Apple Quietly Bumps 15" MacBook Pro, 256GB SD Option, New Keyboard

MacRumors · 10:21 AM

While news of the new iMacs, Mac minis and Mac Pros were the big announcements today from Apple, the company has also tweaked a few of their other products.

Apple has quietly increased the processor speed of their mid-range 15" MacBook Pro from 2.53GHz to 2.66GHz and the top-of-the-line model from 2.8GHz to 2.93GHz.. The change is unlikely to be noticed in day to day operation but is a distinct modification from the original release. They have also begun offering a 256GB SSD upgrade options for the 13" aluminum MacBook and 15" MacBook Pro as well.

Meanwhile, forum user MacGeekDC noticed that Apple now offers a wired keyboard without the numeric keypad. This option is now available for $49.

Article Link: Apple Quietly Bumps 15" MacBook Pro Speed 256GB SSD Option, and New Keyboard

redking31591 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:15 AM

I like that keyboard alot.

Grimace · Mar 3, 2009, 10:15 AM

Sweet offer on the 256GB SSD drive!

That keyboard is going to irk some people though...it's default (which you have to deselect) on the iMacs...

JBytes · Mar 3, 2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimace

That keyboard is going to irk some people though...

You can't possibly expect to please everyone.

fanbrain · Mar 3, 2009, 10:16 AM

I'm not ready for SSD in my MBP, but I'm ready for a small little keyboard!

madrag · Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM

that keyboard is still hatefull...

the 250 SSD is nice

hamis92 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM

Now all they need to do is to make the full-sized keyboard available in a Bluetooth flavor

pavelbure · Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM

as long as they don't get rid of the numeric keypad completely i guess it's ok. i use mine alot.

AvSRoCkCO1067 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavelbure

as long as they don't get rid of the numeric keypad completely i guess it's ok. i use mine alot.

I'm concerned about how they'll handle this in the Apple retail stores, though - do you think they'll stock both iMac models (with two different keyboards) or do you think they'll make you purchase the one without a keypad?

dexx0008 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Meanwhile, forum user MacGeekDC noticed that Apple now offers a wired keyboard without the numeric keypad. This option is now available for $49.

get the facts straight, the keyboard comes without keypad by default, when you order you can opt for the keyboard w/keypad if you want at NO COST. atleast on a few imac models I looked at.

Sky Blue · Mar 3, 2009, 10:22 AM

I like that little keyboard

talkingfuture · Mar 3, 2009, 10:22 AM

Nobody seems to have picked up on the tapered foot on the new iMacs, doesn't seem to be mentioned on any of the news stories. It now looks like the cinema display foot. A very subtle but successful tweak in my opinion.

jaw04005 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:23 AM

Hah. Is there some large fraction of the Apple user base that had a problem with the numerical keyboard? How are you supposed to use Numbers or any other application that requires numerical input with THAT?

The bluetooth mini-keyboard was OK since it was marketed as an additional input device, but they've gone off the deep end with this one.

I can't believe it's the default choice. That means every person who buys the iMac at retail (from places like Amazon, Best Buy or Mac Mall) are going to have to deal with not having a numerical keypad. What's next a keyboard without arrow keys?

Revival Cr8tive · Mar 3, 2009, 10:24 AM

Why carn't someone tell Apple that they need a wireless keyboard WITH a number pad... in the new style. There is no point of a slim line version of this keyboard that's wired. IMHO.

Is anyone else thinking this ?

slicecom · Mar 3, 2009, 10:24 AM

WHY are the keyboards still using white keys!? I want them to match the new portables! Black keys please!

Lesser Evets · Mar 3, 2009, 10:26 AM

Some people are very upset over the downsizing of the wired keyboard, but I have to admit I don;t favor the accountant keyboard. I'm using a wired one right now and it's unusually large compared to my old wireless shortie.

I stopped using the wired shortie because I had no need to spend batteries. It used to be used because the cat would try to lie on my hands and stop me from working when he wanted attention.

MacGeekDC · Mar 3, 2009, 10:26 AM

I like the keyboard a lot I would have gotten the new one over my expensive apple wireless KB if they were out then.

cyberwolf777 · Mar 3, 2009, 10:27 AM

Did they also lower the price for the 256 GB SSD option? It is now $700 for the 17" MBP and the 2.66Ghz 15" MBP. Wasn't it $900 before???

SilverRubicon · Mar 3, 2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamis92

Now all they need to do is to make the full-sized keyboard available in a Bluetooth flavor

Yes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revival Cr8tive

Why carn't someone tell Apple that they need a wireless keyboard WITH a number pad... in the new style. There is no point of a slim line version of this keyboard that's wired. IMHO.

Is anyone else thinking this ?

Yes!

IFRS · Mar 3, 2009, 10:29 AM

why no 8 GB option for the 15" Macbook Pro..

DYER · Mar 3, 2009, 10:30 AM

Oh ffs.... that really hacks me off. Screw you apple I WANT 2.93 ........
this is really not going well for me...

Luke1robb · Mar 3, 2009, 10:31 AM

I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty).

Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me.

Thoughts?

talkingfuture · Mar 3, 2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke1robb

I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty).

Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me.

Thoughts?

I hope you're right, I would love one of those.

Le Big Mac · Mar 3, 2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimace

That keyboard is going to irk some people though...it's default (which you have to deselect) on the iMacs...

Good to have the choice.

Bad that Apple is not forcing a choice in the store, and defaulting to the no-keypad version without warning.

MacGeekDC · Mar 3, 2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexx0008

get the facts straight, the keyboard comes without keypad by default, when you order you can opt for the keyboard w/keypad if you want at NO COST. atleast on a few imac models I looked at.

Sorry didnt notice that at first, oops.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:14 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple Quietly Bumps 15" MacBook Pro, 256GB SD Option, New Keyboard While news of the new iMacs, Mac minis and Mac Pros were the big announcements today from Apple, the company has also tweaked a few of their other products. Apple has quietly increased the processor speed of their mid-range 15" MacBook Pro from 2.53GHz to 2.66GHz and the top-of-the-line model from 2.8GHz to 2.93GHz.. The change is unlikely to be noticed in day to day operation but is a distinct modification from the original release. They have also begun offering a 256GB SSD upgrade options for the 13" aluminum MacBook and 15" MacBook Pro as well. Meanwhile, forum user MacGeekDC noticed that Apple now offers a wired keyboard without the numeric keypad. This option is now available for $49. Article Link: Apple Quietly Bumps 15" MacBook Pro Speed 256GB SSD Option, and New Keyboard Last edited by WildCowboy : Mar 3, 2009 at 10:21 AM.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:15 AM	#3
Grimace Contributor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: with Hamburglar.	Sweet offer on the 256GB SSD drive! That keyboard is going to irk some people though...it's default (which you have to deselect) on the iMacs... __________________ Canon 1Ds Mk III • Canon 5D MkII 16-35mm f/2.8L II • 24-70mm f/2.8L • 70-200mm f/2.8L IS 50mm f/1.2L • 85mm f/1.2L • 135mm f/2L • 300mm f/2.8L IS

Mar 3, 2009, 10:16 AM	#5
fanbrain macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So. UT	I'm not ready for SSD in my MBP, but I'm ready for a small little keyboard! __________________ Keeping Apple debt-free since 1983.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM	#7
hamis92 macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamina, Finland	Now all they need to do is to make the full-sized keyboard available in a Bluetooth flavor __________________ MacBook Pro Early 2008 2,4 (matte, of course), iPhone 2G 8 GB, Power Mac G4

Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM	#8
pavelbure macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2007	as long as they don't get rid of the numeric keypad completely i guess it's ok. i use mine alot. __________________ Sign up for free online storage. 2.2 gigs using this link. No credit card needed. https://mozy.com/?ref=CBCVV3

Mar 3, 2009, 10:15 AM	#2
redking31591 macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008	I like that keyboard alot.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:17 AM	#6
madrag macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2007	that keyboard is still hatefull... the 250 SSD is nice

Mar 3, 2009, 10:22 AM	#11
Sky Blue macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2005	I like that little keyboard __________________ "The case is so square that it easily stands at attention as if begging for treats."

Mar 3, 2009, 10:22 AM	#12
talkingfuture macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The back of beyond.	Nobody seems to have picked up on the tapered foot on the new iMacs, doesn't seem to be mentioned on any of the news stories. It now looks like the cinema display foot. A very subtle but successful tweak in my opinion. __________________ Futuristical bloggery with a twist.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:23 AM	#13
jaw04005 macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: AR	Hah. Is there some large fraction of the Apple user base that had a problem with the numerical keyboard? How are you supposed to use Numbers or any other application that requires numerical input with THAT? The bluetooth mini-keyboard was OK since it was marketed as an additional input device, but they've gone off the deep end with this one. I can't believe it's the default choice. That means every person who buys the iMac at retail (from places like Amazon, Best Buy or Mac Mall) are going to have to deal with not having a numerical keypad. What's next a keyboard without arrow keys?

Mar 3, 2009, 10:24 AM	#14
Revival Cr8tive macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2009	A sad solution.. Why carn't someone tell Apple that they need a wireless keyboard WITH a number pad... in the new style. There is no point of a slim line version of this keyboard that's wired. IMHO. Is anyone else thinking this ?

Mar 3, 2009, 10:24 AM	#15
slicecom macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada	WHY are the keyboards still using white keys!? I want them to match the new portables! Black keys please!

Mar 3, 2009, 10:26 AM	#16
Lesser Evets macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2006	Some people are very upset over the downsizing of the wired keyboard, but I have to admit I don;t favor the accountant keyboard. I'm using a wired one right now and it's unusually large compared to my old wireless shortie. I stopped using the wired shortie because I had no need to spend batteries. It used to be used because the cat would try to lie on my hands and stop me from working when he wanted attention. __________________ 2x2.66 Xeon, 13GB RAM, 4 1TB SATA, 30" & 20" C.Displays, X1900, OSX 10.5.6, Sound Sticks, iSight, 1 TB TimeMach, 16GB iPT 2G

Mar 3, 2009, 10:26 AM	#17
MacGeekDC macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern Virginia	I like the keyboard a lot I would have gotten the new one over my expensive apple wireless KB if they were out then. __________________ Late 08 MBP, LED ACD, iPhone 3G, etc.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:27 AM	#18
cyberwolf777 macrumors member Join Date: May 2006	Did they also lower the price for the 256 GB SSD option? It is now $700 for the 17" MBP and the 2.66Ghz 15" MBP. Wasn't it $900 before???

Mar 3, 2009, 10:29 AM	#20
IFRS macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Behind my mac and iPhone	why no 8 GB option for the 15" Macbook Pro.. __________________ Macbook Pro 15" 2,4 GHz Unibody, 24" Cinema Display, iPhone 3G and much more. Twitter

Mar 3, 2009, 10:30 AM	#21
DYER macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2008	Oh ffs.... that really hacks me off. Screw you apple I WANT 2.93 ........ this is really not going well for me... __________________ iPod Touch 16 GB & Nano 4GB Uni MBP 15.4 2.8 Ghz 320 GB 7200 HDD Recieved from 31.10.2008 20" Cinema display

Mar 3, 2009, 10:31 AM	#22
Luke1robb macrumors 6502a Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge, MA/Smithfield, RI	Desktop Trackpad coming....? I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty). Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me. Thoughts? __________________ Aluminum MacBook (2.0 GHz, 160GB, 2GB RAM), 8GB iPhone 3G (Black), iPod Shuffle (2nd Gen., Silver) http://lukebornheimer.com

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