If the MB refresh might actually be in November...

[Ryuukumori]

Even though I am going to college in late September, is it okay if I hold up until November?

It seems like a long stretch because I would be without a notebook for 2 months. Can I really hold up in the University with just pencil/paper? Or would I have to suffice for a machine in the summer, then see the buyer's remorse set in? (That is of course, if the updates are going to be in November.)

Any insight from University students? If I cannot wait any time into the University for a notebook, the soonest I can wait is September 30, when fall quarter starts. I am really hoping for this Nehalem refresh... but I have some insight myself...

Doesn't Apple usually upgrade the MacBook Pros first? Wouldn't they get the Nehalem (Which is Quad, correct?) Then the MB follow the next refresh. I don't think my logic is correct, but it's an idea.

[NSK123]

What if you get hit by a bus tomorrow and die?:eek:

no need to hold out all the way till november, just buy it, I doubt the changes will be groundbreaking anyways.

[Ryuukumori]

That's true. lol

I am still going to wait until after WWDC just in case things change. Otherwise, other insight?

[Stachelsk]

That's true. lol

I am still going to wait until after WWDC just in case things change. Otherwise, other insight?

I went ahead and bought a Penryn last Feb. instead of waiting until Nov. for the Alu releases, and I'm happy I did. However, waiting for Nehalem might be worth it... that's a huge performance increase.

Depends on your major, I guess. Obviously, math and physics courses (like the ones I took first semester) don't require any computer. Sure, you might need to do some research for some class or something, but your campus probably has some kind of public computer access.

That's a tough decision. I'd say it's doable. I had a friend wait out for the Alu MacBook instead of just buying the plastic ones, and he got by. I don't know what his grades were. Either way, if you buy now or if you buy later, you'll enjoy it either way... I still love my whitebook even though it's not the newest thing on the block.

[Ryuukumori]

Thing is... I toured the campus a couple times already, both with school activity going on... and all the computer labs were filled. It is hard to find one without having your own.

Maybe I shouldn't worry, and WWDC will bring minor speed bumps, and Nehalem to be possessed by MBPs only for now. I see that a possibility.

I will be doing either Aerospace Engineering or Oceanography. Those two I assume require computers of your own.

[The Samurai]

Thing is, i've been down this route - I waited for the Alu MB's to come out and then made my purchase. Although, it was a killer trying to wait for Apple to have some leaks lol.

What it comes down is, yes Nehalem is coming out - but are those few extra seconds going to really make a difference on you? For some, yes - those creative individuals who pretty much rely on speed. But, for someone like me, I didn't really need speed hence went for the lower Alu MB model (2.0) and I am more than happy with it. Its more than what I require.

Just to put things into perspective, i'm doing an MSc Marketing course so a lot of things that I do with this laptop are business orientated i.e. presentations, a lot of essays/reports, e-mail etc. Outwith my university work, I do videos on youtube (as seen from my sig), listening to music, watching 24 (best TV episode yet) and visiting websites.

Plus, as you said - you never know the MB's might not get updated till like net year whereas the 'pro' models may get released beforehand? Its all speculation. Nothing is as smooth as you want it to go. It's just how Apple works, they don't release specs until the keynote. The last thing you want to be doing is waiting until November and then the Macbooks don't get updated. However, if your not going to be getting your macbook until September - hold out until then and then keep checking these forum websites... i've found this particular one to be pretty reliable.

Hope that helps - I know what its like... trust me lol

[sneezymarble]

I'm in the same position right now but I've decided to just go ahead and buy the thing now. But, my purposes for a laptop might be different than yours. For CPU/GPU intensive tasks I've got my desktops. I'm a philosophy major and I really only need a laptop for writing papers, doing research, and other light tasks. Is a Nehalem core going to give me any practical benefit in these respects. I think the answer is clearly "No."

The fact that more intensive tasks, like decoding h.264, can be offloaded to a GPU and handled very well is, for me, even more reason to be relatively uninterested in any future move to Nehalem cores in the notebooks.

I'm as interested as anyone in Nehalem desktop and Xeon parts. But for light academic and personal use, I just don't see any good reason to be interested in them. Therefore, if I want or need a laptop now, I'm not waiting.

[Ryuukumori]

Thanks! :)

Come to think about it... everyone RIGHT now that is taking either courses I am interested in have notebooks around the same specs that are on the market now, if not, older. You are right, I don't think I need to worry about a quad core Nehalem machine to be effective in a course that has been offered for years and years, even when computers at the time were so old, they would be worthless today.

I have decided not to wait until November because the wait is just too risky. I will definitely wait until Snow Leopard, because it's an investment I would like to see built-in rather than spend another $129 in a month after buying an already-premium notebook. ;)

[hndn]

Usually Apple has a "back to school" deal sometimes in the summer, I intended to wait for the free Itouch but yesterday the $200 rebate for the White macbook was so tempted, yes, I bought it.

[Ryuukumori]

Yeah that's my plan too to sell the iPod Touch when I get it, then a free printer with the rebate, on top of the edu discount. ;)

[iMacmatician]

Doesn't Apple usually upgrade the MacBook Pros first? Wouldn't they get the Nehalem (Which is Quad, correct?) Then the MB follow the next refresh. I don't think my logic is correct, but it's an idea.In the last year or so they have been updated at the same times. While quad-core is feasible for the MacBook Pro I would expect it to use dual-core Nehalem instead (Q1 2010).

[drew0020]

Can the mods close these threads? There seems to be a new one popping up daily. Just make a sticky and people can talk about the refresh. Look at the history usually it is an insignificant processor speed bump and maybe a slightly larger and very slow 5400rpm harddrive.

If you to see a massive increase in speed invest in a SSD.

[cube]

The correct choice, which is WHITE, was just released at the end of January.

[iMacmatician]

Can the mods close these threads? There seems to be a new one popping up daily. Just make a sticky and people can talk about the refresh. Agreed. There's one here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=668803), although the last post was a few days ago.

Look at the history usually it is an insignificant processor speed bump and maybe a slightly larger and very slow 5400rpm harddrive.This time it's not "insignificant."

[Ryuukumori]

To the last 2 posters... I disagree with closing this for the reasons you justify it's motive to be.

Clearly, I am stating whether timing is feasible for a university student and other factors to purchase, I am in no manner ASKING for a prediction. My only real question was whether a typical UNI student can wait over 2 months into the school year to buy an updated notebook, if it happens at that time. I am safely assuming what is seen on the MacRumors front page (no trust in them though, only rumors), debating an INEVITABLE decision I have to make later.

[Darkroom]

i'm also playing the waiting game now for a new macbook.

my reason for waiting isn't to get the new processor, but to purchase a Rev B unibody. there seem to be several issues with the Rev A unibody macbooks that could get sorted out, and in waiting getting a few megahertz more for the same price wouldn't be bad either.

i'm sure there will be a refresh before november, and probably before july based on past updates. i really can't imagine apple waiting until november (more than a year) to refresh their flagship computer, it's just not going to happen.

i think a speed bump (and price drop?) for the macbook will happen in june or july, since i would guess the macbook pro will get the new processors around october/november before the macbooks, then the macbooks will follow a few months later (macworld 2010?) with a new update that is 6 or 7 months after the last update of the macbooks.

[Abstract]

I don't think you'll be getting a notebook update in November. At times, Apple has been very slow at updating their machines even after a new processor has been released, and other manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Sony have implemented it already.

Secondly, we'll probably see a speed bump before then, if that makes you happy. The Al Macbooks were released in October of last year, and I don't think Apple would go 13 months without an update of their best-selling laptop (and probably their best selling computer).

[Darkroom]

At times, Apple has been very slow at updating their machines even after a new processor has been released, and other manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Sony have implemented it already.

true. but if i recall correctly, that was when apple was IBM's bitch with PPC. lately, it seems that apple receives the intel chips months in advance.

[Ryuukumori]

After some heavy thinking, I really want to get into the audio recording/ music playing for commercials, tv shows, movies, etc. Especially for Japanese dramas. I know it's a big deal in Japan with so many new dramas releasing on TV. Very popular too.

So I think the MB would be perfect for that, even though the lack of FW doesn't bother me one bit. I would use USB on the MB or PCI Express on a custom build later, when I get more money and further into my college life. ;)

If this is a concern... (in case typical music recording demands mobile firewire...) I could always buy the low-end MBP. However, I would have to go as cheap as possible and get the refurbished with the free printer. That is, I would be waiting for a refresh here too, no iPod promo, and Snow Leopard's release.

I could always do that. I'll take any and all insight here too. Thanks.

[Aniki]

Lack of firewire is alright, I don't use firewire much anyways

[Ryuukumori]

How about in a music studio? Recording? Or audio production? Those are my concerns. Is a MBP really necessary... or a MB is okay now?

Sorry if this thread kinda switch tables, from different majors. It's been a real struggle to think what I wanna do. Of course, I don't even declare my major yet, I'm only anticipating! XD

[synth3tik]

I think your planning way to far in advance. Try to enjoy spring and summer and worry about that problem come sept.

[Ryuukumori]

It's exciting. lol

I understand about waiting, but what about some personal experience with audio production or whatnot? Is PCI the new domination? Would I be fit with a custom build at home to do things? Or is today, mobile power necessary?

Of course, this is a choice between...
1. MacBook and custom rig
2. Just MacBook Pro

September will bring the most information, but I don't see how I'll know by then until I'm asking here or IN college (by then, it'll be too late).

[Darkroom]

i minored in electroacousitc music studies in university and we learned studio recording in a real studio in a real concert hall on campus... our sound art classes were projected edited on G4s back then (2001-2002), i'm sure the macbook can handle sound apps, even logic, just fine.

one thing to note, however, is that 5400rpm HDs that come standard on the macbook are not idea for recording live performances... it's better to get faster HD that can keep up, otherwise you might run into problems - in which case you should get a macbook pro for the 7200 drives or upgrade your macbook to SSD

[Mintin8]

I think your planning way to far in advance. Try to enjoy spring and summer and worry about that problem come sept.

I think he'll need to plan in advance for his first year in college. Especially if having a laptop is a big need of his.

[Ryuukumori]

Hm, a 7200RPM sounds good for the recording. Thanks.

I have heard from some people too that a 15" screen is better for recording as well. Maybe it will be a plus if I had a better screen on the MBP (since the MB has washed out blacks). Or maybe that doesn't matter.

I'm in this loophole. I can do many things really. I can buy the MB refurbished with a printer... or buy in the summer new with an EDU discount, iPod, and printer (selling the iPod), buying the MBP refurbished, that new with the iPod + printer. So many choices...

What's best? Will the MBP last longer for me? And aren't the MBP speakers better too? Those have speaker holes, while the MB is underneath the keyboard...

[Brien]

I don't think you'll be getting a notebook update in November. At times, Apple has been very slow at updating their machines even after a new processor has been released, and other manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Sony have implemented it already.

Secondly, we'll probably see a speed bump before then, if that makes you happy. The Al Macbooks were released in October of last year, and I don't think Apple would go 13 months without an update of their best-selling laptop (and probably their best selling computer).

A speed bump is likely by June. Intel will be releasing bumped chips, can't remember the exact date/specs, but it's likely that would be a good timeframe to expect a refresh.

[aethelbert]

I'm in this loophole. I can do many things really. I can buy the MB refurbished with a printer... or buy in the summer new with an EDU discount, iPod, and printer (selling the iPod), buying the MBP refurbished, that new with the iPod + printer. So many choices...
It seems that you have some confusion over the rebate programs. The iPod and printer promotions do not go with refurbished hardware.

[Ryuukumori]

It seems that you have some confusion over the rebate programs. The iPod and printer promotions do not go with refurbished hardware.

I understand the iPod promo does not qualify for refurbs, but the printer sure does. ;)

I think I am going to purchase a new MBP next refresh, with Snow Leopard, and the free iPod to sell, printer to keep, and the edu discount. It saves a shave of $$ instead of refurbs.

However, my choice to buy the MBP is IF it's better for music projects. Can I expect better with FW 800, larger screen (and better contrast), and apparently larger speakers? Is that enough to justify it's large price tag? Or is the MB a much cheaper deal, and can handle enough?

Seriously, this is the ONLY obstacle I face between a $400 decision.

[aethelbert]

I understand the iPod promo does not qualify for refurbs, but the printer sure does. ;)
Oh, seems that's nice to note. In the past, it wouldn't let me do that. Per the program's terms, you are indeed correct.

However, my choice to buy the MBP is IF it's better for music projects. Can I expect better with FW 800, larger screen (and better contrast), and apparently larger speakers? Is that enough to justify it's large price tag? Or is the MB a much cheaper deal, and can handle enough?
Unless your hardware can use FW800, I don't think that it will be significantly better for music projects. The screen is, indeed, of better quality but it doesn't seem to me that it would be of much importance in that arena. The speakers, while better than some notebooks, are still not that great and you'd want another set anyway for that sort of work. Of course it's nice to have more screen area to work with, but it's a matter of personal preference and value to you.

[Ryuukumori]

Oh, seems that's nice to note. In the past, it wouldn't let me do that. Per the program's terms, you are indeed correct.


Unless your hardware can use FW800, I don't think that it will be significantly better for music projects. The screen is, indeed, of better quality but it doesn't seem to me that it would be of much importance in that arena. The speakers, while better than some notebooks, are still not that great and you'd want another set anyway for that sort of work. Of course it's nice to have more screen area to work with, but it's a matter of personal preference and value to you.

Hmm, well I really think USB will be okay... I don't even have any hardware that uses FW 800! XD

With that in mind, the MB would be more appealing to the price. I think it'll be just fine. Isn't the portability also a plus? That MUST be a factor walking across the campus alot.

[Hoopdy]

They definitely won't be refreshed by Nov. Unibody only came out about 6 months ago. The only think I can think they may change before then is the tweaks that come with Snow Leopard.

Don't wait...buy, buy, buy!

I just bought my Macbook and I love it.

[cathyy]

Nehalem most likey won't be coming to Apple's mobile line mainly due to heat and power issues. The next bump will probably be Westmere in 2010.

[Ryuukumori]

I think the MBP is simply overkill and a big price tag. I really think I am overestimating the power I need for a laptop, and only a laptop. I can get more power simply building a custom PC (which I don't mind using Windows at all, really. I wanna try OSX for a change!)

The portability will be nice. I don't mind the screen and graphics all too much, as long as I have Apple's reliability behind my back! ;)

[iboost79]

I'd say refresh around June of this year.

[Ryuukumori]

I sure hope so! :) June would be perfect.

[Darkroom]

i'm sure there will be a refresh before november. the same thing was happening last spring when i was waiting for the iMac to be refreshed: apple seemed to delay the refresh by a few months and loaded the refurb store with iMacs. those deals in the refurb store now on macbooks look pretty good, so i'm thinking they're trying to unload a bunch of refurbs before updating. they just lowered the price of the UMB 2.4 by $100 last week in the refurb store, which tells me there probably will not be a refresh for at least another month. of course this is just as assumption.

[Boston Fan]

Don't go to school without your MacBook in hand. The negatives of dealing with school without a computer for two months will not be offset by a November refresh.

[Ryuukumori]

Yeah, for sure. I need a computer for every second or grades might slip.

After some research, in my dorm (which I already enrolled to with a buddy of mine last week), every hour of class is 2-4 hours of homework.

[PaperMacWriter]

What if you get hit by a bus tomorrow and die?:eek:

no need to hold out all the way till november, just buy it, I doubt the changes will be groundbreaking anyways.http://www.marcellosendos.ch/comics/ch/1990/11/19901121.gif
This is immeadeatly what I thought of when I read your comment. Why such a negitave veiw?:p

As to my advice, I am at this point waiting for a refresh as this is the first model of a complete rebuild. I have heard that there are a whole flock of problems with them, as there were with the Air. I expect that there will be minimal stat bumps, but you'll have a much smoother machine. I might be totally off though:p
SG :apple:

[Darkroom]

[IMG]As to my advice, I am at this point waiting for a refresh as this is the first model of a complete rebuild. I have heard that there are a whole flock of problems with them, as there were with the Air. I expect that there will be minimal stat bumps, but you'll have a much smoother machine. I might be totally off though:p
SG :apple:

i assumed the same thing about the iMac that was released last spring, but the problems (mostly with the screen) were still present in the new refresh. the same type of threads on here about screen problems just exploded again, saying pretty much the same thing they said with the previous release. i suspect we'll see more similar threads with loose battery tops and slanted keys when the new macbook refresh hits. it's the nature of computers and mass production - some have problems and some don't. thankfully apple care is (usually) merciful, and it's difficult to go wrong with the 14 day return policy.

so i bought a refurb. $300 off the high end refurbished macbook was too much to ignore. it should arrive in the next few hours.

[fireman13]

I went through five years of college without a computer. I had to get up at 5 am to get to the library on campus to type my paper. I managed to graduate with honors......I think you will be fine.

[PracticalMac]

That's true. lol

I am still going to wait until after WWDC just in case things change. Otherwise, other insight?

I expect a new MB by November, maybe earlier.

It is already 5~6 months old, upgrades will come out soon.

At least a speed bump, if not including FW800

[iMacmatician]

A speed bump is likely by June. Intel will be releasing bumped chips, can't remember the exact date/specs, but it's likely that would be a good timeframe to expect a refresh.I heard late May (although I believe the LV CPUs have already been bumped).

[PaperMacWriter]

I expect a new MB by November, maybe earlier.

It is already 5~6 months old, upgrades will come out soon.

At least a speed bump, if not including FW800

I think that an update id due soon, but I am almost positve it wont have FW. They only just excluded it from the MacBook, and I don't think FW 800 or 400 will ever return to it. Maybe in a few years with 3200 or 6400, but not 400 or 800.

i assumed the same thing about the iMac that was released last spring, but the problems (mostly with the screen) were still present in the new refresh. the same type of threads on here about screen problems just exploded again, saying pretty much the same thing they said with the previous release. i suspect we'll see more similar threads with loose battery tops and slanted keys when the new macbook refresh hits. it's the nature of computers and mass production - some have problems and some don't. thankfully apple care is (usually) merciful, and it's difficult to go wrong with the 14 day return policy.

so i bought a refurb. $300 off the high end refurbished macbook was too much to ignore. it should arrive in the next few hours. I had no idea that there where problems with the iMac screen... I have a 24" 1.4GHz iMac from 2007, after their new look, and it has no issues. I also preform maintenance on my brothers schools iMac 20" 2.4GHz from 2008. That had a buzzing sound issue related to the brightness, but the genius bar said that it was still under the claimed max sound, so its fine. Is that what you were talking about?
SG :apple:

[bchreng]

Thing is... I toured the campus a couple times already, both with school activity going on... and all the computer labs were filled. It is hard to find one without having your own.

Maybe I shouldn't worry, and WWDC will bring minor speed bumps, and Nehalem to be possessed by MBPs only for now. I see that a possibility.

I will be doing either Aerospace Engineering or Oceanography. Those two I assume require computers of your own.

Coming from someone who's studied Electrical Engineering, unless you intend on spending even more money towards purchasing a valid Windows license to install via Bootcamp, you should really consider buying a PC instead. The systems design programs we had to use for our labs were Windows only. The same is likely going to be true for the systems design and CAD -type programs that you're going to be using while studying Aerospace Engineering. I'd recommend flipping through your general catalog, figuring out what classes you're required to take and browse through their respective syllabuses online to find out what sort of system you're going to need.

On a similar note, collaborate work projects and papers tend to work out more smoothly if you're using MS Office, as that's what the majority of the students and staff tend to use. MS usually has a promotion every now and again for the Windows version of their Office suite for $60 for students. Whether you decide to go with a Mac and Bootcamp or a PC, you should also consider purchasing the PC version of Office and save some money.

[darngooddesign]

Unless your hardware can use FW800, I don't think that it will be significantly better for music projects. The screen is, indeed, of better quality but it doesn't seem to me that it would be of much importance in that arena. The speakers, while better than some notebooks, are still not that great and you'd want another set anyway for that sort of work. Of course it's nice to have more screen area to work with, but it's a matter of personal preference and value to you.

The screen is better in that you can fit more track information on the screen with the higher res screen.