Are Apple Laptop Updates Still on Track for October?

[MacRumors]

With the October 14th date quickly approaching, some are speculating that it may be too late to expect an Apple event to be held on October 14th. That's not to say that Apple can't release new laptops without a media event.

Most of Apple's laptop refreshes have been simple press-release updates that have not triggered full media events. Though, if the recent rumors of radical new case designs are to be believed, one would think that Apple will want to showcase the new laptops to the media.

A rumor posted earlier this month from tw.apple.pro, however, claimed that there would be no October 14th event and the earliest we could expect updates would be November.

We're still not sure what to make of Apple.pro which is the Taiwanese blog that previously posted photos claiming to be of the new MacBook Pro and MacBook. While the site has not yet established a reliable track record at this point, Appleinsider claimed their leaked MacBook Pro image was authentic.

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[Tallest Skil]

Easy answer:

Currently, WE. KNOW. NOTHING. They'll happen when they happen, shut up with the whining why the current models will instantaneously break when the new ones come out and that's why you need to wait for a new one.

[fanbrain]

I'm glad I'm not in dire need of a new Macbook. The wait and non-information would kill me. Let them come when they are ready. Don't rush it.

[AAPLaday]

Lets hope its this side of xmas....

[miguellovesjesu]

im gonna order my laptop on tuesday

[DSG]

Posted this elsewhere but think it still makes sense:

The thing with the MB and MBP is that there is unlikely to be anything to demonstrate. Yes, they may well be pretty, but that's not really enough for a presentation - the message will get across perfectly well, if not better, with high quality website/press release images. What would happen at the demo - "Here's the new MB and MBP - see how pretty they are! They are still made the same way as before because that lasers and solid metal business is, frankly, prepostorous. Instead, most of the ports are on the power adapter so that its kind of like a docking station. Any questions?". 2 minutes tops?

While the Let's Rock event was pretty light on ground-breaking hardware, it had software, particularly the new Genius feature, which really needed SJ to show it off and convince everyone it was a big deal. It wouldn't have worked to have released iTunes 8 without a demo.

[petermcphee]

I am all for hoping that product revisions are still on track for the rumored October 14 date, but the lack of advanced preparation details coupled with the likelihood that Apple would want to showcase the new design process makes me think it will be later rather than sooner. Which makes me say bad words and be angry.

[JDinho]

Long term lurker compelled to post...

Very frustrated by lack of movement, slowly weakening and might pick up a refurb 2.4ghz macbook from refurb store on 15th if nothing is released.

[bytethese]

Originally Posted by fanbrain

I'm glad I'm not in dire need of a new Macbook. The wait and non-information would kill me. Let them come when they are ready. Don't rush it.

I'm not in dire need, but I'd like to upgrade. If I don't like what I see out there, I will buy some memory and a larger hard drive. I am hoping for good new Macbook Pros tho. Having a 802.11n wireless card at home would be MOST helpful too!

[KissStephanie]

Originally Posted by fanbrain

I'm glad I'm not in dire need of a new Macbook. The wait and non-information would kill me. Let them come when they are ready. Don't rush it.

I've waited two years for an aluminium MacBook with better graphics that will handle Mac OS X 10.6 better, so if it's a bit longer to wait, then that is fine with me. In the meantime, I'm very happy with my iMac, and I will always keep my PowerBook. I love it, and it will still be very useful to me, even after I get one of the forthcoming aluminium MacBook's.

[can7ona]

Well with the UK back to school promo ending 31st Oct maybe Apple will wait for it to end and then release the new ones - I know they've released new products during a B2S before but there's nothing to say they can't/won't release them after it this time.

Having said that I really hope they come out soon - not just for the promo but just so I can have a laptop for Uni!

Oh yeah - surely it's much "greener" to send out press releases than invite journalists (etc.) to fly hundreds/thousands of miles to see a new laptop or two(?)

[Awesome-o/]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

Easy answer:

Currently, WE. KNOW. NOTHING. They'll happen when they happen, shut up with the whining why the current models will instantaneously break when the new ones come out and that's why you need to wait for a new one.

I think your on the wrong website, why so angry?

Yeah gota say I think apple could loose a few customers if they dont do anything on the 14th, has been a long wait.

[TechnoLawyer]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

Easy answer:

Currently, WE. KNOW. NOTHING. They'll happen when they happen, shut up with the whining why the current models will instantaneously break when the new ones come out and that's why you need to wait for a new one.

Has Apple ever shipped new MacBooks in October? Not that I can recall. There was a minor bump last November -- but I repeat it was a minor bump. If a major revision is at hand, why would Apple not wait until MacWorld Expo when the entire world is watching and no longer preoccupied with the election or (I hope) the plunging stock market? An October release makes no sense.

Incidentally, January is a terrible time for a trade show. Move MacWorld Expo to June so that Apple can release new Macs in time for the new school year.

[dAlen]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

Easy answer:

Currently, WE. KNOW. NOTHING. They'll happen when they happen, shut up with the whining why the current models will instantaneously break when the new ones come out and that's why you need to wait for a new one.

Yes, your right, they do instantaneously break when new ones come out...because they are broke from the beginning.

Look at the faulty Nvidia cards at the heart of the current macbook pros.
Dont need that. All the screen issues since they first put the LED in a pro laptop...come on Apple, some $$$ are being spent, fix it.

So, yes, it would be nice if they get around to updating stuff sooner than later.
Im on a powerbook g4 667 that is standing on its last legs. (The screen is hanging on by a thread and hooked up to an external monitor...yeah, the apple issues with weak aluminum hinges on a titanium powerbook...)

Intel has the chips, Apple...what is your excuse...IBM used to be it, no use in waiting now.

Peace

dAlen

[daniel.ord]

Much as I want them to arrive, I have trouble with it just being a press release? Unless it's a new way of diminishing Steve's influence, trying to let the company establish an indentity besides his?

[queshy]

I project these updates to mwsf09.

[Apple-Muck]

Originally Posted by queshy

I project these updates to mwsf09.

I agree with you , looks more and more like it although i don't like to say it !... and ....macbooks(pro) are starting to hump behind in specs compared to non apple alternatives

[meagain]

Seems to me this would be a MacWorld thing. That was always my thinking. IDK.

[twoodcc]

well, it's not looking good for next week. unless an invite goes out today, i don't see it happening

[snake101st]

Ive been waiting since may, because of the July rumors... look where we are now.

Im inches away from ordering a thinkpad w500 and hackintoshing it. It wont be as pretty or as "ready" for OS X, but its so much better spec wise, and is more customizable. And it doesnt have a faulty video card.

If the MBP's dont come out tuesday, Im serious, Ill click the order button on the thinkpad site unless there are concrete rumors. No more "uh, I think they'll be out on X date!"

[Chris Rogers]

the current selection is great. Buy now and be happy.

[snake101st]

Originally Posted by Chris Rogers

the current selection is great. Buy now and be happy.

Only theyre really not.

I could get a W500 with this:

"ThinkPad W500 (customized) - $1,734.40

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Display type: 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics: ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 with 512MB VRAM
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: 1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
Hard drive: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)"

For cheaper than the base MBP, even with the edu discount. And its video card wont die. And it has DDR3 and a faster processor, etc.

[flir67]

Originally Posted by snake101st

Only theyre really not.

I could get a W500 with this:

"ThinkPad W500 (customized) - $1,734.40

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Display type: 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics: ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 with 512MB VRAM
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: 1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
Hard drive: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)"

For cheaper than the base MBP, even with the edu discount. And its video card wont die. And it has DDR3 and a faster processor, etc.

yet but you don't get leopard, you get vista, enjoy

[bytethese]

Originally Posted by snake101st

Only theyre really not.

I could get a W500 with this:

"ThinkPad W500 (customized) - $1,734.40

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Display type: 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics: ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 with 512MB VRAM
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: 1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
Hard drive: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)"

For cheaper than the base MBP, even with the edu discount. And its video card wont die. And it has DDR3 and a faster processor, etc.

I'll have to chime in here. I just got in the W500 today to go with our other eval units (T400, X200, X300) and the W500 is a friggin BRICK. It's heavy as all hell. There's no IR port on it either for a remote. Sure, with my edu discount the MBP is $1800 and I would only get 2GB RAM, less video RAM and a 200GB HD for about the same cost as the W500 but I do get: IR port, MagSafe power adapter (has saved me MANY times), iLife suite, multi-gesture trackpad and most importantly, OS X.

[andiwm2003]

Originally Posted by snake101st

Only theyre really not.

I could get a W500 with this:

"ThinkPad W500 (customized) - $1,734.40

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Display type: 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics: ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 with 512MB VRAM
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: 1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
Hard drive: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)"

For cheaper than the base MBP, even with the edu discount. And its video card wont die. And it has DDR3 and a faster processor, etc.

sounds great. only drawback: 5.8 pounds. also don't know how good the screen and the sound is.

but anyway, yes apple has to come up with something like this for $2000 and at 4.5 pounds or less with a great screen and sound to be able to compete.

anything with 5.8 pounds would have to be 3 GHz or Quadcore or 18" screen to be justified. Real pros might love something like that.