What's the deal with the new 'macbooks' [Archive]

KielderWolf

Oct 5, 2009, 12:47 AM

Ooh ooh ooh! I bet it'll be ⅝" thick and levitate mystically! :D

In all reality though, I'm guessing nothing much spectacular will happen. And if it does, well... Tuesday tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be taking a peek at the online Apple Store a little while after 18.00 (I'm in good ol' soggy England) and either be pleasantly surprised or indifferent about the arrangement of the "NEW!" tags.

shady825

Oct 5, 2009, 01:01 AM

MacBook: Thinner, lighter and faster! (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/03/online-ad-evidence-of-imminent-imac-mac-mini-and-macbook-updates/)

Richard1028

Oct 5, 2009, 01:08 AM

MacBook: Thinner, lighter and faster! (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/03/online-ad-evidence-of-imminent-imac-mac-mini-and-macbook-updates/)So the old butt-ugly polycarb gets a makeover. Kinda' cool if true.

That means I'll have a collector's edition whitebook. :D

KielderWolf

Oct 5, 2009, 01:12 AM

MacBook: Thinner, lighter and faster! (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/03/online-ad-evidence-of-imminent-imac-mac-mini-and-macbook-updates/)

D'aww no levitation in those descriptions :( heh heh. I look forward to spying the new MacBook if it reveals itself. Although it can't be sexier than my BlackBook. Nothing can.

shady825

Oct 5, 2009, 01:16 AM

So the old butt-ugly polycarb gets a makeover. Kinda' cool if true.

That means I'll have a collector's edition whitebook. :D

Haha, CE-WB!

Yea Im curious to see if they ditch the plastic. I really cant see them going to aluminum tho.. What are the other options really??

My grandpa wants to buy the new 13" MacBook "Pro" but I told him to hold off just incase something crazy happens with the MacBook line.

Richard1028

Oct 5, 2009, 01:27 AM

Yea Im curious to see if they ditch the plastic. I really cant see them going to aluminum tho.. What are the other options really??I bet the plastic stays. Would be nice if they offered different colors though.

My grandpa wants to buy the new 13" MacBook "Pro" but I told him to hold off just incase something crazy happens with the MacBook line.Sound advice. What's a few days/weeks anyway.

shady825

Oct 5, 2009, 01:33 AM

Would be nice if they offered different colors though.

I was totally thinking that! I bet if they did a decent price drop and offered an array of colors like the nanos, they would sell MacBooks like hot cakes!

Hrududu

Oct 5, 2009, 01:36 AM

I was totally thinking that! I bet if they did a decent price drop and offered an array of colors like the nanos, they would sell MacBooks like hot cakes!
Totally awesome! And they could come in green, dark blue, orange, grey, and light blue. Maybe they will alter the shape to look like a toilet seat, and even change the name to something that doesn't sound stupid, like iBook??

shady825

Oct 5, 2009, 01:43 AM

Totally awesome! And they could come in green, dark blue, orange, grey, and light blue. Maybe they will alter the shape to look like a toilet seat, and even change the name to something that doesn't sound stupid, like iBook??

I think if they keep the design the same but slimmed down a little and offer colors it would restore new life to an otherwise old product.
You cant tell me Apple doesnt do this!? Hello nano 5G! Change the colors a bit, throw in a new feature or two and everyone is going nuts over it.

KielderWolf

Oct 5, 2009, 01:49 AM

If all they do is make the iSight aperture round instead of square, and move the battery indicator lights to the side and make it a sliver of a wafer thinner, I think I might have to travel to Glasgow (my closest store 'til the Newcastle one opens in Spring) and shout at somebody.

Really, the MacBook is old.

Like "I need an overhaul before I die" old.

I doubt they will though. It'll just get a bit thinner. And blander. And bleah. And I want another coffee but we're out of milk. Urgh.

Also, dark blue MacBook? Hmm... sounds tasty.

Aldaris

Oct 7, 2009, 04:10 PM

Lighter than... Air?

"We at apple are always trying to innovate... there has been some huge advancements in our macbook revamp! But we found the units were running a little hot, so we decided to add some fans! We have fans running at the bottom of the laptop, bringing in cooler air that is then dissipated through the new speaker grills- and whats even more amazing, is that the fans spin opposite during startup! Making the New MacBook literally hover as if mana from heaven!"

(Okay if any of you took that literally, shame on you-the only thing we know is Apple is working on the next one, we don't know when or how much... Just save your money in the meantime!)

MarkCooz

Oct 7, 2009, 08:56 PM

they should just really bring the Black Polycarbonate MacBook again. I'm sure that would sell a lot!!!!

j5045096

Oct 7, 2009, 09:06 PM

they should just really bring the Black Polycarbonate MacBook again. I'm sure that would sell a lot!!!!

Funny you say that - I always thought that one looked pretty cool. I had a 2.16 whitebook but have since upgraded to a Unibody Pro but I'll tell you--I loved my whitebook! I really did and my assistant still uses a whitebook and every time I have to do something on it for her I miss that form factor! Love my 15" Pro don't get me wrong but I think the whitebook (and blackbook) were pretty cool laptops! I'm sure some of you who can see the innerds of yours through the broken handrests would disagree, but I liked mine. I'd like to see an improved version - a little better plastic or something and a little thinner...

Undo Redo

Oct 8, 2009, 01:41 AM

To answer the original question, I think Apple will eliminate the optical drive and firewire. They'll probably add the glass trackpad. Hopefully they'll reduce the size and weight a bit, as well as the price.

Rumor has it there will be more than one model, since there are three MacBooks Pro. I'd like to see a 12" model somewhat like the old 12" PowerBook as well as 13" and maybe even 15". I know it's too much to hope for, but new prices should range from $799 to $1099.

I like the white enclosure and keyboard but wish they'd drop the gloss, on both the display and the exterior.

firewater

Oct 8, 2009, 02:15 AM

I would love to see a 12" model like the powebook g4 , only slimmer n aluminum black. Apple please taka away the ugly white!!!

clyde2801

Oct 8, 2009, 05:41 AM

I would love to see a 12" model like the powebook g4 , only slimmer n aluminum black. Apple please taka away the ugly white!!!

Basically, an updated 12" powerbook with a c2d/n9400 setup? I loved the form factor of my 12", and would buy one in a minute. I daresay apple would sell the heck out of them. It would also be admitting that they made a mistake in coming out with a 13" form factor instead of the 12", so it's probably not gonna happen...;)

molala

Oct 8, 2009, 06:23 AM

Thinner, lighter, no optical drive? Sounds like the MBA (will that get the axe then?).

I hope it stays 13", or if it goes 12", keep it widescreen and with the same resolution as the 13". I still have my 12" PB and always wish for more screen space.

Whatever they do, I hope they never give it a glass screen!

mrboult

Oct 8, 2009, 08:18 AM

Well firstly I can see the MacBooks being updated soon as the design has been around for over 3 years. An age in apple hardware years.

I doubt it will have a metal enclosure. I think the discontinuation of the Unibody Mackbook and the rename to PRO shows that apple has decided that metal is for the pro line only.

I guess it will be slightly thiner, slightly sexier, have a glass multi-touch trackpad and hopefully be made of a plastic that does not crack and break so easily. I can't see it being any faster or it will overtake the MBP.

I think the 12inch size (that many here seem to want back) is a nice idea, but I can't see apple doing it.

Undo Redo

Oct 8, 2009, 11:01 AM

Thinner, lighter, no optical drive? Sounds like the MBA (will that get the axe then?).
Might as well. The Air is pretty useless and overpriced, IMO.

kim6ball

Oct 11, 2009, 07:05 PM

You would think that they have to make it pretty cheap compared to the current $900 in order to more so compete with the the PC models. I hate when they cut the price when you recently buy something.

witchypoo

Oct 11, 2009, 09:04 PM

You would think that they have to make it pretty cheap compared to the current $900 in order to more so compete with the the PC models. I hate when they cut the price when you recently buy something.

This is currently my problem ! I have limited money but need a new computer so the question is how long does one wait? Windows 7 is due out around 10/22 i think...will Apple be ready with something by then?

Undo Redo

Oct 11, 2009, 09:22 PM

There's going to be a flood of new affordable Win7 computers coming on the market soon. Many of the makers have waited to release their new models with the new OS.

It doesn't seem to really matter to Apple but one would think they'd want to show up with something new too. And if the best they can do on a notebook is $999, it'll be sad.

Primejimbo

Oct 11, 2009, 10:02 PM

You would think that they have to make it pretty cheap compared to the current $900 in order to more so compete with the the PC models. I hate when they cut the price when you recently buy something.

Sadly that is how technology is. I remember buying a 512MB SD card a few years ago and it cost me $40.00 and the other day I got a 2GB SD card for $9.00. That's why it's not worth trying to keep up with technology, you'll go broke trying.

chris7777

Oct 11, 2009, 10:57 PM

I think if they keep the design the same but slimmed down a little and offer colors it would restore new life to an otherwise old product.
You cant tell me Apple doesnt do this!? Hello nano 5G! Change the colors a bit, throw in a new feature or two and everyone is going nuts over it.

seriouslly I would have already bought a macbook a long time ago if it came in another color besides white(I love the black but was not going to buy one used).

I think if they took cues from the iphone and put it out with a metalic border and offered at least black and white like the iphone.

But the multi color option just seems like a given the nano.

it is pretty obvious they were going to axe the polycarbonate and the economy caused them to retain it, and bump the 13 unibody to the pro line.

Undo Redo

Oct 12, 2009, 02:53 AM

I like white laptops. Seems the white MacBooks and iBooks have been among Apple most popular computers ever, so apparently others agree. Multiple colors makes for an inventory nightmare. I don't know how Apple manages it with the iPod nanos, but those are a dime a dozen compared to computers.

Given the choice between white and black, I'd go white every time, unless the black computer was a pound lighter and $100 cheaper. :)

White keys are easier to see than black and a white case has an overall cleaner look. Apparently some people have trouble keeping their white computers clean but I've never had that problem. Aluminum isn't bad but it's not worth paying extra for and it's less durable than polycarbonate, so I hope Apple keeps white MacBooks around for a long time.

Richard1028

Oct 12, 2009, 11:18 AM

I like white laptops. Seems the white MacBooks and iBooks have been among Apple most popular computers ever, so apparently others agree.Well, they are also the cheapest. :D

Multiple colors makes for an inventory nightmare.Yes but even Henry Ford found a way to do it. Apple wouldn't have to retool any factories as the shell would be the same, just with multicolored dyes. But yes, maintaining spare parts would pose a problem.

But the more I think about it, (production costs aside) I can see why multicolors aren't offered for the polycarb unit. Apple is already defined as a consumer company and if one of my female co-workers showed up at an exec meeting with a pink macbook (or even worse - baby crap green), she'd be laughed out of the board room. Of course the current "white" draws plenty of fire now in the biz community.

And I can see why they discontinued the popular blackbook. Apple doesn't want to "hide" the fact you're using a macbook, even if you were willing to pay the extra $150 "sucker tax" for the option. On the contrary, they want everybody to know what it is from 100 yards away.

But as always... what the hell do I know? Apple is the most enigmatic company the world has ever seen.

clyde2801

Oct 13, 2009, 06:51 AM

But as always... what the hell do I know? Apple is the most enigmatic company the world has ever seen.

Yeah, in a lot of ways they're a lot like the North Korea of the tech industry. Penchant for secrecy and control, unwillingness to admit when they've made a mistake, and an unapproachable leader with a cult of personality who wears the same distinctive uniform.

Matter of fact, all of the earthquakes in California are probably underground nuclear tests...which COULD also explain the involvement of Al Gore.

Hmmm....:rolleyes:

KielderWolf

Oct 13, 2009, 12:18 PM

Yeah, in a lot of ways they're a lot like the North Korea of the tech industry. Penchant for secrecy and control, unwillingness to admit when they've made a mistake, and an unapproachable leader with a cult of personality who wears the same distinctive uniform.

Matter of fact, all of the earthquakes in California are probably underground nuclear tests...which COULD also explain the involvement of Al Gore.

Hmmm....:rolleyes:

MY GODS! What if you're right? What if Apple is secretyssdjBHcgklll;'

Message Terminated under Code 114 of the Apple Secrecy Act 2001

brendu

Oct 13, 2009, 12:32 PM

Undo Redo: "Aluminum isn't bad but it's not worth paying extra for and it's less durable than polycarbonate"

How do you think that? Aluminum is most certianly MORE durable than the crack prone plastic... way more people have case issues with polycarb than alum.

mrsir2009

Oct 13, 2009, 01:18 PM

If there is a new MacBook it'll happen when it happens:apple:

clyde2801

Oct 13, 2009, 07:23 PM

MY GODS! What if you're right? What if Apple is secretyssdjBHcgklll;'

Message Terminated under Code 114 of the Apple Secrecy Act 2001

Then we're all frakked.:D

chris7777

Oct 14, 2009, 02:11 AM

chris7777

Oct 14, 2009, 02:11 AM

Then we're all frakked.:D

By Your Command

SnowLeopard2008

Oct 14, 2009, 02:14 AM

but scratches quite easily. (though I think it was a shaving that caused it )

No, aluminum is very resistant to scratching. I fell asleep while using my MBP, and it slid off my lap onto the floor. No dents or scratches. This happened twice. My MacBook on the other hand, it's scratched up even though it barely left my desk for over 2 years.

chris7777

Oct 15, 2009, 09:24 PM

No, aluminum is very resistant to scratching. I fell asleep while using my MBP, and it slid off my lap onto the floor. No dents or scratches. This happened twice. My MacBook on the other hand, it's scratched up even though it barely left my desk for over 2 years.

I had something from inside of my mbp (I wiped down the table first) and scratched it pretty bad.(it was a refurb)

shady825

Oct 16, 2009, 10:41 AM

With Apple trying to go the "Green" route, wouldn't you think the plastic will get the axe? The aluminum has to be more "Eco friendly" than the polycarbonate right?

Richard1028

Oct 16, 2009, 12:48 PM

The aluminum has to be more "Eco friendly" than the polycarbonate right?And more costly.

Why would Apple get rid of their best selling macbook?

Stockholders don't give a rat's ass about carbon emissions, trees or whales. And if Steve-o takes this crap beyond the silly marketing gimmick it is now then shareholders will let him know.

shady825

Oct 16, 2009, 02:52 PM

And more costly.

Why would Apple get rid of their best selling macbook?

Stockholders don't give a rat's ass about carbon emissions, trees or whales. And if Steve-o takes this crap beyond the silly marketing gimmick it is now then shareholders will let him know.

Im just saying, Apple has been making a point lately to show how Eco Friendly they are.. I wouldnt be surprised to see them drop the plastic. The plastic is not why its "the best selling MacBook"