secret seeing as they have to sent it to developers

[rowr]

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

Olson also points to slimmer MacBooks which could also have newly designed keyboards.
Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/ipod-touch-and-macbook-updates-for-september/) I hope they ditch the chiclet keyboards. I kick myself daily for not buying a Macbook Pro because the Macbook keyboard sucks. Same for the new keyboards for the iMac and Mac Pro. blaghghhgh

[kabunaru]

I hope they ditch the chiclet keyboards. I kick myself daily for not buying a Macbook Pro because the Macbook keyboard sucks. Same for the new keyboards for the iMac and Mac Pro. blaghghhgh

What keyboard do you want to have on the MacBook? iBook G4's?
Sure, I wouldn't mind that.

[iMacmatician]

wel than since no one can back me u here, i guess i might be wrong, but i strongly believe it will be aluminum, i mean all the rumors hint at it, but i supose ith just rumours. Yeah, many of us believe the next MacBooks will be aluminum, but where in the Steve Jobs letter did it say that?

if im wrong i look like and idoit, but if i'm right i'm gonna pulll out BIG FONT and rubb it in, it's gonna be soooo annoying to y'all who said i was wrongYes. Really annoying. Even more annoying than all the typos in this sentence. I would appreciate that you do not do so; we don't.

[Mal]

I think this is it:

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.

It doesn't necessarily say aluminum. It just says it won't be using the PVC anymore.

But you're right: nothing in there says anything about switching all computers to aluminum. It seems like its going that way, granted (only one computer, the MacBook, still uses plastic), but its not really stated in that article.

Aren't you forgetting something? Seems Apple is too (actually, I can kinda see why they haven't updated it, but by now it's about time): the Mac Mini. I can see it in aluminum as well, provided they can give it good airflow, so we very well might see an all-aluminum lineup soon. Of course, it could just be a different type of plastic.

I hope they ditch the chiclet keyboards. I kick myself daily for not buying a Macbook Pro because the Macbook keyboard sucks. Same for the new keyboards for the iMac and Mac Pro. blaghghhgh

I love the MacBook keyboard, I cringe every time I have to use a MBP. Considering the standalone keyboards are now "chiclet" as well, I think it's safe to say the MBP will probably follow with the next actual redesign. That may happen very soon, or it may take a little while.

jW

[apple101]

If there is plastic backs on the new iPod touch, no new iPod touch for me. I'd rather have the chrome.

[clu10]

Yes. Really annoying. Even more annoying than all the typos in this sentence. I would appreciate that you do not do so; we don't.

Hey, I admitted that I might be wrong, but do not patronize me. Just because I written a few typos doesn't give you the right to judge my intelligence, if you have any typos, I don't point them out like your stupid, If you disagree with something someone says, your suppose to discuss it, instead to making the other person feel stupid.

Geez!, Can't people just be nice anymore!

[jmadlena]

wel than since no one can back me u here, i guess i might be wrong, but i strongly believe it will be aluminum, i mean all the rumors hint at it, but i supose ith just rumours. if im wrong i look like and idoit, but if i'm right i'm gonna pulll out BIG FONT and rubb it in, it's gonna be soooo annoying to y'all who said i was wrong

It's not that we don't think Apple will be moving to all aluminium macs, just that we don't agree that there is 'proof' of it in anything Apple has released. You don't have grounds to rub it in; we just don't agree with everything you are saying.

[iMacmatician]

If you disagree with something someone says, your suppose to discuss it, instead to making the other person feel stupid.

Geez!, Can't people just be nice anymore!If you could stop it with the big capitalized posts that would be nice. And I phrased my reply wrong; I meant to say stop this:

if i'm right i'm gonna pulll out BIG FONT and rubb it in, it's gonna be soooo annoying to y'all who said i was wrongwhich is not nice at all.

[stainlessliquid]

They better bring something good. Dell just announced the new Precision laptops which have amazing specs and look better than anything Apple has ever come out with. The same old MBP case and disgusting quality screen isnt going to compete with the new Dells.

[iMacmatician]

They better bring something good. Dell just announced the new Precision laptops which have amazing specs and look better than anything Apple has ever come out with. The same old MBP case and disgusting quality screen isnt going to compete with the new Dells.I don't know how long 1" thickness, OS X, and "the best designed notebook ever, it's a classic design," will continue to sway prospective buyers when PCs are quickly catching up.

[clu10]

If you could stop it with the big capitalized posts that would be nice. And I phrased my reply wrong; I meant to say stop this:

which is not nice at all.

if you quoted the entire post, you could tell i was joking.and i wasn't trying patronize anyone, i was just annoyed how people just jump into a forum without reading previous post, so i figure i'd be annoying back. i didn't make anyone feel stupid, and if i did, i'm sorry

[wonderkid]

...as I have other things made from it, but will find out soon. Going to do some research and contact Apple.

Or you know, you might be allergic to aluminium. Had a friend who had the same problem, not with Apple product, but most of the metals (Aluminium, steel, etc.). You should try to hold something made out of aluminium sold by another company see if it do the same thing.

[clu10]

They better bring something good. Dell just announced the new Precision laptops which have amazing specs and look better than anything Apple has ever come out with.

thats because the dell is brand new, and the current macbooks are not. i mean c-mon, i hope you didnt expect they laptop not to exceed current or previous brands. like when people said the air looked better than any laptop pc makers ever made, untill a few months later when newer laptops can out, and why judge how good a computer is by it's looks, for my experience, i've learns that the coolness of the design dosent make a good computer.

same old MBP case and disgusting quality screen isnt going to compete with the new Dells.

wow disgusting screens? i always thought they where pretty decent screens, i didnt realise they where horrible.

EDIT:well i have to admit they are pretty, but i'd still prefer a macbook
(and the specks arent THAT amazing though they are a bump up, but again it's NEW technology)

[THX1139]

If they update the Macbook and NOT the Macbook Pro I'll certainly be disgusted with Apple. If that happens, I might as well consider buying the consumer Macbook because it will be just as powerful as the Pro not to mention it will be completely refreshed compared to the pro.

Another poster mentioned that Apple might do away with the Macbook and go with one laptop line. Interesting idea. They could with all aluminum like they currently offer in the proline... then go with an entry level product that has Macbook features; a middle ground laptop with separate gpu; a high-end with 17" screen and provision for 4 processors (bigger case with larger heatsink). If Apple carried 3 versions of the same laptop, they would be able to sell if for less and update the line more frequently. Each model could provide for more upgrade options beyond the base model like they currently offer. And because they offer only 3 models, the upgrade options can be more diverse than what the offer now.

[mciarlo]

Something I whipped up.

[docyoast]

What about :apple: using other colors of brushed aluminium instead of plain silvergrey? (I was thinking of dark blue or greyish black)

[dasikes]

Calm down man... they're usually pretty random.

Calm down? What was said that wasn't calm?

[iMacmatician]

If they update the Macbook and NOT the Macbook Pro I'll certainly be disgusted with Apple. If that happens, I might as well consider buying the consumer Macbook because it will be just as powerful as the Pro not to mention it will be completely refreshed compared to the pro.Not really, the MacBook will still lag in terms of specs, especially the GPU.

[dasikes]

Aren't you forgetting something? Seems Apple is too (actually, I can kinda see why they haven't updated it, but by now it's about time): the Mac Mini. I can see it in aluminum as well, provided they can give it good airflow, so we very well might see an all-aluminum lineup soon. Of course, it could just be a different type of plastic.

OOPS! You're totally right. I totally forgot about the Mac Mini. It's just so all-but-forgotten these days. Most Apple purchases aren't desktops, so its easy to forget about all of them :)

[jnc]

Some of you are on drugs

the MBP NEEDS an upgrade ...desperately - a whole year++ has passed and the only thing was the processor upgrade + touchpad upgrade

Oh, shush. One year ago the MBP maxed out at 2.4GHz, 256MB vRAM. Today, the entry level model carries those specs, plus an 80GB larger HD, multi-touch trackpad, and no change to the pricing structure.

tl;dr you can get a better MacBook Pro today at $1999 than you could under 6 months ago at $2499

Yep and I sure hope they come out with the LED back lit display too! ;):D

Right, so then it'd be a consumer Apple notebook with an alumium enclosure, LED backlighting and illuminated keyboard, ... how about a multi-touch trackpad, firewire 800, expresscard and a dedicated GPU for good measure... and all for $999, right?

Not really, the MacBook will still lag in terms of specs, especially the GPU.

No one ever seems to acknowledge stuff like that though; they seem to think that fitting the MacBook in aluminium will somehow mean they can bag themselves a MacBook Pro experience at a more budget concious pricepoint.

"Oh, they both run at 2.4GHz, same thing"

Everytime I hear someone on here fantasising about shoehorning MBP's various features into the MacBook (and retaining the pricetag) I wonder if they realise how silly they sound.


The regular Macbook name will be dropped.

It'll have to be, if it's to meet the lofty expectations of some of the guys here :confused::confused::confused:

[CWallace]

If they update the Macbook and NOT the Macbook Pro I'll certainly be disgusted with Apple.

I expect the MacBook to be upgraded before the Pro so as to take advantage of folks buying in preparation for returning to school. Also, I do not believe Apple normally launches multiple Mac product families at the same time.

However, the MBP will likely be upgraded within 30-60 days afterwards, so hopefully folks will exercise patience and not flood the forum in the interim with lambasting of Apple for not launching both families simultaneously.

[clu10]

Right, so then it'd be a consumer Apple notebook with an alumium enclosure, LED backlighting and illuminated keyboard, ... how about a multi-touch trackpad and a dedicated GPU for good measure... and all for $999, right?


MACBOOK PRO?

It'll have to be, if it's to meet the lofty expectations of some of the guys here :confused::confused::confused:

I SOOOO AGREE WITH THIS PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING THAT THE MACBOOK DOES HAVE SPECS THE THE PRO HAS,

WHY NOT JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY THE PRO

[paulshephard]

I SOOOO AGREE WITH THIS PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING THAT THE MACBOOK DOES HAVE SPECS THE THE PRO HAS,

WHY NOT JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY THE PRO

Because quite a few people, especially students, can't afford the Macbook Pro.
Yet the Macbook is actually relatively expensive when you compare it to other laptops curently on the market.
You can get laptops with the spec of a Macbook Pro for easily cheaper than a Macbook nowadays.

[jnc]

I SOOOO AGREE WITH THIS PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING THAT THE MACBOOK DOES HAVE SPECS THE THE PRO HAS,

WHY NOT JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY THE PRO

Because they can't afford it, and would rather spread speculation and hope some of it rubs off on Apple somehow, then magically, if they hold out for 6 months, these things will start materialising on a lowly $1099 MacBook.

Doesn't work though, or we'd have Blu-Ray 7 inch MacBooks with touch screens and glass trackpads by now, or whatever waffle is floating about on the rumournets these days.

You can get laptops with the spec of a Macbook Pro for easily cheaper than a Macbook nowadays.

Subsidy for bundled OS and software, aesthetics premium, closed pool of systems with unified hardware and software, robust worldwide support, superior user experience, still capable of running Windows ... you've heard it all, and you know why it is how it is, whether or not you particularly agree.

Everytime someone specs up a "comparable system" ... it's not a Mac. So it's NOT comparable, and I'll maintain that until I have a PC experience akin to that which made me switch to Mac in the first instance. Which I'm guessing won't be soon.

[paulshephard]

Because they can't afford it, and would rather spread speculation and hope some of it rubs off on Apple somehow, then magically, if they hold out for 6 months, these things will start materialising on a lowly $1099 MacBook.

Doesn't work though, or we'd have Blu-Ray 7 inch MacBooks with touch screens and glass trackpads by now, or whatever waffle is floating about on the rumournets these days.

I can understand that some requests are outlandish to slot into a Macbook, but somehow, the Macbook manages to be a relatively low-end laptop spec-wise, but high end price-wise in comparison to the rest of the laptop market.

[macsmurf]

Right, so then it'd be a consumer Apple notebook with an alumium enclosure, LED backlighting and illuminated keyboard, ... how about a multi-touch trackpad, firewire 800, expresscard and a dedicated GPU for good measure... and all for $999, right?


Even the $550 MSI Wind has LED backlighting. The Dell XPS M1330 has had LED as an option for more han a year. These days, it will cost you an extra $125.

[jnc]

I can understand that some requests are outlandish to slot into a Macbook, but somehow, the Macbook manages to be a relatively low-end laptop spec-wise, but high end price-wise in comparison to the rest of the laptop market.

Depending on who you ask, the MacBook is either "low-end" or "almost a MacBook Pro". Weird.

Even the $550 MSI Wind has LED backlighting. The Dell XPS M1330 has had LED as an option for more han a year. These days, it will cost you an extra $125.

We pretty much can take an educated guess LED's on the way, but stuff like illuminated keyboards (and even multi-touch, whether or not it eventually makes it to MacBook) are extravagances that aren't particularly required on an entry level system, I hope you'd agree.

If they can squash them into a MacBook at no extra cost, then sure, but that does blurs the line between the models and shorten the exclusive feature list of "higher end" products, so I'd hope they too either see new tweaks or their pricetags are lowered as a result.

[stainlessliquid]

thats because the dell is brand new, and the current macbooks are not. i mean c-mon, i hope you didnt expect they laptop not to exceed current or previous brands. like when people said the air looked better than any laptop pc makers ever made, untill a few months later when newer laptops can out, and why judge how good a computer is by it's looks, for my experience, i've learns that the coolness of the design dosent make a good computer.



wow disgusting screens? i always thought they where pretty decent screens, i didnt realise they where horrible.

EDIT:well i have to admit they are pretty, but i'd still prefer a macbook
(and the specks arent THAT amazing though they are a bump up, but again it's NEW technology)
Thats why I said they better bring something good. They havent significantly updated their macbooks since the PPC days. The new Precessions arent just looks anyways, they have specs never seen before in normal sized laptops, Im not sure why you consider the specs just a bump. If they retain the price of the current ones then they will be a force to be reckoned with among pros. Apple is going to have to really do something special.

And ya the MBP screens are really quite awful compared to PC screens, with the MB screens being some of the worst screens out of any laptop you can buy. They dont display millions of colors and just suck compared to the screens in similarly priced PC laptops. The screen in the Precision will be professional quality, the kind of color reproduction you would expect from a nice desktop monitor.

[Manic Mouse]

Because they can't afford it, and would rather spread speculation and hope some of it rubs off on Apple somehow, then magically, if they hold out for 6 months, these things will start materialising on a lowly $1099 MacBook.

And what about those of us who want a 13.3" with a dedicated GPU, and are quite prepared to pay for it?

I wish Apple would either release a 13.3" MBP or give the high end MB's an 8400 or whatever. Sure, keep the IGP in the base MB. But give us some choice on the higher-end Apple.

[macsmurf]

We pretty much can take an educated guess LED's on the way, but stuff like illuminated keyboards (and even multi-touch, whether or not it eventually makes it to MacBook) are extravagances that don't belong on an entry level system, I hope you'd agree.

The guy you responded to only mentioned LED. Illuminated keyboard does seem like a luxury. Multi-touch? I don't know. I'd like to have it, but it's not that important to me. LED is, though.

Then there's the combo drive, which is a bit ridiculous. Maybe they'll replace it with a 5 1/4" floppy drive in the new one for that authentic retro experience ;)

[jnc]

The guy you responded to only mentioned LED.

I know, but my quote he referenced mentioned some other stuff so I just covered that as well.

Thats why I said they better bring something good. They havent significantly updated their macbooks since the PPC days.

Again, what? A completely redesigned enclosure with in-line iSight, new keyboard, drops in weight and dimension, up to 4GB supported RAM, built-in Wifi and bluetooth across the range... resolution, GPU, processor and hard drive improvements.... what on earth are you going on about?

And what about those of us who want a 13.3" with a dedicated GPU, and are quite prepared to pay for it?

And what about those of us who want a 15.4" without a dedicated GPU? ;) You can't have it all your way.

[Bengt77]

If they update the Macbook and NOT the Macbook Pro I'll certainly be disgusted with Apple. If that happens, I might as well consider buying the consumer Macbook because it will be just as powerful as the Pro not to mention it will be completely refreshed compared to the pro.

Another poster mentioned that Apple might do away with the Macbook and go with one laptop line. Interesting idea. They could with all aluminum like they currently offer in the proline... then go with an entry level product that has Macbook features; a middle ground laptop with separate gpu; a high-end with 17" screen and provision for 4 processors (bigger case with larger heatsink). If Apple carried 3 versions of the same laptop, they would be able to sell if for less and update the line more frequently. Each model could provide for more upgrade options beyond the base model like they currently offer. And because they offer only 3 models, the upgrade options can be more diverse than what the offer now.
Sounds interesting. Would be excellent if they go this route. Spec the MacBook you want, the way you want it. Count me in.

[stainlessliquid]

Again, what? A completely redesigned enclosure with in-line iSight, new keyboard, drops in weight and dimension, up to 4GB supported RAM, built-in Wifi and bluetooth across the range... resolution, GPU, processor and hard drive improvements.... what on earth are you going on about?
I meant design wise. There have been very minor modifications, but nothing completely new. All those technical upgrades were just natural phases in computer evolution anyways.

[jnc]

I meant design wise. There have been very minor modifications, but nothing completely new. All the technical upgrades were just natural phases in computer evolution.

What exactly do you... expect? I say this because I see iBooks in my line of work every day, and they are VERY different in appearance to MacBooks

The larger trackpad, repositioned speakers, widescreen orientation, new magnetic closing mechanism and power port... the MB was a complete visual rehaul, I can't see how you can even dispute that...

[stainlessliquid]

A bigger redesign than this?
http://ant.sillydog.org/blog/pic/scheweppe_mpb02.jpg

And the macbooks are both plain white and have the same rounded corners and are pretty much the same from a distance. I think "VERY different" is one hell of an exageration. The MBP's are just identical.

this is a redesign
http://wwwcsif.cs.ucdavis.edu/~wongand/desk.jpg

or this
http://www.ezq.com/kit.jpg

[jnc]

A bigger redesign than this?
http://ant.sillydog.org/blog/pic/scheweppe_mpb02.jpg

And the macbooks are both plain white and have the same rounded corners and pretty much the same from a distance. I think "VERY different" is one hell of an exageration. The MBP's are just identical.

You're clutching at straws a bit now, we're talking about iBook to MacBook, not PowerBook to MacBook Pro. The MacBooks did see a total do-over at the Intel transition whereas the MacBook Pro was more subtle. But that was never my point, so heck knows why you brought it up.

Sit an iBook next to a MacBook and tell me you can't see anything different. You'd be lying if you did.

[kabunaru]

Sit an iBook next to a MacBook and tell me you can't see anything different. You'd be lying if you did.
I miss the old iBook G4 design. :(
Seriously, why did Apple have to re-design it when they transitioned to Intel?

[stainlessliquid]

I could definitely see things that are different, but I wouldnt exagerate it like you are by saying they are completely different which is just crazy. They still share the same idea and style, which is stale and looking very dated.

[branjosef]

Something I whipped up.

I like it.


Edit- Figures the photo wasn't carried over

[paulshephard]

What exactly do you... expect? I say this because I see iBooks in my line of work every day, and they are VERY different in appearance to MacBooks

The larger trackpad, repositioned speakers, widescreen orientation, new magnetic closing mechanism and power port... the MB was a complete visual rehaul, I can't see how you can even dispute that...

In all fairness, it was said that from a distance they look very similar, and that can't be disputed, because unfortunately they do.

[branjosef]

In all fairness, it was said that from a distance they look very similar, and that can't be disputed, because unfortunately they do.

Yep.

[jnc]

I could definitely see things that are different, but I wouldnt exagerate it like you are by saying they are completely different which is just crazy. They still share the same idea and style, which is stale and looking very dated.

Yes, they still fold in half, and have a screen and keyboard. This is pretty much essential for them to be classed as notebooks - there's not really that much room for change in that regard. :rolleyes:

In all fairness, it was said that from a distance they look very similar, and that can't be disputed, because unfortunately they do.

Yep.

They're different sizes, have a different thickness. Their screens are entirely different shapes. Open or shut, they have different characteristics if you're paying attention, down to the latches and hinges. Stuff like Magsafe and iSight (or a lack thereof) are dead giveaways. You would have to have really bad eyesight to not be able to distinguish one from the other,

This apparently can't be conveyed through words, so I've done a photo hunt which should hopefully put this all to rest. Pay better attention to product design, guys.

[snake101st]

The thing is, if youre not around these laptops all day every day (like you, apparently), you wont be able to tell the difference.

Really, stop arguing over this futile stuff, it is just showing how sparse rumors that come true are, and how ridiculous arguments over them are.

[paulshephard]

They're different sizes, have a different thickness. Their screens are entirely different shapes. Open or shut, they have different characteristics if you're paying attention, down to the latches and hinges. Stuff like Magsafe and iSight are dead giveaways. You would have to really bad eyesight to not be able to distinguish one from the other,

This apparently can't be conveyed through words, so I've done a photo hunt which should hopefully put this all to rest. Pay better attention to product design, guys.

The point of the entire discussion wasnt that they were not different, just that there hasnt been a major overhaul between the two, they are very similar looking.

The chances are, the new ones will be aluminium, which will be a lot more distinguishable.

[CWallace]

I can understand that some requests are outlandish to slot into a Macbook, but somehow, the Macbook manages to be a relatively low-end laptop spec-wise, but high end price-wise in comparison to the rest of the laptop market.

And yet Apple still sells them by the millions every year at tremendous profit...


And what about those of us who want a 13.3" with a dedicated GPU, and are quite prepared to pay for it?

I wish Apple would either release a 13.3" MBP or give the high end MB's an 8400 or whatever. Sure, keep the IGP in the base MB. But give us some choice on the higher-end Apple.

And yet, if the difference was a "Black Book" with an 8400GS at $1699 or the current MBP at $1999, when looking at a three year minimum usage period, wouldn't you really just get the MBP? Bigger screen. Better GPU. FW800. Standard, not Mini-DVI (so no dongle). Better keyboard (IMO). Not much more weight (I swear my 15" MBP feels lighter then my 13" MB). Better speakers.

I understand those who pine for the old 12" PowerBook, but Apple has decided that people bought it for the form factor, not the performance, and as such has given us the MacBook Air. They may very well have been wrong in that decision, but having made it, I really don't think we will see a 13.3" MacBook Pro (or said equivalent in the MacBook line) anytime soon...


The point of the entire discussion wasnt that they were not different, just that there hasnt been a major overhaul between the two, they are very similar looking.

And yet, having invested much time and energy in not only developing that "look" but then marketing it and driving it deep into the minds of the buying public, why would they want to totally discard it?

My friend whipped out his G4 MacBook Pro the other day and I thought it was an Intel unit like mine until I saw the plastic part on the LCD display that is not present on my unit...

I can fully understand why Apple has tried to keep their product lines looking as similar as possible for as long as possible to not just build, but to also maintain, brand awareness across product generations.

[paulshephard]

And yet Apple still sells them by the millions every year at tremendous profit...

It wasnt a dig at Apple or anything, just pointing out the obvious.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Macbook, and was more than happy to pay the excess :)

[paulshephard]

And yet, having invested much time and energy in not only developing that "look" but then marketing it and driving it deep into the minds of the buying public, why would they want to totally discard it?


Again, it wasnt a dig, I prefer my white Macbook to the aluminium, so I'd like to think they wouldnt change.

Unfortunately though, as much as they have got this image, things change, it won't stay static forever.
I remember when the white colour was symbolic of the iPod over any other mp3 player, look where that went....

[Eric S.]

Another poster mentioned that Apple might do away with the Macbook and go with one laptop line. Interesting idea. They could with all aluminum like they currently offer in the proline... then go with an entry level product that has Macbook features; a middle ground laptop with separate gpu; a high-end with 17" screen and provision for 4 processors (bigger case with larger heatsink). If Apple carried 3 versions of the same laptop, they would be able to sell if for less and update the line more frequently. Each model could provide for more upgrade options beyond the base model like they currently offer. And because they offer only 3 models, the upgrade options can be more diverse than what the offer now.

I don't think it matters whether they cal it by one name or two. They still need a lower-cost entry-level model, and a higher-price, higher performance model (or two). And by "lower-cost entry-level," I don't mean the MBA.

[Cpt. Morgan]

I hope to god that the computer just doesn't become thinner and faster. I want my third USB port, a few other ports, and dedicated graphics (although the GMX4500 is very able so I have heard). Plus a lower price tag...

But it won't happen. It will be made to be thinner, more stylish, a lil faster etc.
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:

[jnc]

The thing is, if youre not around these laptops all day every day (like you, apparently), you wont be able to tell the difference.

Yeah, you will. And I've shown how.

Really, stop arguing over this futile stuff

I'm done mate.

[mciarlo]

Updated my concept to be more in line with the 'leaked' case photos.

[paulshephard]

Updated my concept to be more in line with the 'leaked' case photos.

Very beautiful :)

This is the design change that the entire Macbook line will go to, it's inevitable.

[aafuss1]

A 3.06GHz MBP would be great, and will the mini get a silent refresh with a Centrino 2 chipset?

[jnc]

Updated my concept to be more in line with the 'leaked' case photos.

Yeah, I can see that. A thick MacBook Air with Pro functionality, ports and spec-wise.

Very beautiful :)

This is the design change that the entire Macbook line will go to, it's inevitable.

I'd wonder where this leaves the "Aluminium MacBook" speculation though. Just thicker still, with less ports? (and 13" of course).

If all ranges of MacBook begin looking quite uniform in this manner, there'd have to be noticeable extras in all areas of MacBook Pro/Air to warrant the additional cost. I pray the new MBPs have an interior refresh as impressive too. OP's got maglatch in that mockup there, let's hope for a larger trackpad, user-accesible HD bay, perhaps a higher resolution at least as an option on the 15"s... and maybe to shed some weight if at all possible.

Same for MacBook Air, either go smaller/lighter, or offer more. The SSD model's already had a price crash, maybe the entry level could see one too, or an increase in the processor/battery performance (without undervolting), increases in stock HD rpm/capacity/both....

[paulshephard]

Yeah, I can see that. A thick MacBook Air with Pro functionality, ports and spec-wise. I'd wonder where this leaves the "Aluminium MacBook" speculation though. Just thicker still, with less ports? (and 13" of course)

I pray the new MBPs have an interior refresh as impressive too. You've got maglatch in there, let's hope for a larger trackpad, user-accesible HD bay, perhaps a higher resolution at least as an option on the 15"s...

Yeh I think that's the way forward with the Macbook.
Chances are, Apple are going to just make the whole Macbook family line very similar in design and just differentiate mainly with specifications and screen sizes, etc.

[clu10]

Because quite a few people, especially students, can't afford the Macbook Pro.
Yet the Macbook is actually relatively expensive when you compare it to other laptops curently on the market.
You can get laptops with the spec of a Macbook Pro for easily cheaper than a Macbook nowadays.

well if you cant afford the pro, then DONT expect pro features

[paulshephard]

well if you cant afford the pro, then DONT expect pro features

I wasn't suggesting that it does get 'Pro' features, the point being is that the current 'Pro' isn't really that high-end when considering the rest of the market. So I think both the MBP and the normal MB need significant upgrades.

[balwx]

Is there any hope for a new Touch with at&t data access? This would be great for those who dont need a new phone.

[clu10]

I hope to god that the computer just doesn't become thinner and faster. I want my third USB port, a few other ports, and dedicated graphics (although the GMX4500 is very able so I have heard). Plus a lower price tag...

But it won't happen. It will be made to be thinner, more stylish, a lil faster etc.
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:

i dont think it'll be air thin, so you might get your 3rd usb, but i wouldnt expect dedicated graphics(if you want a lower price), most consumer laptops have integrated laptops, id buy the macbook pro if you wanted that

[Cpt. Morgan]

well if you cant afford the pro, then DONT expect pro features

Not everyone is inclined to drop a extra grand for dedicated graphics, another 2 inches of screen space, and a metal casing/different keyboard.

Hardware wise, you can buy PC's that are equal to or are greater than a Mac (hardware wise, not software, that is opinion) for a equal price or less.

Apple lags behind PC makers with hardware specs.

Dude, you buy a MacBook which is a 1000 dollar + laptop and you don't even get a third USB port. Enough said...

[paulshephard]

Is there any hope for a new Touch with at&t data access? This would be great for those who dont need a new phone.

I doubt it, purely because it would possibly cannibalise the iPhone sales.
Literally the single difference then would be GPS and the physical phone aspect, of which many probably wouldnt be bothered about and would be inclined to just keep seperate.

[balwx]

I doubt it, purely because it would possibly cannibalise the iPhone sales.
Literally the single difference then would be GPS and the physical phone aspect, of which many probably wouldnt be bothered about and would be inclined to just keep seperate.


Yes, this is pretty much what I thought. :mad:

[paulshephard]

Yes, this is pretty much what I thought. :mad:

Its unfortunate really, because I reckon a lot of people would be interested!

[jnc]

Not everyone is inclined to drop a extra grand for dedicated graphics, another 2 inches of screen space, and a metal casing/different keyboard.

and better speakers, and firewire 800, and expresscard, and fullsized dual-link DVI, and a higher resolution screen with matte or glossy option and LED backlighting, and a mutli-touch trackpad, and...

Dude, you buy a MacBook which is a 1000 dollar + laptop and you don't even get a third USB port. Enough said...

Then oh my god, just buy your generic box system and enjoy that 3rd port and multi card reader. I hardly ever use one USB - I mean, I have a keyboard, trackpad, mic and webcam built in, I'll plug an iPod in here and there... external keyboard, mouse and phone syncing and data connection over bluetooth... external HDs over firewire... hmm. I certainly have no need 3rd USB, ymmv clearly...

[paulshephard]

and better speakers, and firewire 800, and expresscard, and fullsized dual-link DVI, and a higher resolution screen with matte or glossy option and LED backlighting, and a mutli-touch trackpad, and...

I think the point was more directed at the fact that the actual differences really between the Macbook and the MBP don't really warrant an extra grand for the average user.

[kabunaru]

and better speakers, and firewire 800, and expresscard, and fullsized dual-link DVI, and a higher resolution screen with matte or glossy option and LED backlighting, and a mutli-touch trackpad, and...


To me, the MacBook Pro is not worth the money. If I go into that $2000 range, I might as well get the Mac Pro. With the new MacBook (with aluminium, LED screens and who knows what else) the MacBook Pro is further not going to be worth the extra money to me.

[jnc]

I think the point was more directed at the fact that the actual differences really between the Macbook and the MBP don't really warrant an extra grand for the average user.

Well, he was responding to a post about Pro features. Which definitely extend beyond "another 2 inches of screen" a better GPU and a paint job.

To me, the MacBook Pro is not worth the money. If I go into that $2000 range, I might as well get the Mac Pro.

Different ballparks. They might be comparable in price, but you can only fold one of them in half and use it on a plane. :D There's clearly a convenience/portability/weight : performance premium in operation there. Same with iMac vs MacBook, iMac beats it out in specification, but it's not portable.

I thought the same as you, I owned a MP at one point, but I could only budget for one machine and being constantly tethered to power, peripherals and a monitor was not a good fit with my life, so I went for a MBP instead.

With the new MacBook (with aluminium, LED screens and who knows what else) the MacBook Pro is further not going to be worth the extra money to me.

...Which is why MacBooks can't be updated with all this speculated stuff, unless MBPs too are updated to offer more still, or they see a price drop.

[GSMiller]

An update/price drop to the Touch couldn't be anymore perfect, as it is at the top of (and the only thing on) my Christmas list.

[paulshephard]

...Which is why MacBooks can't be updated with all this speculated stuff, unless MBPs too are updated to offer more still, or they see a price drop.

To be fair, it has gone a bit far with the speculation. Although I can certainly see the aluminium and LED screens being incorporated.

I can also foresee that the Macbook Pro line will be updated to offer more still.

[tom burns]

I use my macs for professional reasons (graphic design) but i keep thinking that the MBP is indeed the only overpriced apple machine out there... I dont compare it to PCs. I dont care about PCs. It just does not justify its price, compared to the entire apple line up.

It almost costs as much as a macbook+an iMac and almost as much as a Mac pro... but its the only way unfortunately. Back in the days of ibooks and powerbooks, the difference of specs was indeed worth the difference in price...

[scotty96LSC]

Considering the only wireless they need to put in there is the Wi-Fi there just wouldn't be any reason for that. Also, I sure as heck hope they wouldn't do that - the new iPhone looks cheap enough - please maintain some level of style and quality!

I agree. The new iPhone is nice, but it doesn't feel the same as the original. If they give the iPod touch that plastic back it would feel the same way -- cheap and not solid. I would have to check it out first, but I think I would stick with my original iPod touch.

[JaySoul]

I agree that MBP's are becoming very over priced - and to be honest, it will take a lot for me to splash out that much when I could be a MacBook and an iMac for nearly the same price (if you shop around a bit!).

The laptop revisions should be something really special, or nothing at all - they are getting pretty stale now. I actually think the MacBook is doing really well, and doesn't need too much changing, but the MBP is getting completely outdated, and they should do something special if they are going to justify the same price point.

[jnc]

I agree that MBP's are becoming very over priced

Turns out, they're actually getting cheaper. Or rather, they're constantly offering more each revision for the same price. So I don't know how you came to that conclusion.

Late 2006, Core 2 Duo
15" MacBook Pro, 2.16GHz, 1GB, 120GB HD, $1999.
15" MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz, 2GB, 120GB HD, $2499.
17" MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz, 2GB, 160GB HD, $2799.

Mid 2007 "Santa Rosa", LED, nVidia GPU, 2GB RAM becomes standard
$1999. 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo. 2GB RAM, 120GB HD, 15" LED. GeForce 8600M GT 128MB
- $2499. 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo. 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 15" LED. GeForce 8600M GT 256MB
- $2799. 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo. 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 17". GeForce 8600M GT 256MB


Early 2008 Penryn, Multitouch, 256MB GPU becomes standard, 200GB HD becomes standard
$1999. Macbook Pro 15" 2.4GHz / 2GB / 200GB 5400RPM / 256MB Vram
$2499. Macbook Pro 15" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram
$2799. Macbook Pro 17" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram

[CWallace]

Not everyone is inclined to drop a extra grand for dedicated graphics, another 2 inches of screen space, and a metal casing/different keyboard.

Trick is, it's not $1000. It's $500. Now that's not chump change, but as noted, you do get:

dedicated graphics,
two more inches of screen space,
a better (IMO) keyboard,
better connectivity (FW800),
expandability (via the ExpressCard slot),
easier monitor connectivity thanks to a full DVI port


And the MBP still comes with two USB ports, as well. But then since it has FW800 and FW400 whereas most PCs, at best, have FW400 (and then only the non-powered four-wire connection, at that), do you really need more then two ports when on the road?


To me, the MacBook Pro is not worth the money.

For me, it was the exact opposite. I found the additional features of the MBP to be well worth the price over a black MB. But to each their own. :)

[Clark Gable]

The main upgrade will be the design. I would not be suprised to see specs for the macbook to be base is 2.4 processor (top end at 2.6) and bumping up the macbook pro to 2.6 base (with options to go to 2.8 or 3.06) as well as better harddrive capacity. I think options will be 160 gb, 250 gb, 320 gb. I think 500 will wait for next year before we see it in an overhaul of the mbp's.

Also the graphics in the macbook will be the 4500 or whatever. I believe apple is still using that crappy x3100 or whatever. the 4500 is a big improvement, but a dedicated graphics card would be so much nicer. But you have to realize the macbook is apple BASELINE laptop. Which means it's cheaper (comparatively) and most people who buy introductory/bottom of a product line (even though the macbook ARE fairly powerful) do not need high end graphics cards. Those people would only need it for video editing and the like and would need a bigger screen anyways.

[Clark Gable]

it's funny all this talk about the aluminum and such. Does it remind anyone else besides me of the black bush skit on chappelle show? Motha f***a bought some aluminum tubes. ALUMINUM!!! Do I need to remind you wtf you could do with an aluminum tube?:p

[thecartoonguy]

Updated my concept to be more in line with the 'leaked' case photos.

Very nice. Well done.

[kabunaru]

dedicated graphics,
I heard a rumour some where about the new MacBooks not using Integrated graphics cards any more.
two more inches of screen space,
You could always get an external display if you need more space
a better (IMO) keyboard,
That's your opinion. My opinion is MacBook/MacBook Air keyboard is better. When I tried typing on the MacBook Pro keyboard, I made more mistakes without looking at the typing than I ever did with the MacBook.
better connectivity (FW800),
That I agree on but I already have it on my aluminium iMac. :)
expandability (via the ExpressCard slot),
Just what do you need an ExpressCard for?
easier monitor connectivity thanks to a full DVI port
So?
And the MBP still comes with two USB ports, as well.

And the MacBook comes with two USB ports, as well.

For me, it was the exact opposite. I found the additional features of the MBP to be well worth the price over a black MB. But to each their own.
I was mostly comparing the high-end white MacBook but to each his own I guess too. :)

[lhotka]

To me, the MacBook Pro is not worth the money. If I go into that $2000 range, I might as well get the Mac Pro. With the new MacBook (with aluminium, LED screens and who knows what else) the MacBook Pro is further not going to be worth the extra money to me.

Except I can't put a MacPro on my airline tray table :-)

[Nieval]

it's funny all this talk about the aluminum and such. Does it remind anyone else besides me of the black bush skit on chappelle show? Motha f***a bought some aluminum tubes. ALUMINUM!!! Do I need to remind you wtf you could do with an aluminum tube?:p

Hilarious stuff. Sometimes I think Steve Jobs is really an alien and also invented the playstation (not the Japanese).
And btw Skit, Skit, Skit!!!

[jnc]

You could always get an external display if you need more space

....

That I agree on but I already have it on my aluminium iMac. :)

....

Just what do you need an ExpressCard for?

....

So?


Oh my, you have much to learn about MacBook Pro, and the people that need/use them. Consult google, I can but hope it absolves your ignorance

[Jesster]

When the iphone 3G and the app store were first announced, I predicted the biggest part of the iphone 3G would be the app store, not the 3G (although 3G is a huge improvement).

Here's my next prediction preceeded by my conclusion.

Lower gross margins and shifting technology is stated; growing popularity and excellent all around OS, hardware and customer service. Predictions of revised ipods and revised laptops. Huge push of current ipod touch inventory (free or cheap with Mac purchase). !!!!!Apple's batteries, screens, chips, etc. are no better than anyone else's!!!!!

I refer you to (May 5, 2008):
http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/26/apple-solar-portable-markets-equity-cx_mlm_0526markets14.html

IMHO, as soon as Apple had a working prototype they filed the patent.

Here is the gravy--> ipod touch, iphone, and all laptops could run on sunlight or indoor light. The batteries would only be used for dark times; i.e., at night on a plane. Who else can run 15 to 20 hours a day or better. Add to this, any competitor who wants to compete will have to pay Apple money for the right to use the patented technology.

Can you say "iphone Solar" or "itouch solar", or how about MacAir Solar.

All I can say is Ch-Ching!!!

[louden]

Excellent - I've got $450 in Best Buy gift certificates. I think I'll buy an iPod touch in September...

64GB anyone?

[Brien]

When the iphone 3G and the app store were first announced, I predicted the biggest part of the iphone 3G would be the app store, not the 3G (although 3G is a huge improvement).

Here's my next prediction preceeded by my conclusion.

Lower gross margins and shifting technology is stated; growing popularity and excellent all around OS, hardware and customer service. Predictions of revised ipods and revised laptops. Huge push of current ipod touch inventory (free or cheap with Mac purchase). !!!!!Apple's batteries, screens, chips, etc. are no better than anyone else's!!!!!

I refer you to (May 5, 2008):
http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/26/apple-solar-portable-markets-equity-cx_mlm_0526markets14.html

IMHO, as soon as Apple had a working prototype they filed the patent.

Here is the gravy--> ipod touch, iphone, and all laptops could run on sunlight or indoor light. The batteries would only be used for dark times; i.e., at night on a plane. Who else can run 15 to 20 hours a day or better. Add to this, any competitor who wants to compete will have to pay Apple money for the right to use the patented technology.

Can you say "iphone Solar" or "itouch solar", or how about MacAir Solar.

All I can say is Ch-Ching!!!

Bingo. That explains why there won't be a light-up Apple logo anymore. The logo might just be a PV cell.

[branjosef]

Yes, they still fold in half, and have a screen and keyboard. This is pretty much essential for them to be classed as notebooks - there's not really that much room for change in that regard. :rolleyes:





They're different sizes, have a different thickness. Their screens are entirely different shapes. Open or shut, they have different characteristics if you're paying attention, down to the latches and hinges. Stuff like Magsafe and iSight (or a lack thereof) are dead giveaways. You would have to have really bad eyesight to not be able to distinguish one from the other,

This apparently can't be conveyed through words, so I've done a photo hunt which should hopefully put this all to rest. Pay better attention to product design, guys.


All I know is when I come home. I sit down and grab the first aluminum metal apple laptop I see on the table. Damned be me ...if I don't grab my wife's 15 inch powerbook when I meant to grab my 15" macbook pro.
All I meant was that they look similar. I wasn't commenting on the macbooks or ibooks. I was referring to someones posting of the macbook pro and powerbook. When they are closed and I am not "anal" enough to inspect the thickness and look for an eye sight, I just look at the laptop and pick it up, they are similar. Wasn't the powerbook something like 1.2 inches thick and the macbook pro is like 1" thick. They're very similar if they are together. Thats all I meant. :) NOTE TO APPLE- UPDATE THE MACBOOK PRO. :D

[latinita85]

I am trying to buy a Macbook but after reading all of these postings do you think that I should just wait and see if they come out with a newer model? I do not want to buy one to only find out that there is a newer model being released next month or so! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! :cool:

[branjosef]

Different ballparks. They might be comparable in price, but you can only fold one of them in half and use it on a plane. :D There's clearly a convenience/portability/weight : performance premium in operation there. Same with iMac vs MacBook, iMac beats it out in specification, but it's not portable.


Technically- you can fold both in half and take on a plane.... :eek:

[Jak3]

wouldn't logic say that MacBooks and MBP get upgraded at the same time?

[isoceles]

it's funny all this talk about the aluminum and such. Does it remind anyone else besides me of the black bush skit on chappelle show? Motha f***a bought some aluminum tubes. ALUMINUM!!! Do I need to remind you wtf you could do with an aluminum tube?:p

Yellow cake!

[Shot22]

I am trying to buy a Macbook but after reading all of these postings do you think that I should just wait and see if they come out with a newer model? I do not want to buy one to only find out that there is a newer model being released next month or so! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! :cool:

I think most people in your situation (including myself) are planning to wait. Unless you really need a MacBook now, you should probably do the same.

[Eric S.]

The main upgrade will be the design. I would not be suprised to see specs for the macbook to be base is 2.4 processor (top end at 2.6) and bumping up the macbook pro to 2.6 base (with options to go to 2.8 or 3.06)

3.06GHz is Intel Core 2 Extreme Q9100, which is $851 (in lots of 1000). Too expensive, I believe, for a laptop, unless they come down in price at some point.

I am trying to buy a Macbook but after reading all of these postings do you think that I should just wait and see if they come out with a newer model? I do not want to buy one to only find out that there is a newer model being released next month or so! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! :cool:

If you're concerned about a new model being released next month then wait, because it's almost certain that a new model will be released next month.

[ipo]

Yellow cake!

yellow cake ,motha' f***Ars :) ;) :D

[AeroLancaster]

What I'm wondering is if Apple is planning any major revisions to the iPod Classic. The reason is because my birthday is next month and I've had my eye on the Classic for a while now, but now I'm not really sure what I should do...

[GregA]

Is there any hope for a new Touch with at&t data access? This would be great for those who dont need a new phone.

I don't see them adding a 3G data system without the phone. They would have virtually identical hardware.

I would like to see the iPod touch with Bluetooth to connect to the net. Then anyone with work-supplied phones could access the web, email, etc on their iPod Touch everywhere, via their work phone.


Literally the single difference then would be GPS and the physical phone aspect, of which many probably wouldnt be bothered about and would be inclined to just keep seperate.

I'm not sure if the iPod Touch can survive in its current form, unless it's purely to sell to people who have a different phone for some reason. The iPhone on a contract just looks too much cheaper than the iPod Touch (even if the reality is different).

The biggest constraint the iPhone has is its size - a phone simply can't be bigger than the iPhone currently is, and yet for many web applications it would be useful. Perhaps this is the only area the iPod Touch can expand in - LARGER internet & multimedia devices?

[GregA]

iPod Touch will definitely have the 3G plastic backing...

If so, I think it's fair to hope it isn't a rounded back. The rounded back is good for holding the phone, but if it's laying on a surface it rocks back and forth a little. A flat back for the iPod Touch makes much more sense.

[docyoast]

Hardware wise, you can buy PC's that are equal to or are greater than a Mac (hardware wise, not software, that is opinion) for a equal price or less.

Apple lags behind PC makers with hardware specs.

Dude, you buy a MacBook which is a 1000 dollar + laptop and you don't even get a third USB port. Enough said...

Right; and still the MBP is the laptop running Vista fastest.

[jnc]

When they are closed and I am not "anal" enough to inspect the thickness and look for an eye sight,

When they are closed, how would you ever see an iSight? :rolleyes: It's not something that needs to be HUNTED FOR anyway, it's pretty obvious at a glance whether there is one or there isn't. Black dot above the rectangular screen? Ohhh, it's a MacBook! how hard is that.

Anyway, AGAIN, I never mentioned the Pro lineup, and neither did you. You agreed with someone who contested what I'd said about all the changes made to the MacBook over the iBook. Don't backpedal. I hate that.

Damn it's hard being right sometimes.

Technically- you can fold both in half and take on a plane.... :eek:


Used, I said... used... :D

[Loge]

What I'm wondering is if Apple is planning any major revisions to the iPod Classic. The reason is because my birthday is next month and I've had my eye on the Classic for a while now, but now I'm not really sure what I should do...

Minor revisions perhaps, but major revisions very unlikely. "Classic" is marketing speak for legacy. ;)

[OS X Dude]

PLEASE DON'T KILL THE MACBOOK KEYBOARD!! The individual keys are easier to use and look so much better!!! Plus, if all Macs are going to end up aluminium, it'll add some visual differences to the MacBook.

[::Gusti::]

Just read in a german magazine, that Dell and HP already advertised some of their coming high-end-notebooks as "quad-core" but with no more information. that's way before Intel wanted to introduce the new mobile quadcores. I bet that IF apple is going to release new MBs and MBPs this fall, at least two of the three MBPs will sport this new Intel quad-core. The Dell-machine, by the way, mentioned in the german article is said to hold up to 16 GB of memory...

check this: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Mobiler-Vierkernprozessor-von-Intel-aufgetaucht--/meldung/114177

[OS X Dude]

Just read in a german magazine, that Dell and HP already advertised some of their coming high-end-notebooks as "quad-core" but with no more information. that's way before Intel wanted to introduce the new mobile quadcores. I bet that IF apple is going to release new MBs and MBPs this fall, at least two of the three MBPs will sport this new Intel quad-core. The Dell-machine, by the way, mentioned in the german article is said to hold up to 16 GB of memory...

check this: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Mobiler-Vierkernprozessor-von-Intel-aufgetaucht--/meldung/114177

I disagree. Quad core offers little performance increase right now, as programs and OS's are not optimised in the way that four cores are used effectively. Maybe with Snow Leopard and it's OpenCL Grand Central tech, then yes i'd see the point - but not now. Also, that Dell will have a battery of 1-2 hours tops, which to Apple is unacceptable. I don't need to go on about heat and power issues as they're obvious. 16GB of RAM is also a niche market, due to the cost of such an amount and also the fact that few people NEED that much.

On another note, i've just looked at the Air again, and it has the MacBook keyboard. Maybe the new MBP, and therefore all Apple laptops, will adopt this keyboard style, for consistency.

[b33k34]

I've never had reception problems on my phone or my PB so it doesn't really matter if doesn't pick up a wi-fi signal from an ultra long distance as I don't find myself sitting three stores down from a Starbucks trying to get on their Wi-Fi. All I care is if it works at my house and, occasionally, at the airports and I've never had that problem at all.

I think that has to be one of the most over-rated features out there. Oh yay, my Wi-Fi can work 1/4 mile away. Do you ever walk a 1/4 mile away from your router to surf the web? If you do then you must have 1 big @ss house...

1/4 mile? I've used a MBP, Macbook and a Thinkpad in my house. The MBP had massive difficulty maintaining a wifi connection one floor down and one room across while the other two, and any other wifi devices i've tried (my Wii, Nokia phone, Nokia tablet) are also fine. Compromising performance to put on a metal case, which actually seems much more fragile than plastic based on all the dented MBP's i've seen, is a bit stupid if you ask me.

[JaySoul]

I disagree. Quad core offers little performance increase right now, as programs and OS's are not optimised in the way that four cores are used effectively. Maybe with Snow Leopard and it's OpenCL Grand Central tech, then yes i'd see the point - but not now. Also, that Dell will have a battery of 1-2 hours tops, which to Apple is unacceptable. I don't need to go on about heat and power issues as they're obvious. 16GB of RAM is also a niche market, due to the cost of such an amount and also the fact that few people NEED that much.

On another note, i've just looked at the Air again, and it has the MacBook keyboard. Maybe the new MBP, and therefore all Apple laptops, will adopt this keyboard style, for consistency.

I prefer the MacBook keyboard by a long way - the MBP one just feels weird!! Personal preference, but still...

[FrenchPB]

it'll happen AFTER the IPOD TOUCH deal is over.

so at least end of september to early october.

In France, the ipod touch deal will only start in early September and end at the end of October. Is it possible we'll be able to get the new touch with our back-to-school offer then ?

[Fidgetyrat]

In France, the ipod touch deal will only start in early September and end at the end of October. Is it possible we'll be able to get the new touch with our back-to-school offer then ?

I could be mistaken, but I believe the last time they introduced ipod updates during the back-to-school promo, the new models were exempt from the offer.


Eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new pro line. I got the TiBook i'm typing on right now a couple weeks before the aluminum powerbook line was released. I've been waiting for the next big adjustment so I don't fall in that unfortunate trap again (although 6 years later this machine still works great! try that with a PC).

[arctic]

1/4 mile? I've used a MBP, Macbook and a Thinkpad in my house. The MBP had massive difficulty maintaining a wifi connection one floor down and one room across while the other two, and any other wifi devices i've tried (my Wii, Nokia phone, Nokia tablet) are also fine. Compromising performance to put on a metal case, which actually seems much more fragile than plastic based on all the dented MBP's i've seen, is a bit stupid if you ask me.

I'm sure Apple is fully aware of the wi-fi situation if they have planned to switch the Macbooks to aluminium and they already might have solutions for this. But I totally agree with you that the current Macbook plastic is more durable and sturdier than the current aluminium of the Macbook Pro (despite the poor design of the magnetic laches that causes cracks on the early revs). On the other hand, I like the fact that this move will redeem the thousands of Apple factories worldwide less harmful to the environment.

If all books would utilize uniform aluminium, I'm pretty sure the Macbook name will be dropped. Macbook Pro and Macbook Air would be the distinguising labels where the Pro will have 13" (consumer), 15" (mid and flagship), and a 17". The new Pros will be unveiled next month altogether while the Air and the Mac Pro will recieve updates at Macworld on January.

[FrenchPB]

I could be mistaken, but I believe the last time they introduced ipod updates during the back-to-school promo, the new models were exempt from the offer.


Eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new pro line. I got the TiBook i'm typing on right now a couple weeks before the aluminum powerbook line was released. I've been waiting for the next big adjustment so I don't fall in that unfortunate trap again (although 6 years later this machine still works great! try that with a PC).

Will I still be able to get the new MacBook with the French back-to-school offer that ends in October ? I think I'll get the ipod touch with it, cause I like the current model better than the new iphone 3G casing.

[Insulin Junkie]

PLEASE DON'T KILL THE MACBOOK KEYBOARD!! The individual keys are easier to use and look so much better!!! Plus, if all Macs are going to end up aluminium, it'll add some visual differences to the MacBook.

I'd rest assured...I doubt they'd do that, so soon after introducing that design to a wide range of their models.... :confused:

[Mal]

If all books would utilize uniform aluminium, I'm pretty sure the Macbook name will be dropped. Macbook Pro and Macbook Air would be the distinguising labels where the Pro will have 13" (consumer), 15" (mid and flagship), and a 17". The new Pros will be unveiled next month altogether while the Air and the Mac Pro will recieve updates at Macworld on January.

Why in the world would Apple call the 13" consumer laptop a MacBook Pro??? Talk about confusing. No, they will certainly keep the MacBook and MacBook Pro naming convention, but there may at some point be 13" and 15" MacBooks and 15" and 17" MacBook Pros. Maybe even an 11" or 13" MacBook Pro.

jW

[jnc]

In France, the ipod touch deal will only start in early September and end at the end of October. Is it possible we'll be able to get the new touch with our back-to-school offer then ?

In the UK last year, new iPod nanos came out just in time for Back to School :D

[bpl323]

I'd like an AL MacBook.

[OS X Dude]

I prefer the MacBook keyboard by a long way - the MBP one just feels weird!! Personal preference, but still...

amen! And the keyboard looks too small on the 17" model.

[arctic]

Why in the world would Apple call the 13" consumer laptop a MacBook Pro??? Talk about confusing. No, they will certainly keep the MacBook and MacBook Pro naming convention, but there may at some point be 13" and 15" MacBooks and 15" and 17" MacBook Pros. Maybe even an 11" or 13" MacBook Pro.

jW

Talk about confusing. :D

[CWallace]

You could always get an external display if you need more space.

Kind of defeats the purpose of having a portable computer though, doesn't it? :D

[kabunaru]

Kind of defeats the purpose of having a portable computer though, doesn't it? :D
MacBook is more portable than the MacBook Pro. :p

[bpl323]

MBA is the most portable then.

[CWallace]

MacBook is more portable than the MacBook Pro. :p

Having owned both, and traveled the world with both, I personally find my MBP 15" to be more "portable" then the MB. It just feels lighter (even if it isn't) and the greater power and flexibility means I don't need to carry as many accessories with me, which results in a lighter load.

MBA is the most portable then.

In terms of it's own weight, yes. But you may need to carry more accessories to make it usable (DVI dongle, Ethernet Dongle, USB hub, SuperDrive). And that all adds up in weight and space in the bag.

[ncbill]

Keyboard in the new MBP will be the MBA backlit keyboard for consistency across models (and it's cheaper)

Trick is, it's not $1000. It's $500. Now that's not chump change, but as noted, you do get:
a better (IMO) keyboard,

[iMacmatician]

If they can squash them into a MacBook at no extra cost, then sure, but that does blurs the line between the models and shorten the exclusive feature list of "higher end" products, so I'd hope they too either see new tweaks or their pricetags are lowered as a result.Then the answer is to make the MacBook Pro even better, not to cripple the MacBook.

Turns out, they're actually getting cheaper. Or rather, they're constantly offering more each revision for the same price. So I don't know how you came to that conclusion.Maybe the rest of the industry is offering EVEN MORE each revision for the same price, so the MacBook Pros are actually getting more expensive.

3.06GHz is Intel Core 2 Extreme Q9100, which is $851 (in lots of 1000). Too expensive, I believe, for a laptop, unless they come down in price at some point.Not too expensive. Too hot. 45 W compared to 35 W. (And BTW, it's the X9100. Q9100 is 2.27 GHz quad-core.)

Right; and still the MBP is the laptop running Vista fastest.Not anymore it isn't.

With Montevina there are 4 processors faster than the top 2.6 GHz option in the MacBook Pro.

2.8 GHz dual-core (35 W), 3.07 GHz dual-core (45 W), 2.27 GHz quad-core (35? W), 2.53 GHz quad-core (45 W). Out of those only the first (and slowest for multithreaded tasks) may see its way into the upcoming MacBook Pro.

[Eric S.]

Just read in a german magazine, that Dell and HP already advertised some of their coming high-end-notebooks as "quad-core" but with no more information. that's way before Intel wanted to introduce the new mobile quadcores. I bet that IF apple is going to release new MBs and MBPs this fall, at least two of the three MBPs will sport this new Intel quad-core. The Dell-machine, by the way, mentioned in the german article is said to hold up to 16 GB of memory...

check this: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Mobiler-Vierkernprozessor-von-Intel-aufgetaucht--/meldung/114177

The 2.53GHz quad-core Core 2 Extreme costs $1036, with a rumored 2.26GHz version coming at $851. Given that quad-core offers little to no performance increase over dual-cores costing less than a third of that, it's highly unlikely MB/MBPs would find any buyers at the price Apple would have to charge.

I'd expect to see quad-core in a Mac, possibly starting with high-end iMacs,
sometime next year when Snow Leopard is released with its multiprocessor optimizations.

[Ericatomars]

:apple::D I can't wait to see what Apple does with the touch! I've been waiting to buy one along with a macbook. A price drop is really the icing on the cake for me... September here we come!

[Eric S.]

Then the answer is to make the MacBook Pro even better, not to cripple the MacBook.

I agree!

Not too expensive. Too hot. 45 W compared to 35 W.

And too expensive. :) More than $500 over the cost of a 2.53GHz P9500. It would make the top-end MBP a lot higher priced than it is now.

(And BTW, it's the X9100. Q9100 is 2.27 GHz quad-core.)

Taken from here, but apparently it's a typo:

http://laptoping.com/intel-core-2-duo-p8400-p8600-p9500-t9400-t9600-extreme-q9100-montevina.html

[clu10]

Not everyone is inclined to drop a extra grand for dedicated graphics, another 2 inches of screen space, and a metal casing/different keyboard.

Hardware wise, you can buy PC's that are equal to or are greater than a Mac (hardware wise, not software, that is opinion) for a equal price or less.

Apple lags behind PC makers with hardware specs.

Dude, you buy a MacBook which is a 1000 dollar + laptop and you don't even get a third USB port. Enough said...

but okay, but basically thats alll the pro has over the macbook, i only thing your most likely gonna get is the muti-touch , because the macbook never had backlighting nor dedicated graphics cause it's a consumer laptops and most comsumer laptops dont get these things. i mean you cant expect them to make the consumer laptop better than the pro, then the MBP sales will drop, cause i can get a macbook that is better that the mbp

[Manic Mouse]

but okay, but basically thats alll the pro has over the macbook, i only thing your most likely gonna get is the muti-touch , because the macbook never had backlighting nor dedicated graphics cause it's a consumer laptops and most comsumer laptops dont get these things. i mean you cant expect them to make the consumer laptop better than the pro, then the MBP sales will drop, cause i can get a macbook that is better that the mbp

I don't think anyone would be silly enough to ask that the MB be given better specs than the Pro. However we would like the option of a dedicated GPU in the MB, like an 8400 (which is significantly less powerful than the GPU in the Pros).

The thing that grated on me was that the Apple TV had a better GPU (a 7300, 128Mb) than my MacBook when I bought it (GMA950). I would have KILLED to have that in my MB. These cards are cheap as chips (although not as cheap as the few $ the IGP is), so it's not an issue of cost as to why they aren't an option. It's Apple forcing people to get a 15.4" Pro if they want any kind of GPU performance, it's either that or nothing! This artificially inflates the price of the Pros as they're the only option.

[iMacmatician]

but okay, but basically thats alll the pro has over the macbook, i only thing your most likely gonna get is the muti-touch , because the macbook never had backlighting nor dedicated graphics cause it's a consumer laptops and most comsumer laptops dont get these things. i mean you cant expect them to make the consumer laptop better than the pro, then the MBP sales will drop, cause i can get a macbook that is better that the mbpThen the MacBook Pro just has to get better. Surely if the MacBook can be upgraded to MacBook Pro specs, the MacBook Pro can be so much better.

I don't think anyone would be silly enough to ask that the MB be given better specs than the Pro. However we would like the option of a dedicated GPU in the MB, like an 8400 (which is significantly less powerful than the GPU in the Pros).And a high-res (1440*900) display would be nice too.

[drsmithy]

Given that quad-core offers little to no performance increase over dual-cores costing less than a third of that, it's highly unlikely MB/MBPs would find any buyers at the price Apple would have to charge.

This is very dependent on usage patterns. Even with 10.5's relatively worse SMP support, a heavy multitasker will be far better off overall with a "slower" quad-core CPU than a dual core.

Further, high-end, processor intensive programs that can, already scale very well with multiple CPUs. These days, if applications don't scale well with multiple CPUs, it's either because they can't (inherently serial processing) or because it simply doesn't matter (ie: they're already more than fast enough). With that in mind, again, a user of such applications will be better off overall with more cores at a lower clockspeed.

Personally, I'd happily buy a (say) 2Ghz quad-core CPU before a 2.5Ghz dual-core.

[rowr]

What keyboard do you want to have on the MacBook? iBook G4's?
Sure, I wouldn't mind that. The keyboard on IBM laptops (I still can't say the word "Lenovo") is very nice and lends itself well to fast and accurate typing.

The flat chiclet keyboard that Apple is forcing upon people is not a keyboard for accurate typing because there is no placement feel other than the F and J keys.

You don't need a wrist bar for the new keyboard but the lack of concave surfaces to the keys allows your hands to drift to the point you wind up hitting another adjacent key. The new keyboard design is crap - it may be comfortable but it is not made for anyone who types long correspondence, etc. I can tolerate the chiclet keyboard in the laptop but Apple should at least offer the older style keyboard and the newer one as options.


Obligatory statement: yes, I respect those who like the new keyboard. I just wish Apple would make the old style available for sale - CHOICE is what I want! Is that too much to ask?

[isoceles]

Just read in a german magazine, that Dell and HP already advertised some of their coming high-end-notebooks as "quad-core" but with no more information. that's way before Intel wanted to introduce the new mobile quadcores. I bet that IF apple is going to release new MBs and MBPs this fall, at least two of the three MBPs will sport this new Intel quad-core. The Dell-machine, by the way, mentioned in the german article is said to hold up to 16 GB of memory...

check this: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Mobiler-Vierkernprozessor-von-Intel-aufgetaucht--/meldung/114177

I really hope this is true. It would be nice to see a MBP redesign with a quad core. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[AppleInsanity]

Can't wait.

Been delaying buying a MBP just for this very reason.
I wonder whats going to be in the new MBPs, i'm shaking with excitement

[Frankmac]

Bonjour, I am in need to buy a portable tablet to make illustrations and animation on the road. Should I buy the modbook which has excellent review and hot in all around , but has in my opinion not a very strong computer inside, not very up-to-date ( no dual-core or quad-core , etc ) or wait and expect mac to release a new itablet or macpro touch portable with a sensitive stylus ?

maybe it is too asking for now for mac to release a portable device combined with a sensitive stylus...thought I think they are actually able to create THE tablet who combine every knowledge they have with the modbook, ipodtouch and macpro....

I am really hesitating about getting the modbook right now or wait weeks, months or years in the hope of a great revelation earlier than planned...

Thank you

Fran

[jnc]

Bonjour, I am in need to buy a portable tablet to make illustrations and animation on the road. Should I buy the modbook which has excellent review and hot in all around , but has in my opinion not a very strong computer inside, not very up-to-date ( no dual-core or quad-core , etc ) or wait and expect mac to release a new itablet or macpro touch portable with a sensitive stylus ?

itablet? macpro touch portable??? WHAT?


Buy the product that exists would be my advice there.

[duncyboy]

The big question for me regarding iPod Touch updates (if any) is the pricepoint.

The current Touch and it's features would suit me down to the ground- I don't mind if they update the design, the apps, the features etc. I'll be most interested in whether or not they change the price of the 16GB and 32GB models.

(Books overtime)

[nomad00]

itablet? macpro touch portable??? WHAT?


Buy the product that exists would be my advice there.

Axiotron Modbook - http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

[jnc]

Axiotron Modbook - http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

uhh... yeah. that. thanks for agreeing? o_O

[nomad00]

uhh... yeah. that. thanks for agreeing? o_O

I had intended on adding an actual thought to that post...but got pulled away and submitted it w/o :p sorry for any confusion...

[jnc]

I had intended on adding an actual thought to that post...but got pulled away and submitted it w/o :p sorry for any confusion...

Right. lol

I've never considered the ModBook, though given I own a Cintiq 12WX and a MacBook, perhaps I should have. I know the Cintiq's a little more sensitive and has the touch strips and yadda yadda, but the convergence is a neat idea.

I'm suddenly warming to the idea of a Mac tablet! :D and not a big iPod touch, I mean a proper, pressure sensitive dealio.... an official Modbook

[kabunaru]

Would it make sense for Apple to transition the MacBook from plastic to not aluminium but titanium? I kind of miss the titanium PowerBooks.

In this era, it would be:
Aluminium: Pro
Titanium: Consumer

That would be interesting. Another question, would you say Titanium is more environmentally friendly than Plastic?

[.Chris]

Would it make sense for Apple to transition the MacBook from plastic to not aluminium but titanium? I kind of miss the titanium PowerBooks.

In this era, it would be:
Aluminium: Pro
Titanium: Consumer

That would be interesting. Another question, would you say Titanium is more environmentally friendly than Plastic?

can it block wi-fi ?

[kabunaru]

can it block wi-fi ?

Are you saying that Titanium has worse wi-fi reception than Aluminium? It has been a long time since I have used or seen an Titanium PowerBook G4. None of my buddies have it, so I do not really know.

[Clayne]

I'd say a lot of the environmental claims are bogus. Plastic and metal both have their (quite) negative environmental impacts. Especially when used on a wide, industrial scale. There's no way around that besides ending industry altogether. Not to say there shouldn't be efforts. The sooner we get out of this mess the better. /rant.

Now more on subject, I'm really pulling for the aluminum. I hope they've made consideration towards the wi-fi reception. Updated graphics, thin LED screen, backlit keys, bumped specs. C'mon!

But alas, all I'm certain of is Montevina and probably aluminum casing.