New Placeholder SKUs Appearing in Best Buy Inventory Database?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/15/new-placeholder-skus-appearing-in-best-buy-inventory-database/)

With another Tuesday right around the corner, the MacBook Pro update rumor mill is grinding away again, and this time it's a claim (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=864948) from our forums that Best Buy's internal inventory system has been updated with three new Apple products in the "Mobile Computing" category. Speculation on the identity of the new products ranges from updated MacBook Pro models to forthcoming Wi-Fi-only iPad models due for release late next month.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2010/02/15/144924-best_buy_dummy_skus_500.jpg

Apple's MacBook Pro line has been a popular source of rumors in recent weeks since Intel unveiled new mobile processors (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/07/ces-2010-intel-officially-announces-core-i7-i5-and-i3-chips-suitable-for-apple-notebooks/) early last month and an unreleased Core i7-based MacBook Pro (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/06/unreleased-core-i7-macbook-pro-61-benchmarked-supplies-constrained/) appeared in Geekbench's database earlier this month. Apple's MacBook Pro line is also due for a refresh (http://www.macrumors.com/members/buyersguide/#MacBook_Pro) based on our Buyer's Guide information on historical update intervals.

Excitement reached a peak last week when whispers (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/07/macworld-san-francisco-2010-kicks-off-this-week/) we had heard about a MacBook Pro update possibly coming last Tuesday were followed by a report (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/08/current-macbook-pro-models-deleted-from-best-buys-inventory-system-updates-imminent/) showing Apple's current MacBook Pro models to be "deleted" from Best Buy's database, later revealed to be a mistaken interpretation of the information. Observers were optimistic when Apple's online store went down for updates last Tuesday morning, but many were disappointed when Aperture 3 (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/09/apple-releases-aperture-3-with-faces-and-places-tagging-features/) was the only new addition made during the downtime.

We have been told in the past that Best Buy rarely has specific advance notice of forthcoming Apple releases, making its inventory system an unreliable source of information as the company frequently uses its own speculation in adding placeholders for expected new products as it prepares to accommodate them. One notable case last year resulted, however, in an unidentified "Mobile Computing" product (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/25/unidentified-apple-mobile-computing-device-in-best-buy-inventory/) appearing in Best Buy's database carrying a model number that turned out to be an updated MacBook (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/27/apple-releases-minor-update-to-white-macbook/) that was announced two days later.

Article Link: New Placeholder SKUs Appearing in Best Buy Inventory Database? (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/15/new-placeholder-skus-appearing-in-best-buy-inventory-database/)

[niuniu]

In before 9to5 claim they broke this one :D

[flopticalcube]

3 new placeholders. 6 iPad models. 4 MacBook Pro models. :confused: Could we see the low-end 15" dropped?

[Peace]

3 new placeholders. 6 iPad models. 4 MacBook Pro models. :confused: Could we see the low-end 15" dropped?

16,32 and 64GB model iPads and perhaps BB won't sell the 3G version since it requires activation of sorts.

[flopticalcube]

16,32 and 64GB model iPads and perhaps BB won't sell the 3G version since it requires activation of sorts.
Possible. My local BB sells iPhones, however, but maybe they are under a different category.

[morkintosh]

3 new placeholders. 6 iPad models. 4 MacBook Pro models. :confused: Could we see the low-end 15" dropped?

Unlikely. Three WiFi iPad models methinks. Good news being that maybe we can order them this week.

[Ice2257]

I hope its an updated 15inch MBP

[appleguy123]

How do you guys know that some of these are iPads?

[morkintosh]

How do you guys know that some of these are iPads?

ESP man - it is totally sweet. Also, I'd make any big buying decisions before December 21, 2012 - just a heads up ;)

[BRLawyer]

Hell Apple, just ANNOUNCE them already! Even if it takes longer to ship..! COME ON!

[J the Ninja]

3 new placeholders. 6 iPad models. 4 MacBook Pro models. :confused: Could we see the low-end 15" dropped?

I wouldn't be too surprised. Arrandale means a big internal overhaul, so they might just go with one base model for each screen size, and let the user BTO extra options.

[Ambrose Chapel]

i feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog day...

[rdowns]

Hell Apple, just ANNOUNCE them already! Even if it takes longer to ship..! COME ON!

Wow, was that criticism of Apple in a post from you? :D

I wouldn't be too surprised. Arrandale means a big internal overhaul, so they might just go with one base model for each screen size, and let the user BTO extra options.

Not a chance.

[BRLawyer]

Wow, was that criticism of Apple in a post from you? :D


I can do worse:

APPLE IS DEAD. :D

[iWoz]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

3 new placeholders - iPad 16gb,32gb,64gb.. Kinda makes sense

[carljohnston28]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

3 new placeholders - iPad 16gb,32gb,64gb.. Kinda makes sense

Indeed, I'm not getting my hopes up.:(

[schreck]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

3 new placeholders - iPad 16gb,32gb,64gb.. Kinda makes sense

It may make sense to some, but I personally doubt the dummy SKUs are referring to those products. In Best Buy's inventory system (RSS), things are classified by individual classes. The person who posted the screen shot executed the following search in order for the SKUs to appear:

Computers>Mobile Computing>Apple (notebooks). I do not think BBY would classify the iPad as a mobile computer (I hope not, at least). Whether or not they refer to the new MBPs, I doubt they are for the iPad.

[tbobmccoy]

The iPad will definitely be sold at Best Buy... but I really doubt that they'd be updating their SKUs for iPads this far in advance of their release. I really think this might be MacBook Pro anticipation, but only time will tell...

[schreck]

The iPad will definitely be sold at Best Buy... but I really doubt that they'd be updating their SKUs for iPads this far in advance of their release. I really think this might be MacBook Pro anticipation, but only time will tell...

They will doubtless sell the iPad. But, like I've said more then three times in various threads (it appears as if no one reads all of the posts), it'd be dubious for Apple to include the iPad in a category designated for mobile computing/notebooks.

[tfstone]

That's exactly what we need. More fuel for the rumor mill :rolleyes:

[tbobmccoy]

They will doubtless sell the iPad. But, like I've said more then three times in various threads (it appears as if no one reads all of the posts), it'd be dubious for Apple to include the iPad in a category designated for mobile computing/notebooks.

I'm with you, and I read your post too. I just wanted to add another stitch to the fabric of "this isn't the iPad" quilt :D

Anyway, we all know that Best Buy's inventory is an extremely unreliable source of information.. this is more of a Page 3 story than a Page 2 one... but I still really, really hope that it's true. Apple is going to have a lot of MacBook Pro orders once they announce it; the demand has been building for months.

[Icaras]

Shouldn't this be page 1 news?

[schreck]

I'm with you, and I read your post too. I just wanted to add another stitch to the fabric of "this isn't the iPad" quilt :D

Anyway, we all know that Best Buy's inventory is an extremely unreliable source of information.. this is more of a Page 3 story than a Page 2 one... but I still really, really hope that it's true. Apple is going to have a lot of MacBook Pro orders once they announce it; the demand has been building for months.

Very good. And you're right. I remember frequently checking RSS leading up to February 2008's MBP release - and what you said was proven by that experience - BBY's inventory system is simply unreliable. But I'm with you - I'm hoping for an update ASAP!

[The Samurai]

Sweet, the MBP's are deffo due an upgrade and I think its time they bumped em up :D

[rmbrown09]

That's exactly what we need. More fuel for the rumor mill :rolleyes:

Went to Best Buy the last 2 days in a row, asked the Apple certified employee retailer guy (lol) what he thought the time frame might be. He got a seriously pissed off look and said i dont know.

so then i said, i hear you guys are running low on your macbooks around here, hes like, i have to go to the front and he left.

I was sad face.

[gusapple]

Very good. And you're right. I remember frequently checking RSS leading up to February 2008's MBP release - and what you said was proven by that experience - BBY's inventory system is simply unreliable. But I'm with you - I'm hoping for an update ASAP!

Most of the time, RSS would say that things weren't even gonna ship. (Thinking back to the launch of Snow Leopard) I looked it up when the rumors got thick and it had no such place holder. Even on the Monday that Apple announced it, it hadn't been entered, and after it was, then it said we weren't getting any. It turned out that all Best Buys got them the day that it came out. So, don't trust RSS with anything.

[cjmillsnun]

This is gonna be for the iPad WiFi.

Nothing to see here guys. Seriously

[Stenkat]

Last Monday I ordered a 15" MacBook Pro with a 128 GB Solid State HD at a Danish Mac reseller. Today after reading the advise not to buy because updates are imminent and the latest threads, I called them to try to see if I could cancel the order.
And guess what, due to some problems with Apples ordering system they have not been able to confirm my order with Apple last week and I could cancel the order and get my deposit back.
I'm thinking with above being a custom MacBook pro because of the solid state HD, and not a stock item, perhaps Apple is not taking the order because they have switched the production in China to new models and are only shipping out the stock standard MacBook pros.
This is of course wishfull thinking from my side. One could hope.
But they need to start producing new macbook pros before the announcement so they have a good stock of units to ship to cover the first wave of orders and have on stock in the stores.

Thought I'd share the above with you guys and hear your comments.
Cheers.

[rmbrown09]

The reason this is really bothering me at night is here at work we are about to purchase a 36 station iMac lab (27 inchers with i7's) thats fine.

We also are about to order 19 MBP's at 2000 a piece, and if they are really about to update, we would be fools to get them now.

[xSPRINTERx]

The reason this is really bothering me at night is here at work we are about to purchase a 36 station iMac lab (27 inchers with i7's) thats fine.

We also are about to order 19 MBP's at 2000 a piece, and if they are really about to update, we would be fools to get them now.

do you have any jobs :):):)

[Spanky Deluxe]

I'd wager money that these are for the non 3G iPads since they're due out relatively soon whereas the 3G ones are due a bit later.

[jamesryanbell]

RELEASE THEM ALREADY. It's ridiculous. CATCH UP to everyone else using i3/i5/i7 tech already.

[Cam42]

I really hope it's new MBPs. I don't think BBY would put in iPad skus this early.

[appleisgod]

I checked the skus and whatever these are for BestBuy seems to plan to have them by March 14, 2010 ( In-Stock Date). Seems to early for the ipads...

[Peace]

I checked the skus and whatever these are for BestBuy seems to plan to have them by March 14, 2010 ( In-Stock Date). Seems to early for the ipads...


Now I know those are iPads. It makes sense that there's a "dummy sku" because Apple hasn't assigned them one yet.

If they were new MBP's they would have a SKU like in the other BB screen grabs of last year.

[puckhead193]

maybe my dream from last night is a sign... I dreamed that I woke up, and for some reason logged onto apple.com and to my excitement they released new macbook pros and mac pros...

[schreck]

Now I know those are iPads. It makes sense that there's a "dummy sku" because Apple hasn't assigned them one yet.

If they were new MBP's they would have a SKU like in the other BB screen grabs of last year.

I do not understand why the fact that BBY categorises the product in its inventory system continues to be overlooked. Like I said earlier, these three dummy SKUs are a part of the "personal computer" section within RSS (inventory system). I highly doubt that BBY would classify the iPad as an Apple notebook/personal computer.

[Peace]

I do not understand why the fact that BBY categorises the product in its inventory system continues to be overlooked. Like I said earlier, these three dummy SKUs are a part of the "personal computer" section within RSS (inventory system). I highly doubt that BBY would classify the iPad as an Apple notebook/personal computer.

Steve Jobs made a point of calling Apple the biggest "Mobile" seller.

Apple may consider this a "Mobile Device".

But I guess we won't know "for sure" until March 14th eh ?

[troop231]

It's quite apparent that the screenshots are for the iPhone shuffle by looking at those product dimensions :rolleyes: jk haha, but seriously here's to new MBP's hopefully! :cool:

[PercyHanna]

All we need to do is refresh these images and wait and see!

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755419_sa.jpg
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755419_sa.jpg

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755395_sa.jpg
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755395_sa.jpg

[troop231]

All we need to do is refresh these images and wait and see!


Wow, maybe resize those :eek:? lol

[schreck]

Steve Jobs made a point of calling Apple the biggest "Mobile" seller.

Apple may consider this a "Mobile Device".

But I guess we won't know "for sure" until March 14th eh ?

This is true, but to call it a "mobile computer" would be a bit dubious, wouldn't you say? Unfortunately, though, my opinion of what's ethical in Apple/BBY's product descriptions is irrelevant.

14 March could well be a "dummy" date as well - but I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

[troop231]

March 14th is on a Sunday, isn't that kind of odd to have it in stock on that day? Or will they be in stock that night prior to opening the next day on Monday?

[gordonyz]

I see only 3 items. Does this mean no 13'' Macbook Pro, but $1999, $2299, $2499 15'', 15'', 17'' Ones?

[Cam42]

I see only 3 items. Does this mean no 13'' Macbook Pro, but $1999, $2299, $2499 15'', 15'', 17'' Ones?

I can see it possible... Maybe the 17"s going without an update...

[tkirmani]

ok guys i know im a newb but if you look at apple site and go to the Ipad section it says shipping starts late march to early april!!

so it cant be the Ipads!

my prediction is that tomorrow or weds is the day!!

[Friscohoya]

I checked the skus and whatever these are for BestBuy seems to plan to have them by March 14, 2010 ( In-Stock Date). Seems to early for the ipads...

Dates are probably best guess at this point. I am sure they are easy to retype.

[Alonzo84]

Others have stated that Apple releases updates on the Wednesday after a holiday. But from what I can tell, Album and video game releases are scheduled for the 16th. That's not to say Apple will still release an update tomorrow, but here's to hopin'.

[Fighting4Skin]

if this is true that the new MBP are to be out on 3/14/10 this could mean that the Apple srtore will probably give you a discount on the iPad if purchased with a MBP. I just hope that the updates to the MBP are worth it....I am looking to buy a 15 inch MBP but as of right now i really dont want to spend 2,000 on outdated tech. I know Apple wants to make as much money as possible but i just cant imagine how they can get away with selling MBP's that are outdated in specs by pc laptops and selling generally at a lower price. its a wait and see game but i just hope its sooner rather than later.

[TurboSC]

Release the damn things already so I can give you my money. Jesus. :(

[ipad3g]

Guys I'm new, i just returned my macbook pro last week after reading about the new ones on this website. Has apple ever released macbook pro updates without a press conference?

[Fighting4Skin]

Guys I'm new, i just returned my macbook pro last week after reading about the new ones on this website. Has apple ever released macbook pro updates without a press conference?

No update just yet....where did you return your MBP?

[Peace]

Apple has released many "refreshes" of it's products many times without a press conference.

Actually Apple doesn't really do press conferences. They do events. And they are known about 2 weeks in advance officially.

[ipad3g]

No update just yet....where did you return your MBP?

At the rancho cucamonga ca apple store

[ipad3g]

Apple has released many "refreshes" of it's products many times without a press conference.

Actually Apple doesn't really do press conferences. They do events. And they are known about 2 weeks in advance officially.

How many events did apple do last year? Three correct? March June and Sept??

[Peace]

How many events did apple do last year? Three correct? March June and Sept??

Not sure but I have a feeling we will see more events this year than in previous years.

Maybe four last year.

Jan.,March,June and Sept.

[mftito]

yo quiero mbp vente-diez

[Fighting4Skin]

At the rancho cucamonga ca apple store

did they charge you a restocking fee?

[offwidafairies]

PLEASE be new mbp's!!!!

I've lost enough sleep...

[offwidafairies]

march 14th is ONE WHOLE MONTH AWAY :(

where's the crying emoticon? coz im crying.

[ipad3g]

did they charge you a restocking fee?

Yes, why?

[medic965]

Anyone know what time they would do a release if tomorrow is the day? I am going to be checking regularly to see.

[giancarloromeo]

I'm waiting for MacBook Pro too... :(

[Aluco]

If they don't come out today I might just get a 27" imac instead. I'm tearing my hair out waiting on these stupid notebooks.

[giancarloromeo]

No MacBook Pro... macmall nenewed discount until 23/2 :mad:

[patrickoehlinge]

Last week I was waiting (constantly refreshing the page) for the store to get back online and hopefully show some new MBP's.

This week I'm actually waiting (again, constantly refreshing the page) for the store to get offline.

That's just sad...

[Tears Apart]

Another Tuesday of expectations...

Probably Apple will take down the store for four hours like last week, and eventually update a couple of pixels of an ad somewhere in a corner :(

[Tears Apart]

All we need to do is refresh these images and wait and see!

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755419_sa.jpg
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755419_sa.jpg

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755395_sa.jpg
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9755/9755395_sa.jpg

I stared long enough at the second picture and I definitely spotted a laptop silhouette.

[offwidafairies]

Last week I was waiting (constantly refreshing the page) for the store to get back online and hopefully show some new MBP's.

This week I'm actually waiting (again, constantly refreshing the page) for the store to get offline.

That's just sad...

me too. im even looking for more rumours, just in case...
very sad.

[sticky.chicken]

Release the damn things already so I can give you my money. Jesus. :(

My thoughts exactly. ;)

[wesmhead]

Went to Best Buy the last 2 days in a row, asked the Apple certified employee retailer guy (lol) what he thought the time frame might be. He got a seriously pissed off look and said i dont know.

so then i said, i hear you guys are running low on your macbooks around here, hes like, i have to go to the front and he left.

I was sad face.

I did the same thing, except the best buy guy told me they would be updated in 2 weeks. He said it with confidence, and this was two days ago. So lets just keep our fingers crossed! Oh, and does anyone know if the core i5 would be in the 13 inch Macbook Pro's when they will be refreshed? Thanks so much! :apple: :)

[wesmhead]

Guys I'm new, i just returned my macbook pro last week after reading about the new ones on this website. Has apple ever released macbook pro updates without a press conference?


No, not the Macbook Pros, but other products have been released without a press conference. Like back in October, the new iMacs were released back then without a conference, it was all done online. And im new here too, so lets just keep our fingers crossed that the MBPs will be here soon!

P.S. It was probably a very smart move of you to return your MBP.:apple:

[wesmhead]

My thoughts exactly. ;)

diddo:D:apple:

[wesmhead]

If they don't come out today I might just get a 27" imac instead. I'm tearing my hair out waiting on these stupid notebooks.


You have no idea, I have been tearing out my hair for them for months!! I've been so good about waiting this long, and now I just don't know what to do. Its going to be my first mac, so I want to make sure it is the most updated one. Lets keep our fingers crossed that a new one will be coming out soon!:apple:

[WightyMac]

i would really like a new macbook pro so i can start getting more sleep... and start studying for mid terms that are next week lol :eek:

[INeedAMacBook]

well if the sotre hasnt gon down by 1 pm, 1 1/2 hours, then there not getting updated this week

[INeedAMacBook]

but why are you saying they could update it wednesday

[INeedAMacBook]

i am this close to caving, if it dont come out buy wednesday im buying no matter what :eek:

[fon]

If they don't come out today I might just get a 27" imac instead. I'm tearing my hair out waiting on these stupid notebooks.


I got the same idea :) If there wont be a mobile i5 (or even a Apple Designed Super Dual Extreme 4 Threads Core without stupid GPU) this week, i'm going to buy the i5 imac.. :mad:

[Tears Apart]

I got the same idea :) If there wont be a mobile i5 (or even a Apple Designed Super Dual Extreme 4 Threads Core without stupid GPU) this week, i'm going to buy the i5 imac.. :mad:

Probably this delayed update translates in good business for Apple: so many users tired of waiting are switching to desktop iMacs. Then, when portables will eventually be updated they won't resist buying a MBP too :rolleyes:

[PinkyMacGodess]

One of the distributors that we buy from handles Apple gods and we've been pretty unsuccessful in getting any information other than inventory levels. Once or twice the hot new Apple product has been a day or two late making it into their ordering system. I'm not surprised that BB is the same. This distributor also does 'private label' distro for Dell and a few other companies as occasionally we get parts of other people's packing lists in with ours on orders. They also have 'private label' SKU's in the system for Dell and others and even state purchasing programs too. It's interesting when the 'normal' reseller prices are lower than the 'government' prices...

It's all a game...

[Aluco]

I got the same idea :) If there wont be a mobile i5 (or even a Apple Designed Super Dual Extreme 4 Threads Core without stupid GPU) this week, i'm going to buy the i5 imac.. :mad:


It will be my first mac and I want it because I am thinking about moving to Japan to teach next year. This will be difficult with a desktop ! but I really just want a mac now :mad:

[PinkyMacGodess]

Probably this delayed update translates in good business for Apple: so many users tired of waiting are switching to desktop iMacs. Then, when portables will eventually be updated they won't resist buying a MBP too :rolleyes:

On a slight tangent: I had an AppleCare tell me to buy my 70-year old mother a PC last week. Yeah, for real... He said that the PC would be several thousand dollars less and I'd be able to keep her happy and not waste a lot of money on her. I was mildly shocked at that kind of advice coming from that source. He didn't play up the mini, no, he flat out said to get a PC.

Also, people aren't likely to buy an iMac and then buy a MBP. In case you haven't looked around, the economy sucks. They are more likely to either buy what is available or not buy anything... On a limited budget, one MBP would be a luxury. An iMac AND a MBP would be economic suicide.

[oldgeezers940]

but why are you saying they could update it wednesday

monday was a holiday. apparently when monday is a holiday apple tends to do releases on wednesday.

[SteveSparks]

I do not understand why the fact that BBY categorises the product in its inventory system continues to be overlooked. Like I said earlier, these three dummy SKUs are a part of the "personal computer" section within RSS (inventory system). I highly doubt that BBY would classify the iPad as an Apple notebook/personal computer.

Where do you think the iPad should be classified in the inventory system?

MP3 players?
Netbooks?
Car Speakers?
HD TV's < 12"?

[justaregularjoe]

...
HD TV's < 12"?
WHA?!

Is there any past precedent on the whole "stat holiday leading to Wednesday release" thing?

[oldgeezers940]

Where do you think the iPad should be classified in the inventory system?

MP3 players?
Netbooks?
Car Speakers?
HD TV's < 12"?

my bet is on netbook.

[quest307]

Come on Jobs :( dont make us stay up all night just to check if theres a new update.....a really need a new laptop :( And I decided to buy a mac and you are so mad at us...thats it... i´m gonna cry and it is your fault!^^


But pls..!!!! tomorrow ok?....

[wesmhead]

monday was a holiday. apparently when monday is a holiday apple tends to do releases on wednesday.

where did you hear this?? are you just making that up?? lol :p

[oldgeezers940]

where did you hear this?? are you just making that up?? lol :p

It's just what I've seen people around these forums say.

[aucl]

Observers were optimistic when Apple's online store went down for updates last Tuesday morning, but many were disappointed when Aperture 3 (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/09/apple-releases-aperture-3-with-faces-and-places-tagging-features/) was the only new addition made during the downtime.


I'm sure quite a lot of people were happy to see Aperture 3.0
I was! and even it it currently has some nasty problems… I'm still happy about that release!

[aucl]

RELEASE THEM ALREADY. It's ridiculous. CATCH UP to everyone else using i3/i5/i7 tech already.

yea, i recently was thinking about buying a new MacBook Pro, but then realized my 2 year old one is almost as good.

what i'd like to see is upgrade to the i3/i5/i7 cpu's, and a 2nd GPU even on the 13" model! (nvidia optimus maybe?)

[DigitalPhoenix]

I checked the skus and whatever these are for BestBuy seems to plan to have them by March 14, 2010 ( In-Stock Date). Seems to early for the ipads...

I agree it's only 45 days i think, didn't they say 90 for the iPad?

[aucl]

I agree it's only 45 days i think, didn't they say 90 for the iPad?

60 for the WiFi model

[Luman]

I checked the skus and whatever these are for BestBuy seems to plan to have them by March 14, 2010 ( In-Stock Date). Seems to early for the ipads...

Here's my theory. Yesterday, Engadget had an article on the new Acer Aspire One, which is the first to use NVIDIA's Ion 2 and one of the first to use the Optimus tech. In the article Acer withheld info regarding the specific GPU, reportedly holding off until NVIDIA makes their announcement re: Optimus, at CeBIT which is March 2 - 6th.

Engadget article: Acer Aspire One 532G first to feature NVIDIA Ion 2 switchable graphics (http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/acer-aspire-one-532g-first-to-feature-nvidia-ion-2-switchable-gr/)

If my theory is true, my bet is that Apple is holding off until NVIDIA makes their official announcement. Automatic discrete / integrated GPU switching would be totally worth it for the Pro line. The dates for CeBIT would be within a week or two of the dates listed in Best Buy's system. I think we'll see new MBP's around the first two weeks of March based on all this.

I don't see Apple waiting this long to only throw in the Core i3/i5/i7's and I doubt they'd switch back to ATI.

Maybe USB 3.0 too? There are a small number of PC laptops equipped with it now.

[kkustes03]

Do you all think we will still be able to purchase a 13" for $1199 or $1099 for students?

[Aluco]

This sucks, no other company would make me wait for weeks to hand them £1500. Wtf are they doing.

[kb0616]

This sucks, no other company would make me wait for weeks to hand them £1500. Wtf are they doing.

LOL! True that!

[fon]

Do you all think we will still be able to purchase a 13" for $1199 or $1099 for students?


Nope, i think they will drop the Edu-Price as well.

[slimjim40]

LOL! True that!

It really isn't very impressive

I can't imagine that the top brass at apple are patting themselves on the back about lagging behind the market like this without even an indication that they are going to make their laptop line up up to date. It doesn't exactly portray apple as an industry leader. I can't see how the anticipation generated by the 'hush hush" policy/delay can possibly outweigh the negativity perceived and the poor sales because of an outdated array of products on offer?

[t0mat0]

This sucks, no other company would make me wait for weeks to hand them £1500. Wtf are they doing.

I mean, why shouldn't Apple just create Wishlist trust funds, and securely look after our money till they actually release a product we want?

;)

[kkustes03]

Nope, i think they will drop the Edu-Price as well.

So you think they will be even cheaper?

[jtrenda33]

It will be my first mac and I want it because I am thinking about moving to Japan to teach next year. This will be difficult with a desktop ! but I really just want a mac now :mad:

Everyone who is wanting a MBP, do not cave and get an iMac. I bought an iMac in 2007 when they released leopard because i've always hated the idea of typing on a laptop. now with the desktop keyboards the way they are, it makes no difference, and i definitely wish i had a MBP now. of course, if i bought one back then, it wouldn't have been as good as the ones they have now, so i'm happy about that, but now i'm waiting to see what they do with their notebooks because I, so badly, am wanting one. i may continue to hold out for blu-ray. it just depends on when they finally refresh them, and what new features they'll have.

moral of the story: be patient. yes, iMacs are still portable. i even have the iLugger carrying case or whatever its called, but it gets old very quickly. plus you still have to plug in somewhere, and you look like a total a**hole when you whip out an iMac like that lol. they'll have to refresh them by summer at the very latest. if you can hold out til then, you won't regret it. it's already the middle of february. before you know it, it will be march, and then april, and hopefully they'll have refreshed them by then so that they can focus on the iphone in june/july.

[iPhysicist]

I decided August last year not to wait for the refresh of the processors and I decided wisely! I enjoy my MBP for 7 months now and '
I am happy. So everyone who has a OLD MBP just buy a new MBP now or ACCEPT to wait maybe for ever or at least until summer. The C2D will phase out but when no one knows.

[ipad3g]

No, not the Macbook Pros, but other products have been released without a press conference. Like back in October, the new iMacs were released back then without a conference, it was all done online. And im new here too, so lets just keep our fingers crossed that the MBPs will be here soon!

P.S. It was probably a very smart move of you to return your MBP.:apple:

I know im glad I returned it, but it’s killing me because I loved it for the three whole days I had it. I’m new to macs, was so sick of windows! Had gone through all of their bs, I just couldn’t take windows crashing anymore! I wake up every morning thinking maybe something will be announced. Its driving me insane, heck I don’t even care if they just come out and say its releasing 2 months from now, I mean throw us a bone or something lolz. At least we will have an exact day to look forward too! Or announce an event for March. Something, anything apple!

[daspop]

Just checked best buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%2311a~~cabcat05020 00%23%230%23%23o~~nf510||4170706c6526233137343b&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abComputerSP&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&usc=abcat0500000#storeInventoryLink) and spotted the "Backordered" text next to the 17'' mbp. It is obviously the least sold mbpro, so I'm guessing they just don't stock them in huge bulks. Anyways... (sigh).
Frigging capitalism and it's shiny aluminium products.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3529163/screen-capture.png

[oldgeezers940]

I decided August last year not to wait for the refresh of the processors and I decided wisely! I enjoy my MBP for 7 months now and '
I am happy. So everyone who has a OLD MBP just buy a new MBP now or ACCEPT to wait maybe for ever or at least until summer. The C2D will phase out but when no one knows.

Very true. The current MBP may be the last one ever released... There may never be a new release...

And in the real world C2D has already been phased out.

[rmbrown09]

I sort of have a bad feeling that Apple is having some problems. No one else has the issue of having to cram this new hot hardware into such a small form factor.

That and having to maintain their epic battery life.

HP tried with the envy 15, but their 6 cell built in lithium goes for about 2 hours on an i7.

They also didn't have the room to fit an optical drive.

Apple might be good, but that is going to be a lot of heat in a small space, even smaller since they have to pack in the optical.

I would guess that we wont see i7 in the 15, because the laptop would melt in your hands.

;/ something is going to have to give.

[ipad3g]

I sort of have a bad feeling that Apple is having some problems. No one else has the issue of having to cram this new hot hardware into such a small form factor.

That and having to maintain their epic battery life.

HP tried with the envy 15, but their 6 cell built in lithium goes for about 2 hours on an i7.

They also didn't have the room to fit an optical drive.

Apple might be good, but that is going to be a lot of heat in a small space, even smaller since they have to pack in the optical.

I would guess that we wont see i7 in the 15, because the laptop would melt in your hands.

;/ something is going to have to give.

I don't think apples having any problem at all, i think their just playing games with us. My personal opinion is that apple hyped the crap out of the iPad, and they don't want the iPad sales to be overshadowed by launching the new MBP too close to the launch date of the iPad! If it doesnt come out first week of march, i don't think we will be seeing it until June!

[Bioux]

Nope, i think they will drop the Edu-Price as well.

I cannot think of a douchier thing that Apple could do than get rid of the discount. It'd be like if the cool lady who always gives out big Reese's cups on Halloween suddenly decided to charge for them.

[kkustes03]

I cannot think of a douchier thing that Apple could do than get rid of the discount. It'd be like if the cool lady who always gives out big Reese's cups on Halloween suddenly decided to charge for them.

I think he meant that they will go down in price. Not drop the education store.

[rmbrown09]

I don't think apples having any problem at all, i think their just playing games with us. My personal opinion is that apple hyped the crap out of the iPad, and they don't want the iPad sales to be overshadowed by launching the new MBP too close to the launch date of the iPad! If it doesnt come out first week of march, i don't think we will be seeing it until June!

By that point I will own a 2000 dollar 2.8 duo MBP ;/ WTF

Im sitting on one right now because I'm at work, and i want something more. The processor is enough i think, but a 9600m GT is killing me. Its a bottleneck if i have ever seen one.

Or i might have to get a 27 inch i7. Though i really want a macbook since ill be in college.

[Bioux]

I think he meant that they will go down in price. Not drop the education store.

In that case...goody goody.

Now all we need is some motherfraking MBPs

[fynwine350z]

I don't think apples having any problem at all, i think their just playing games with us. My personal opinion is that apple hyped the crap out of the iPad, and they don't want the iPad sales to be overshadowed by launching the new MBP too close to the launch date of the iPad! If it doesnt come out first week of march, i don't think we will be seeing it until June!

If you believe that Apple has high quality standards, you have to believe that they haven't realeased an update for some quality related issues.

Even if they were prepared to launch them 1 week ago, would you rather them stop production and fix a problem, or have your new laptop ASAP?

I, for one, would rather wait another 3 weeks because they decided to spend 2 more weeks working out a problem.

[rmbrown09]

If you believe that Apple has high quality standards, you have to believe that they haven't realeased an update for some quality related issues.

Even if they were prepared to launch them 1 week ago, would you rather them stop production and fix a problem, or have your new laptop ASAP?

I, for one, would rather wait another 3 weeks because they decided to spend 2 more weeks working out a problem.

good call, and I guarantee that i7 has posed a number of them

[yukio]

i can't remember apple announcing hardware in a holiday week before...

not that i'd complain if they did, mind you.

[markparker]

Imo, apple is gonna wait to refresh until after the ipad is released...i figure mid-march, they will have a conference about how successful the ipad launch is, then talk about the 10 billionth song sold on itunes, and refresh the macbook pros...I highly doubt they will just release a major laptop change without a keynote....worst case scenario, they wait till late june to refresh everything(macbook pro, iphone,etc)

And, yes, i have been waiting for these notebooks since September, and i was very irritated when only the ipad was released..

[Peace]

i can't remember apple announcing hardware in a holiday week before...

not that i'd complain if they did, mind you.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/27/apple-releases-minor-update-to-white-macbook/

May 27th. The week that Memorial Day was on.

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

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/09/apple-updates-entire-ipod-family-bringing-capacity-and-performance-bumps-to-ipod-touch-and-video-camera-to-ipod-nano/

Sept. 9th. The week that Labor Day was on.

--------

There's others too.

[rmbrown09]

ati 5 series GPU please. thats all i really care about in the refresh. i5 only fine, as long as we get a decent GPU

[Ice2257]

Who think they will be coming out tomorrow ?

[mattydee87]

Who think they will be coming out tomorrow ?

I wish.... sadly I think the 23rd at the earliest :mad:

[Bob71]

Who think they will be coming out tomorrow ?

I do, at least I hope so:)

[rmbrown09]

I do, at least I hope so:)

Wait why are you guys thinking it will be tomorrow?? did i miss something or are we just on the "I hope its tomorrow" basis as a form of anti-depression.

[PercyHanna]

Imo, apple is gonna wait to refresh until after the ipad is released...i figure mid-march, they will have a conference about how successful the ipad launch is, then talk about the 10 billionth song sold on itunes, and refresh the macbook pros...I highly doubt they will just release a major laptop change without a keynote....worst case scenario, they wait till late june to refresh everything(macbook pro, iphone,etc)

And, yes, i have been waiting for these notebooks since September, and i was very irritated when only the ipad was released..

I still don't get why everyone thinks the MBP needs to be released after the iPad? I'm not saying that it won't, but I don't understand the logic. It makes more sense to me to release the less significant hardware update before the big one. Otherwise they're waiting to release the new MBP until June and onwards, and a 1-year cycle on the MBP is simply stupid. Unless they've run into major hardware problems, having arguably their most profitable and popular product get so out of date seems ridiculous.

Why not just update MBP soon, before iPad? Don't make a huge deal out of the MBP. Sure, it'll have a new CPU, but it's probably not going to be as significant of an upgrade as a 7-hour battery, unibody enclosure and LED screen were. Then you can update the MBP again just before Christmas, too. And then again @ WWDC '11.

[anthorumor]

Maybe by releasing the i7 MBP they'll actually pull a PowerBook G5 move - too hot and will kill the battery life. Plus offcourse longtime Apple fans will kno the PB G5 never materialised.

C2D+batterylife+thin factor= current MBP dilemma.

[oldgeezers940]

Wait why are you guys thinking it will be tomorrow?? did i miss something or are we just on the "I hope its tomorrow" basis as a form of anti-depression.

historically, when there is a holiday apple does releases on wednesday not tuesday. If you read back over this thread you'll see people talking about it and even someone giving examples.

[DylanFM]

I'm under the impression that maybe the itunes counter is actually counting down to the launch of the new MBP. They've put the answer right in our face -- hurry up an do some itunes purchasing, everyone! Only 8,927,254,937 to go.

http://img.skitch.com/20100216-cqghq7xxiesrsmy2x9r6fqrkue.jpg

[Bob71]

I'm under the impression that maybe the itunes counter is actually counting down to the launch of the new MBP. They've put the answer right in our face -- hurry up an do some itunes purchasing, everyone! Only 8,927,254,937 to go.

http://img.skitch.com/20100216-cqghq7xxiesrsmy2x9r6fqrkue.jpg

It's counting up, not down, up to 10 billion, not down to 0

[Friscohoya]

It's counting up, not down, up to 10 billion, not down to 0

His statement wouldnt make sense either way. Though I have been known to be dense.

[markparker]

hahaha yea, its going up haha

[jbrenn]

I'm under the impression that maybe the itunes counter is actually counting down to the launch of the new MBP. They've put the answer right in our face -- hurry up an do some itunes purchasing, everyone! Only 8,927,254,937 to go.

http://img.skitch.com/20100216-cqghq7xxiesrsmy2x9r6fqrkue.jpg

That will reach the 10 billion sometime next tuesday.

[DylanFM]

That will reach the 10 billion sometime next tuesday.

Perfect :)

[Joker22au]

:D Crosses fingers for macbook pro refresh

[cezza181]

I'm under the impression that maybe the itunes counter is actually counting down to the launch of the new MBP. They've put the answer right in our face -- hurry up an do some itunes purchasing, everyone! Only 8,927,254,937 to go.

http://img.skitch.com/20100216-cqghq7xxiesrsmy2x9r6fqrkue.jpg

how on earth do you figure the itunes counter would have anything to do with the release of the new MBPs?? :confused:

makes no sense at all!!

[Alonzo84]

how on earth do you figure the itunes counter would have anything to do with the release of the new MBPs?? :confused:

makes no sense at all!!

I'm pretty sure it was a joke.

[Joker22au]

So is there a possiblity of it going down tonight?? :rolleyes: :apple:

[AAPLGeek]

Gizmodo - Apple SKUs Turn Up On Canadian Best Buy System Purportedly Showing MacBook Pros / iMacs (http://gizmodo.com/5473615/apple-skus-turn-up-on-canadian-best-buy-system-purportedly-showing-macbook-pros--imacs)

[Helmigurt]

Hmm I think the iMacs will be the ones we already know but without the yellow issues. They change numbers for recalls, etc.

And the Macbook Pros? Who knows? Let the speculation continue. In my impression the wait for arrandale and the road to ipad are even bigger hype machines than the pre iphone speculation. It´s crazy!

PS: As a timewaster when the store is down, visit: www.chatroulette.com . It´s often NFSW and sometimes offensive but you won´t regret it!

PPS: I´m not affiliated with the URL above (unfortunately) !

[Exinor]

I am obsessed with this update.

The Macbook Pro will be my first Mac, and this wait is becoming ludicrous. I've become so obsessed that I look inside Starbucks Coffee shop windows to see other people using their Pros. I check the Apple website 18 times a day. It's becoming all I talk about and almost all I think about at work.

They should at least ethically lower the prices on their 8-month-old Macbook Pros, so I won't even have to flinch at buying older hardware for ridiculous prices.

Apple, please roll out the update soon. It's ruining my life.

[Bushiboo]

I am obsessed with this update.

The Macbook Pro will be my first Mac, and this wait is becoming ludicrous. I've become so obsessed that I look inside Starbucks Coffee shop windows to see other people using their Pros. I check the Apple website 18 times a day. It's becoming all I talk about and almost all I think about at work.

They should at least ethically lower the prices on their 8-month-old Macbook Pros, so I won't even have to flinch at buying older hardware for ridiculous prices.

Apple, please roll out the update soon. It's ruining my life.

I am feeling exactly like you... This really need to happen soon, im also buying my first Mac. They should atleast lower the current gens price so i dont feel like a fool if i purchase it now before the update.

C'mon :apple:

[Ice2257]

What time do new updates usually come out ?

[Tears Apart]

I am feeling exactly like you... This really need to happen soon, im also buying my first Mac. They should atleast lower the current gens price so i dont feel like a fool if i purchase it now before the update.

C'mon :apple:

Let's try see things from Apple's perspective: the update is triggered when the current line sees enough decline in sales - and not necessarily when the update is ready for the public.

Apparently it's not time yet, because users who actually wait rather than go for the current line are not enough...

[Exinor]

Let's try see things from Apple's perspective: the update is triggered when the current line sees enough decline in sales - and not necessarily when the update is ready for the public.

Apparently it's not time yet, because users who actually wait rather than go for the current line are not enough...

I do see it from apple's point of view. It's a logical BUSINESS decision. That doesn't make it RIGHT... even video game consoles go down in price AT LEAST ONCE before new ones become available.

Bah humbug, screw ethics... THEY HAVE MONEY.

[oldgeezers940]

I do see it from apple's point of view. It's a logical BUSINESS decision. That doesn't make it RIGHT... even video game consoles go down in price AT LEAST ONCE before new ones become available.

Bah humbug, screw ethics... THEY HAVE MONEY.

He wasn't talking about price drops, he was talking about the refresh...

[Exinor]

Right now, I'm taking a careful look at all laptops out there with processors that are also core 2 duo... and I'm just starting to think that the current line of MBPs are still quite worth the value.

Still, financially conscious people will want to hold out for a refresh.

[kb0616]

Right now, I'm taking a careful look at all laptops out there with processors that are also core 2 duo... and I'm just starting to think that the current line of MBPs are still quite worth the value.

Still, financially conscious people will want to hold out for a refresh.

With regard to the i3, i5 & i7 chips, aren't those dual core processors also?

[Exinor]

With regard to the i3, i5 & i7 chips, aren't those dual core processors also?

They are, but I'm trying to find a one-to-one comparison.

Maybe I'll initiate a new search with those though...

[Exinor]

I think I'm starting to understand Apple a little by looking at all of this.

And now I'm almost entirely convinced we won't see an update until March at least.

I say this because I'm trying to figure out Apple's PERCEIVED value of OSX. Unless anybody here has an actual value I can work with.

Guess I may be considering getting my Mac sooner than I thought. Gonna grab a low-end 13 inch one and add a SSD to it, as well as a RAM upgrade.

[kb0616]

I think I'm starting to understand Apple a little by looking at all of this.

And now I'm almost entirely convinced we won't see an update until March at least.

I say this because I'm trying to figure out Apple's PERCEIVED value of OSX. Unless anybody here has an actual value I can work with.

Guess I may be considering getting my Mac sooner than I thought. Gonna grab a low-end 13 inch one and add a SSD to it, as well as a RAM upgrade.

What is the relevance of an SSD hard drive? Thanks.

[Exinor]

I hear SSDs are faster for file retrieval, do not heat the system as much, and are more resistant to failures. To me it makes more sense to buy an "in-between" rather than get a faster processor. In all of computing, it stands true that your computer is only as fast is its slowest component.

So... in my opinion

SSD + 4GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.26 Ghz Processor

is greater than

(Normal) HD + 4 GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.53 Ghz Processor

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I also plan to dual-boot/VMware Windows, so I think the SSD will help with that.

[kb0616]

I hear SSDs are faster for file retrieval, do not heat the system as much, and are more resistant to failures. To me it makes more sense to buy an "in-between" rather than get a faster processor. In all of computing, it stands true that your computer is only as fast is its slowest component.

So... in my opinion

SSD + 4GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.26 Ghz Processor

is greater than

(Normal) HD + 4 GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.53 Ghz Processor

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I also plan to dual-boot/VMware Windows, so I think the SSD will help with that.

Is that something you could change out in the computer if you wanted to at a future point? Or is it like the processor that is soldered to the motherboard?

[mark.dillon]

So... in my opinion

SSD + 4GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.26 Ghz Processor

is greater than

(Normal) HD + 4 GB RAM + 3MB L2 cache + 2.53 Ghz Processor

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Agreed. This SSD will work out to be faster in almost every instance—especially if you get a decent SSD.

[Exinor]

From what I hear, SSDs can be swapped out in the same way normal hard drives can. I've personally never worked with them, though.

[kb0616]

I just spoke with an Apple Sales rep and he told me that ATAs have more room than SSDs. That the only real advantage of the SSD is that it has no moving parts and so would fair better if dropped.

[kb0616]

I also believe that the mobile Core ix's are dual core. Can't imagine it having a whopping impact over C2D.

[INeedAMacBook]

I also believe that the mobile Core ix's are dual core. Can't imagine it having a whopping impact over C2D.

hey so lets say the new mbp, it has a low-end i5, 2.26ghz and 4gb ram, how much faster would that be than a c2d 2.53ghz 4gb ram (ddr3) with a ssd? both are 13 inch

[Jskankin]

I'm under the impression that maybe the itunes counter is actually counting down to the launch of the new MBP. They've put the answer right in our face -- hurry up an do some itunes purchasing, everyone! Only 8,927,254,937 to go.

http://img.skitch.com/20100216-cqghq7xxiesrsmy2x9r6fqrkue.jpg

So i know this is irrational logic and probably wrong... but ive been tracking the downloads shown on this counter for a few days and well everyday (24 hours) there are a little more than 6 Million downloads... which when you calculate this out into the future. Well they should meet there goal by, hmmmm March 1st around 12 noon. Could we expect some sort of keynote in just under 2 weeks? and if not maybe we will at least hear something out of Apple. MBP release doubtful, but I'm looking for any reason or sign of a release sooner rather than later. All i can do is hope. :rolleyes:

[oldgeezers940]

I just spoke with an Apple Sales rep and he told me that ATAs have more room than SSDs. That the only real advantage of the SSD is that it has no moving parts and so would fair better if dropped.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-notebook-portable,1913-5.html

The main advantage, in my opinion, is the increase in speed.

[kb0616]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-notebook-portable,1913-5.html

The main advantage, in my opinion, is the increase in speed.

Those are some significant numbers! Thanks for the link. :)

[kb0616]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-notebook-portable,1913-5.html

The main advantage, in my opinion, is the increase in speed.

However, Apple wants an additional $350.00 for 128GB SSD and $800.00 for 256GB SSD. That's a lot of moola for a lot less storage space.

[INeedAMacBook]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-notebook-portable,1913-5.html

The main advantage, in my opinion, is the increase in speed.

thats it, im buying the current mbp 2.53ghz and buying a 256gig RunCore Pro IV SSD ive seen it on youtube its starts up in like 15 second :eek:and come with all the thing you need to install it

[kb0616]

thats it, im buying the current mbp 2.53ghz and buying a 256gig RunCore Pro IV SSD ive seen it on youtube its starts up in like 15 second :eek:and come with all the thing you need to install it

So you are planning to take out the hard drive that comes with it and install a third party one yourself? That's risky, hope you know what you are doing. :D

[kb0616]

thats it, im buying the current mbp 2.53ghz and buying a 256gig RunCore Pro IV SSD ive seen it on youtube its starts up in like 15 second :eek:and come with all the thing you need to install it

$1,000.00 for the RunCore Pro IV SSD 256GB?? :eek: Wow. Does 12 or 20 seconds really mean that much? Your time must be WAY valuable! :D

[INeedAMacBook]

$1,000.00 for the RunCore Pro IV SSD 256GB?? :eek: Wow. Does 12 or 20 seconds really mean that much? Your time must be WAY valuable! :D

well its still cheaper than the 250gb apple ssd

[DylanFM]

I haven't got an SSD yet, I've been waiting to upgrade to a unibody or something first. Friends of mine have upgraded (they install the HDD themselves, much cheaper and not too tricky in a unibody, apparently). I've heard many good things about their speed. I remember reading somewhere, maybe on Anandtech or something, that's it's the best upgrade in the past decade -- that is, it really makes a difference.

[djellison]

I also believe that the mobile Core ix's are dual core. Can't imagine it having a whopping impact over C2D.

You don't need to imagine anything - there were benchmarks on MR just a couple of weeks ago. SIGNIFICANTLY faster.

[RaZaK]

Shouldn't this be page 1 news?

I think they relegated this to Page 2 due to Best Buy's lack of reliability. :D

[PercyHanna]

Let's try see things from Apple's perspective: the update is triggered when the current line sees enough decline in sales - and not necessarily when the update is ready for the public.

Apparently it's not time yet, because users who actually wait rather than go for the current line are not enough...

That only works if the update is ready before the decline in sales.

But otherwise, I still don't fully agree. Apple would have an idea of when the update would be ready, and would slow down production of the current model. This has happened almost every time they are about to update a product — stock lowers at most retailers. There's no advantage to hold out on an update, assuming they don't have TONS of stock left, that is.

Anyway, here's hoping for a launch tomorrow?!?!