October 2009 - Apple Special Event? Potential Next-Gen AIR! Look at the trend...

[Jobsian]

January 08 and 09: Keynote
March 08 and 09: "Sneak Peek" Event
June 08 and 09: WWDC Keynote Address
September 08 and 09: Media Keynote Event
October 08: *Apple Special Event*


Ok what happened last October?:

1) MBP update (including unibody, glass trackpad, Nvidia update)
2) Macbook Air Update! Nvidia 9400m Chipset upgrade, 128GB SSD!

And the new updated notebooks were made available the very next day!

Exciting stuff! Now while this doesn't necessarily mean we will see an MBA upgrade or even any Special Event at all, the trend does bode well :D

[nick9191]

The MacBook line up got an entire refresh at WWDC in June. You probably wont see another update until Spring 2010, when hopefully we might receive some Nehalem loving. It's the desktops that are next in line (hopefully with lower prices akin to the laptops)

[w00tini]

I actually think Apple is going to have quite a bit of computer news in October, in both desktop and mobile. The reason is that with such a weak economy that has shown few signs of turning around anytime soon, Apple will want to be as competitive as they can an integrate newer technologies as soon as possible to increase the value of their offerings.

While I don't see a huge Air refresh, I do see a lot of updates for the iMac and the MacBook/MacBook Pro lines. Gizmodo had a great piece (http://gizmodo.com/5354033/stop-5-reasons-to-wait-on-buying-that-laptop/) on what new mobile technology is on the way and I believe that manufacturers are going to integrate as much of this as fast as they can to make the 4th Qtr of 2009.

Also, with so much strong competition coming from PC manufacturers (like this (http://gizmodo.com/5359331/hp-envy-hands-on-macbook-pro-clone-better-than-the-real-thing?skyline=true&s=x)), Apple needs to continue updating their mobile platform to be competitive. This is especially true with the launch of Windows 7 (which as we all know is a pretty damn nice OS) which is sure to give PC's a big boost as far as marketing attention.

I'm still pulling for a nice Air update, but I think the focus will be as the news post (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/15/analyst-imac-and-macbook-updates-coming-within-weeks/) on the homepage of MacRumors states, iMacs and the base MacBook. I believe that report is probably about as accurate as anything we've heard to date about fall computer updates. But to reiterate, I do believe we'll see something of a press conference in October from Apple.

[maflynn]

I don't think we're going to see any laptop updates in 09. Regardless of the model.

Plus I wonder how apple is going to continue positioning the MBA, with the price point that its being sold at, the features that it offers makes it hard to justify the MBA over the 13"MBP.

Personally I love the design and I'd like to see apple reposition it in the line up to make it a better seller.

[mackhydr4]

I don't think we're going to see any laptop updates in 09. Regardless of the model.

Plus I wonder how apple is going to continue positioning the MBA, with the price point that its being sold at, the features that it offers makes it hard to justify the MBA over the 13"MBP.

Personally I love the design and I'd like to see apple reposition it in the line up to make it a better seller.

I think there should be a Macbook Air Pro- this version should sell to those who are willing to shell out premium, while the 1.86 HDD version should be kept around for those who cares about getting a bargain, and for those who are willing to install their own SSD.

Of course, it will never happen. I can't see Apple stretching their resources for such niche (or perceived niche) product. And people simply got used to nothing less than what the MBP line offers.

[Aldaris]

There is still lots of time before the holiday season kicks in. Granted the iMacs were updated after the holidays last year. If anything this is what I perceive for an October Special Apple Event;

-refreshed iMac (No major design changes)
-refreshed MacBook

-Slight bump in specs or price for MacBook Pro
-Slight bump for MacPro, however I could see Apple forgo and release a new model in January.

The only thing that is officially set for the holiday season is the shuffle, nano, and touch (expect a camera next year). AppleTV could see an improved software update, possibly a hardware update too.

In the end I think we will be seeing minor incentives to buy either spec or price wise. I think other than that it'll be tablet in February, and iPhone random refreshes in march and through the spring, and then WWDC to have some great stuff...

But I still have hopes for next month.

[macinfojunkie]

Can you have a trend which consists of one event/sample?

[DjAmTraX]

I think the upcoming Tablet will kill the Air. There may be no space for the Air unless Apple make it a faster more powerful machine. I have an Air and it's a overpriced fancy "netbook" IMO.

[iMacmatician]

Not if it runs a version of iPhone OS as rumored/speculated.

[LAS.mac]

I think that the answer on the MBA immediate future, sits in understanding why Apple slashed the prices back in June. The SSD model was before prices at...I don't recall, 2,499? It was slashed of roughly 700 USD, that's about 30% of the price, and increasing the processor speed. In some way, it can be interpreted as an intention to clean up inventories, because either a new model is arriving (with a different form factor, size, something that implies a new fabbrication), or that Apple simply decided that MBA, as we know it, is reaching the end of its life.
I don't see it substituted by a tablet, they are completely different concepts.
But, to keep MBA alive, they have to tackle its problems, and make it much more customizable than what is now.

[w00tini]

I think what the Air needs is a Good/Better/Best offering more than the ability to customize it.

Examples could be...

Good: 1.8 / 80Gb / 2Gb - $1199

Better 1.8 / 128Gb SSD / 2Gb - $1499

Best 2.13 / 256 Gb SSD / 4Gb - $1999

Within those three rough parameters there is a MacBook Air for just about any user's needs.

On a side note... why is it just as fun to speculate about Macs as it is to own them? :)

[stoconnell]

On a side note... why is it just as fun to speculate about Macs as it is to own them? :)

Because Apple steadfastly refuses to release road maps. Plus, they make pretty nice stuff, which leads to more speculation about how they could possibly top the last release.

[SwiftLives]

I'm reasonably certain we'll see updates. But I would be surprised to see another media event. Any updates to the Air, MacBook, or iMac lines would probably be announced via press release., as long as they weren't major or significant tech advances.

If there are any huge earth-shattering tech advances, Apple would more than likely hold off and announce them at Not!Macworld in January.

[w00tini]

I'm reasonably certain we'll see updates. But I would be surprised to see another media event. Any updates to the Air, MacBook, or iMac lines would probably be announced via press release., as long as they weren't major or significant tech advances.

If there are any huge earth-shattering tech advances, Apple would more than likely hold off and announce them at Not!Macworld in January.

It depends. if they feel sluggish holiday sales are ahead for computers they may do the on-campus presser. It does not cost them much money or setup resources, yet pays huge dividends as all the media outlets cover it as if it was an inauguration. I very much agree with your thoughts, I just think they might have some very high expectations for sales this fall.

[jimboutilier]

...Plus I wonder how apple is going to continue positioning the MBA, with the price point that its being sold at, the features that it offers makes it hard to justify the MBA over the 13"MBP.

While a half inch or so of thinness and a pound and a half of weight might not seem much, it makes the MBP almost twice as thick on average as the MBA and 50% heavier than the MBA.

As someone who's owned close enough to both (MBA and 13.3 Uni MB) I can say I much prefer the mobility of the MBA and as soon as one is offered with 4gb RAM and and a 256gb SSD I'll be heading back to a MBA. My first MBA was my all time favorite laptop, it just did not have the capacity to be my only machine and so I left it in favor of a unibody MB. I can live with fewer ports and slightly less speed (CPU/VIDEO) in favor of the form factor.

Just out of curiosity, what were you thinking Apple should do positioning wise? Enhance it towards a MBP or minimize it towards a NetBook? Just pricing adjustments?

I know I would enjoy a second USB port and an Ethernet port but other than those two minor things I'll look forward to a MBA that has the capacity to be my only machine.

[Scottsdale]

I definitely think we will get both a MB and iMac updates as the rumors suggest by October. I just don't know that the next MBA will be part of an October announcement. Anytime I think about the MBA's failures, I conclude Apple will put it on the backburners. I sure hope a true update comes for the MBA and it's a 3,1 true rev C we have all been waiting for.

[entatlrg]

Too many people here are writing insinuating the MacBook Air is a "failed product" .... because it doesn't meet "your" needs, for example too small an HD, not enough USB ports, fan/heat during heavier tasks etc ....

It couldn't be further from the truth. Apple is selling about 20,000 MBA's a week and that was *before* the price drop in June.

The MBA is an EXCELLENT product for what it was meant to be, it's a niche market product and Apple knew that going in. Of course a specialty product is going to do less volume.

The MBA drew tremendous attention to Apple, still if you go to an Apple Store just stand back and watch the 'general' consumer whether they're there for a iMac or MBP so many people have to stroll by the Air see it, touch it and wow over it. It's ONLY the tiny percentage of people, like us here in the forum that see fault in the Air because we're 'into electronics' and we want to see the computers we dream about in our hands 'now', imo, of course.

[entatlrg]

I definitely think we will get both a MB and iMac updates as the rumors suggest by October. I just don't know that the next MBA will be part of an October announcement. Anytime I think about the MBA's failures, I conclude Apple will put it on the backburners. I sure hope a true update comes for the MBA and it's a 3,1 true rev C we have all been waiting for.

"FAILURES" ??? "BACKBURNERS" ??? The attention the MacBook Air generated for Apple when it was first released, the attention the Air still gets from the general consumer is invaluable to begin with. Not to mention Apple has resources proven time and time again to be deeper than even the best Tech Analysts predict PLUS they have $29 BILLION cash in the bank !!

You think Apple see's the MBA as a failure and it's been put on the backburners? I couldn't disagree more. Didn't the MBA 'wow' the Apple Board of Directors/Shareholders alike, re-instill confidence in Apple's design abilities ETC ETC ... do you forgot all that. The Air gave Apple a boost in many ways, AND it's the direction of computers, no?

You do realize right, that Apple exec's aren't sitting around today discussing what they're going to be doing with the hardware on the Air next week or next month, same goes for the tablet ... the "designs, changes, improvements" have been planned a long time ago, compared to what's insinuated here. Whether it's the Air or a new Tablet the design/hardware is done months previous to it's release.

For example, Apple is most likely well past the next set of revisions to the MacBook Air, if the next revision is going to be referred to as 3.0, then you can bet the Engineers are planning versions 4.0 and 5.0 right now, same goes for the MBP's, iMacs any product for that matter. Granted in the tech industry the timeline's are much shorter as parts improve, but the 'design' and hardware is planned long in advance.

Somewhere high up in Apple they're planning what Mac's they'll be releasing through Q2, maybe Q3 possibly Q4 2010 ... what's coming out in Q4 '09, and Q1 '10 has been planned long ago ... they'll be working on final tweaks, software and QC that's about it.....

But come on, everyone knows at the very least the future of computers is thinner and lighter, Apple pioneered that and shocked the world ... how does "failed product" and put the MBA on the "backburner" make any sense at all?

[Scottsdale]

"FAILURES" ??? "BACKBURNERS" ??? The attention the MacBook Air generated for Apple when it was first released, the attention the Air still gets from the general consumer is invaluable to begin with. Not to mention Apple has resources proven time and time again to be deeper than even the best Tech Analysts predict PLUS they have $29 BILLION cash in the bank !!

You think Apple see's the MBA as a failure and it's been put on the backburners? I couldn't disagree more. Didn't the MBA 'wow' the Apple Board of Directors/Shareholders alike, re-instill confidence in Apple's design abilities ETC ETC ... do you forgot all that. The Air gave Apple a boost in many ways, AND it's the direction of computers, no?

You do realize right, that Apple exec's aren't sitting around today discussing what they're going to be doing with the hardware on the Air next week or next month, same goes for the tablet ... the "designs, changes, improvements" have been planned a long time ago, compared to what's insinuated here. Whether it's the Air or a new Tablet the design/hardware is done months previous to it's release.

For example, Apple is most likely well past the next set of revisions to the MacBook Air, if the next revision is going to be referred to as 3.0, then you can bet the Engineers are planning versions 4.0 and 5.0 right now, same goes for the MBP's, iMacs any product for that matter. Granted in the tech industry the timeline's are much shorter as parts improve, but the 'design' and hardware is planned long in advance.

Somewhere high up in Apple they're planning what Mac's they'll be releasing through Q2, maybe Q3 possibly Q4 2010 ... what's coming out in Q4 '09, and Q1 '10 has been planned long ago ... they'll be working on final tweaks, software and QC that's about it.....

But come on, everyone knows at the very least the future of computers is thinner and lighter, Apple pioneered that and shocked the world ... how does "failed product" and put the MBA on the "backburner" make any sense at all?

Take a quick poll in the MBP section or even MB section at what people's opinions are of the MBA. I would say that HALF of the original MBA buyers will NEVER buy an MBA ever again no matter how much it improves. The original FAILURES were complete. Macs just worked until the MBA. Then people experienced overheating, core shutdowns, freeze ups, and kernal panics.

The unfortunate thoughts of the MBA by most are it cannot even play a video without overheating. Of the 21 people I knew who bought an original MBA, 20 were onto a different computer within a year. Only 7 bought another MBA. The other 13 were onto different Mac and even PCs. The consensus was that the MBA was JUNK! It was NOT CAPABLE. And yes, IT WAS A FAILURE.

Now, I don't care how many people are going to jump out and say they loved theirs... before CoolBook and updates, the original MBA just didn't work! That memory lasts. It has ruined the brand name of MacBook Air. Imagine just how different the story would be if the rev B had been the original??? Imagine just how memorable and great the reviews would have been.

THE AVERAGE MAC USER CONSIDERS THE MBA MERE NOVELTY! It takes a certain person to forgive the original failures... to look past the misfortunes and negative remarks... and give the new MBAs a real chance to become their love.

When people give the Nvidia MBAs a chance, they generally fall in love. Now, we all disagree about what makes the MBA great or usable or etc. But we all have come to love our MBAs whether we use them as our primary Mac & SOLE computer, our Mac notebook, or just as a secondary Mac to do light work.

Unfortunately, I have to say that if Apple had released the Nvidia MBA as its original, the MBA would have a solid BRAND name moving forward. Right now, I know of people who refuse to EVER buy another Mac again because the original MBA failed them, and they blamed Jobs for selling them a piece of *****! That's the truth.

I still hear moans and groans when I talk about how great my MBA is in some crowds. Some joke that I must be a light user. Unfortunately, I think your view of the MBA isn't the common or average view of the MBA. I know this from my own experience. It helps me understand because I work with a bunch of educators, engineers, and etc who often use the Mac and in much greater numbers have their own experiences with Macs and, most specifically, the MBA.

It will take a long long time for all to forget the failures of the MacBook Air brand. I guarantee that Apple wishes it could take the original back. I would bet that the original was a failure financially not just for itself but ruined potential sale value of future Nvidia MBAs. Jobs surely knows how wrong his keynote was and the MBA was never ready for the masses.

So we all can act like the MBA is our savior, but in its first revision it truly was more novelty... in later revisions it has been shear Mac pleasure.

Failure overall... NO. But failure to far too many... YES.

[ThE.MeSsEnGeR]

maybe this year's october special event is held for:

1. Apple TV take 3
2. iMac Updates (which are more and more obvious these couple of days)
3. MacBook Updates
4. Tablet introduction (for a january release??)

:D:D

[Chimpy]

I still covet the MBA. It's arrational, kinda like my love for the Cube.

I will have one, oh yes, I will have one :).

[adamjackson]

On a side note... why is it just as fun to speculate about Macs as it is to own them? :)

It's not just Apple though. I do Twitter consulting for a few companies and 1 of them doesn't pre-announce ANYTHING. They're tight lipped and no teasers. It was genius because now people reply to them on twiter constantly. on average 1 time every 5 minute asking about features and what's coming next. It's really interesting how people speculate like this.

I enjoy the speculation and so does apple.

[LAS.mac]

I enjoy the speculation and so does apple.

We ALL enjoy speculation! If not, we wouldn't be here each day...

[alphaod]

Apple just give us the new MacBook Air with the G5 and be done with it!

[reptiledude4]

Don't think there will be a MBA upgrade this October, it was upgraded in July, only a couple months ago... I do not think there will be an iMac design change, it is only 2 years old. Hopefully there will be a MacBook design change though.

[jamesryanbell]

Don't think there will be a MBA upgrade this October, it was upgraded in July, only a couple months ago... I do not think there will be an iMac design change, it is only 2 years old. Hopefully there will be a MacBook design change though.

There most likely will be an iMac redesign.

[ThE.MeSsEnGeR]

Don't think there will be a MBA upgrade this October, it was upgraded in July, only a couple months ago...
I agree with you on this one...

I do not think there will be an iMac design change, it is only 2 years old.
I don't agree with you on this one... because, nowadays, technology goes so fast that if a product stays the same shape on the outside, it'll need a refresh instantly! (remember how we all went crazy over how the 3GS stayed the same as 3G on the outside...)

Hopefully there will be a MacBook design change though.

well, yeah, we do need one anyway... ;)

[Scottsdale]

Don't think there will be a MBA upgrade this October, it was upgraded in July, only a couple months ago... I do not think there will be an iMac design change, it is only 2 years old. Hopefully there will be a MacBook design change though.

I have recently received directly conflicting information that you will most likely be wrong. A little birdie told me that nothing is confirmed but new/different MBAs are being used on campus like a release is possible for the little Mac with a big heart. And apparently the MBA is a favorite for most of the executives, marketing, and decision makers at Apple; that is great for the potential and future of the MBA.

I will not be surprised one bit to see a new MBA the same day we see a new MB. And the truth is we haven't really seen a rev C MBA as the so called current C is really a 2,1 MBA. So, this means the MBA is truly due a new 3,1 designation and be a real change over the 2,1 model. The last minor spec bump was truly just a bump of top end CPU as the chipset/GPU and major interior/exterior stayed exactly the same.

Again, nothing is a guarantee no matter how many are seen on campus or expected as anything can change with products like the MBA that are treated very differently than the MB.

I am also expecting a somewhat different MB than others/analysts are predicting also. I have been told that there is a supposed MB Lite/Nano type option on the table also. This was apparently thought to be some form of MBA from my source, but recently became clear that it was a MB "option." This would allow a price drop to the $800 range and differentiate the product substantially in CPU and GPU differences from the MBPs. The major goal of Apple is to compete at a lower price point right now. And Apple might be planning to use multiple options and reinvigorate the MB line completely as it remains the number one selling Mac notebook! This would allow a starting point of $799 to compete on the low end, while still completely competing for the standard $999 plastic MacBook too. The CPU/RAM/Drive would all likely be the upgrades... there could even be a smaller sized display like 10" or 12" in the lower end model to not be a netbook but compete on that level.

I predict we will see some changes in October through November, and I hope that means the MBA too.

I hope that my source is correct and not you. For not that you should be wrong but so that we could all benefit from a truly upgraded MBA.

[jmann]

I'd love to see a design refresh with a glass screen and glass trackpad. :)

[trungthiendo]

i just wish they would release a white keyboard option for the macbook pro line.

but for updates, i think its just imac update.

[Jobsian]

I have recently received directly conflicting information that you will most likely be wrong. A little birdie told me that nothing is confirmed but new/different MBAs are being used on campus like a release is possible for the little Mac with a big heart. And apparently the MBA is a favorite for most of the executives, marketing, and decision makers at Apple; that is great for the potential and future of the MBA.

I will not be surprised one bit to see a new MBA the same day we see a new MB. And the truth is we haven't really seen a rev C MBA as the so called current C is really a 2,1 MBA. So, this means the MBA is truly due a new 3,1 designation and be a real change over the 2,1 model. The last minor spec bump was truly just a bump of top end CPU as the chipset/GPU and major interior/exterior stayed exactly the same.

Again, nothing is a guarantee no matter how many are seen on campus or expected as anything can change with products like the MBA that are treated very differently than the MB.

I am also expecting a somewhat different MB than others/analysts are predicting also. I have been told that there is a supposed MB Lite/Nano type option on the table also. This was apparently thought to be some form of MBA from my source, but recently became clear that it was a MB "option." This would allow a price drop to the $800 range and differentiate the product substantially in CPU and GPU differences from the MBPs. The major goal of Apple is to compete at a lower price point right now. And Apple might be planning to use multiple options and reinvigorate the MB line completely as it remains the number one selling Mac notebook! This would allow a starting point of $799 to compete on the low end, while still completely competing for the standard $999 plastic MacBook too. The CPU/RAM/Drive would all likely be the upgrades... there could even be a smaller sized display like 10" or 12" in the lower end model to not be a netbook but compete on that level.

I predict we will see some changes in October through November, and I hope that means the MBA too.

I hope that my source is correct and not you. For not that you should be wrong but so that we could all benefit from a truly upgraded MBA.
I'm trying not to get too excited because as you say, nothing is confirmed at all, but I can't help it!

Scott, you should just have a "Scottsdale on the Grapevine" thread where you tell us these tidbits :D

Great stuff, I hope you're right. I can't wait for an updated MBA like you just wouldn't believe. It's not a completely rational affection, but it's there and I don't care I don't care I don't care :apple:

[Jobsian]

Kudos to anyone getting the Smiths reference, you have my instant friendship by virtue of common interest :D

[stockscalper]

I have recently received directly conflicting information that you will most likely be wrong. A little birdie told me that nothing is confirmed but new/different MBAs are being used on campus like a release is possible for the little Mac with a big heart. And apparently the MBA is a favorite for most of the executives, marketing, and decision makers at Apple; that is great for the potential and future of the MBA.

I will not be surprised one bit to see a new MBA the same day we see a new MB. And the truth is we haven't really seen a rev C MBA as the so called current C is really a 2,1 MBA. So, this means the MBA is truly due a new 3,1 designation and be a real change over the 2,1 model. The last minor spec bump was truly just a bump of top end CPU as the chipset/GPU and major interior/exterior stayed exactly the same.

Again, nothing is a guarantee no matter how many are seen on campus or expected as anything can change with products like the MBA that are treated very differently than the MB.

I am also expecting a somewhat different MB than others/analysts are predicting also. I have been told that there is a supposed MB Lite/Nano type option on the table also. This was apparently thought to be some form of MBA from my source, but recently became clear that it was a MB "option." This would allow a price drop to the $800 range and differentiate the product substantially in CPU and GPU differences from the MBPs. The major goal of Apple is to compete at a lower price point right now. And Apple might be planning to use multiple options and reinvigorate the MB line completely as it remains the number one selling Mac notebook! This would allow a starting point of $799 to compete on the low end, while still completely competing for the standard $999 plastic MacBook too. The CPU/RAM/Drive would all likely be the upgrades... there could even be a smaller sized display like 10" or 12" in the lower end model to not be a netbook but compete on that level.

I predict we will see some changes in October through November, and I hope that means the MBA too.

I hope that my source is correct and not you. For not that you should be wrong but so that we could all benefit from a truly upgraded MBA.

What a load of CRAP! You don't have a source any more than I or anybody else on the board does.

[darngooddesign]

What a load of CRAP! You don't have a source any more than I or anybody else on the board does.

Wow, getting angry about a rumor. You're on the wrong site there buddy.

[jdechko]

Going in a slightly different direction, I hope that Apple moves from a 6-8 month update cycle to a 3-4 month one. Even small upgrades (like minor CPU bumps or increase in storage) would help people feel better about their purchases. Cause right now, those who are well informed (without an immediate need) have about 3 months (give or take a few weeks) to feel really good about buying a mac. After about 4 months, you figure we are at least halfway through the upgrade cycle and we decide to wait (unless, as I said, there is an immediate need).

[superlatic]

Going in a slightly different direction, I hope that Apple moves from a 6-8 month update cycle to a 3-4 month one. Even small upgrades (like minor CPU bumps or increase in storage) would help people feel better about their purchases. Cause right now, those who are well informed (without an immediate need) have about 3 months (give or take a few weeks) to feel really good about buying a mac. After about 4 months, you figure we are at least halfway through the upgrade cycle and we decide to wait (unless, as I said, there is an immediate need).

And given the release of the clarksfield processors in a few mid-high end machines such as Dell Studio 15.6, I think many mac users currently in the market for a laptop may feel aggrieved at paying top whack for hardware/specs that are out of date.

If we seen a significant price drop on the current systems I would buy now, but this is apple we are talking about, aint going to happen.

[JasG]

I bought Rev. C SSD several months ago. I am a writer, who carries my computer almost everywhere I go. I use the USB port for an occasional backup when I don't backup wirelessly. This computer is every bit of computer I need, and more (I actually don't need so speedy a computer). I may be a tiny piece of the market, but I repeat, this computer is all that I need, and the difference in weight on my aging back is enormous. I have all my work and all my notes and all my documents for the past twenty years on here, and I still have 88 gb free.

If weight what matters most, on a machine that runs OS X, this is the machine for you. The cost will be about $50 a month for the three years between purchase and the expiration of Apple Care. The chiropractor is $75 a visit. If weight doesn't matter, it makes little sense.

[Scottsdale]

What a load of CRAP! You don't have a source any more than I or anybody else on the board does.

Actually you're quite incorrect. One of the people I went to business school with, who became best of friends with I, and whom I speak with at least once per week has a family member that works at Apple. Now, my friend is an Apple junkie, and he picks and begs for information all the time. He tells me a lot about what prototypes are being used on campus and a lot about peripherals.

He actually has given me extremely accurate information in the past. Three weeks before the 24" LED-backlit ACD was released, he gave me all of the exact information including it was for Mac notebooks, had mini display port, and had power and usb hub to provide docking station like capabilities... NONE of that information had been rumored anywhere else and I heard about it. Next, he told me the glass trackpad information perfectly about the MB & MBP. He also claimed the final unibody construction was confirmed and that Apple was sticking with dual cores and a few others. He also gave me information that the rev B MBA would have a new chipset and GPU.

Moving on... two weeks before the June update he told me that the MBP was going to takeover the aluminum MB. Told me FireWire would be on all models, and told me the 9400m was definitely still being used. What he told me next was that the MBA was NOT BEING UPDATED! And for the most part, it wasn't. It had the same chipset, GPU, grade CPU, and exactly same form factor, ports, display, and etc. The very minor CPU bump for high end along with battery bump by 3 (to achieve "green" status) was all. I would say he has been fairly accurate, and I have reported most of this.

So, go ahead and tell me how wrong I am about my source... I don't give a *****, but I am not making this up... AND OTHERS CAN ATTEST THAT I HAVE LEAKED THIS EXACT INFORMATION IN THE PAST!

At the same time, what my friend's family member sees and shares could have information lost in translation. Originally, about three weeks ago I was told the MBA being seen was carbon fiber or plastic, was a little thicker than current model, and had Atom/Ion combination HE THOUGHT! Well, turned out that was a MacBook "option" and not an MBA of any sort. What you have to remember is these Macs on campus aren't stamped with labels and often differ. But what I have been told is those higher up are seen with MBAs that are currently different than what is on market... they love them. But the peons get to see glimpses and occasionally get brief access, but that doesn't mean it's a finalized version NOR CAN THEY ACCESS THE ABOUT THIS MAC INFO... THAT INFO IS KEPT COMPLETELY SECRET TO EMPLOYEES! What employees see are ports, displays, form factors, and changes in materials.

I often find information is lost in translation too from something heard and passed down three times before I get it. And the vast majority of the time, it's the same TYPES of rumors we see on these sites like Mac Rumors.

I don't care if you believe me or not, but that last thing I care to be called is a liar. If that persists, I will just share the information via PM to the people I trust here at Mac Rumors... also note, I do NOT start threads about the inside information I get intentionally because the last thing in the world I want is for anyone to get in trouble for leaking information.

A lot of my supposed "guesses" or "predictions" have a basis of information heard through this source along with a business guess as to why Apple would pursue that route.

And honestly, it's pretty low class for you to call me a liar! I haven't lied about one word ever written here, and I don't appreciate it! People like you end up ruining the fun of information for ALL/EVERYONE!

[cwfrederick]

@scottsdale: what do you think is the the chance of a 15" MBA coming out with the next update? thanks!

[couto27]

next on the list is imac , and macbook

what would possible happend is apple change the mba 1,86ghz in a apple tablet 1,86ghz
theres no point of having 2 mba portatable in the market , if is a tablet on the way.

[stockscalper]

A little birdie told me that nothing is confirmed but new/different MBAs are being used on campus like a release is possible for the little Mac with a big heart.

Nothing is ever confirmed - what an out! Apple, as well as other electronic makers, are always trying out various prototypes at any given time. You haven't relayed anything that we don't already know. You don't know anything so please stay off the koolaid. It's wannabe knowitall's like you that ruin forums like this.

Lastly, nobody called you a liar; you labeled yourself as one.

Oh, by the way, I know somebody who has a cousin who was in preschool with this dude who knows the guy who takes out the garbage at the Apple campus and he said that there were some new Macs coming out real soon and they were going to be really, really cool. And this dude has always been right on with all the secrets he's leaked out of the Apple campus.

[still in school]

Mannnn, can you PM me and share some secrets with me? I'll be your best friend.

[Scottsdale]

A little birdie told me that nothing is confirmed but new/different MBAs are being used on campus like a release is possible for the little Mac with a big heart.

Nothing is ever confirmed - what an out! Apple, as well as other electronic makers, are always trying out various prototypes at any given time. You haven't relayed anything that we don't already know. You don't know anything so please stay off the koolaid. It's wannabe knowitall's like you that ruin forums like this.

Lastly, nobody called you a liar; you labeled yourself as one.

Oh, by the way, I know somebody who has a cousin who was in preschool with this dude who knows the guy who takes out the garbage at the Apple campus and he said that there were some new Macs coming out real soon and they were going to be really, really cool. And this dude has always been right on with all the secrets he's leaked out of the Apple campus.

Dude, you went to preschool, wow; that's a far higher education level than I would have ever expected by someone with such little class as you. Well, remember your playground rules to be nice and play fair. Unfortunately some people truly need reminding and you are the perfect example.

Actually I think I will use you and your low class as an example in a lecture I give at some point. Do you know what the moral of the story will be? I didn't think so as you are too wrapped up in preschool speak... LMAO!

[Scottsdale]

@scottsdale: what do you think is the the chance of a 15" MBA coming out with the next update? thanks!

Heard nothing about it since the rumor early this year. I would love it myself. In fact, I really don't wish to deal with immature worthless people criticizing me any longer. From now on, if anyone has a question for me about future potential and anything I may have heard, please personally pm me. I gladly reply to all people with class who care to share rumors, insights to what's being seen on campus, and etc.

Normally I don't post a new thread but release information within an existing thread. Those of you who have been around long enough to know me have seen those. Anyways, as of right now, I am done with that. When people can get back into the spirit of this forum it might become enjoyable to share, but for now I don't care to deal with negative baseless people who lack any real worth to MacRumors.com and the forum members here.

[Jobsian]

Heard nothing about it since the rumor early this year. I would love it myself. In fact, I really don't wish to deal with immature worthless people criticizing me any longer. From now on, if anyone has a question for me about future potential and anything I may have heard, please personally pm me. I gladly reply to all people with class who care to share rumors, insights to what's being seen on campus, and etc.

Normally I don't post a new thread but release information within an existing thread. Those of you who have been around long enough to know me have seen those. Anyways, as of right now, I am done with that. When people can get back into the spirit of this forum it might become enjoyable to share, but for now I don't care to deal with negative baseless people who lack any real worth to MacRumors.com and the forum members here.
Scott, listen to me for a second. Don't let others' posts put you off. We all know the essence of this forum, it's called MacRumors for goodness sake, it doesn't have to be true at all!

People appreciate certain types posts, others can't stand them, that's the nature of the beast, the beast being personalities.

For instance - you don't seem to enjoy posts (to say the least!) on more hazy, wild conjecture...even though this is a rumors site... would that be about right? :D

What I wouldn't do is take it to heart dude and let someone else change the way you post - I'd never ever, ever let someone force a change in how I behave unless it was a valid criticism.

And to be fair to Stockscalper, he probably said what he did because he does think it is a valid criticism. I'm not going to start taking sides, but others might not.

Basically my conclusion Scottsdale is don't you even dare think about not telling us the rumors you hear. Do you understand that???

[codehead]

Scottsdale - I've been reading this forum for a long time. But I registered today just to post how much I value the information, opinions and assistance you've provided. Thank you. I don't have a clue how to PM you, but I hope to continue reading your posts on here.

[Scottsdale]

Scottsdale - I've been reading this forum for a long time. But I registered today just to post how much I value the information, opinions and assistance you've provided. Thank you. I don't have a clue how to PM you, but I hope to continue reading your posts on here.

Thanks for your signing up and support. Jobsian too. I just get frustrated when some people have to act like jerks. The point here is to share and have fun. And truthfully, my information is generally very accurate. At the same time, NOTHING is for certain. That doesn't mean I am looking for an out or guessing. In fact, most of my supposed "guesses" are partially based on what has been seen and what I think makes business sense/savvy for Apple.

Jobs has pulled things at the last minute many times. Supposedly the iPod Touch just had it happen within three weeks of what was set to go with a camera. If it doesn't add up or look or work just perfectly, NOTHING is beyond getting the axe. And the other thing is there will be literally HUNDREDS of a certain Mac prototype on campus and something released will have a completely different configuration and setup. Apple will run 100 or even 1000 of a product and the rumors fly that it's for certain the next iteration of a Mac, but then the plug can be pulled. POLL ANYONE ON APPLE'S main campus and they will tell you just THAT!

Sorry for my letting one person spoil the fun, but at times it gets frustrating as I don't claim to know anything for certain... but share simply some of what has actually been seen at Apple.

Thanks again for those of you who PM'd me or put a message here in my support.

[LAS.mac]

+1 for Scottsdale.

Your posts are always welcome here. :)

[jdechko]

Scottsdale, if you don't like what people say to/about you, you could always just add them to your ignore list. Personally, I think your insight, opinions (though you can be really hardcore sometimes ;)) and observations add value to this site. Don't let a few spoil it for you.

[pekkapee]

I surely hope for there's a new MB Air coming since I was truly disappointed with the latest "upgrades" with Air. PC manufacturers are coming out with Intel ULV machines like MSI X340 (http://www.latestlaptopreview.info/msi/msi-x340-notebook-upgrade.html). It's not Apple build quality but look at the price tag and battery life compared to Air... And Windows 7 is so good that it's scary, have been running the final build on my MacBook Pro for a while. I'm happy Apple is going to have some competition again, it keeps the company fit!

[SunnyGuy53]

> I think what the Air needs is a Good/Better/Best offering
> more than the ability to customize it.

Apple should have both. I.e., good/better/best models, based on CPU, etc.
and build-to-order options, including SSD, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB; and
RAM, 2GB or 4GB. Also a 3G wireless option.

They'd sell like hotcakes.

Sunny Guy

[puffnstuff]

I see them slashing the price a couple hundred and nixing the macbook.