2012 Macbook Pro Redesign

[jcpb]

Apple SSDs are slow and cost twice the price of a better aftermarket part.

There will be HELL for Apple and its suppliers to pay if they ship faulty SSDs to its customers. Speed isn't the issue, reliability is. In the world of SSDs speed means nothing if the drive breaks tomorrow.

Of course it's cheaper to BYOD, because when your SSD goes kaput you are on your own in terms of data/system recovery, and if you don't backup... well, good luck.

Also, if the new Macbooks won't have the ODD, the free space might be filled with a larger battery and maybe, *maybe* a decent video card. Also, tell me, how do you stuff 16 gigs of RAM into the MBA. Finally, I doubt the new 13" Pro will stick with the crappy 1280x800 display, more likely it will get 1440x900.

The former is unlikely as batteries are physically more dense than PCB. The latter is even more unlikely as you can't just drop in a more powerful GPU without also adjusting every other part of the system.

4GB at this time is good enough for the MBA.

I'm not holding my breath on the 13" MBP getting a higher-resolution screen than 800v this year.

Like it or not, MacBook Air can't replace the MacBook Pro.

It can, as long as you are aware of its limitations...

 

[GBiron]

Is anyone else going to be pissed If the baseline 15" models raises $400 to $2199? That's rediculous!

Thank You!!!! I can't believe no one else has mentioned this yet.

 

[Colpeas]

IF, and that is a big IF, but IF Apple do decide to have 'Retina' screens as a BTO, what better way to make people desire it and opt for the $100 (general presumption) upgrade than by putting an underwhelming display in by standard?

Not that a company, keen to make money, would ever, ever make that decision of course


[edit; forgot the word upgrade]

Sure, it's no big deal to order a custom MacBook Pro from the Apple online store if you live in the UK. But remember that it's not possible everywhere. Here in the Czech Rep., when you want to buy a Mac, you go to one of the APRs. They don't usually keep a stock of BTO configurations, so if you happen to want your desired Mac to have (for example) an anti-glare display, you usually need to wait 4-6 weeks. Therefore you can rarely see a custom Mac around here, because the trouble connected with ordering simply wasn't worth the trouble.
I used the past tense because, fortunately, Apple had recently launched the official Czech online store, but the problem is that number of people who are aware of it is still fairly low. As a result of this, vast majority of Apple merchandise is sill being sold through AARs and APRs and I don't see it changing in the near future.
However, we are still luckier than our dear slovakian neighbors, who don't even have the opportunity.

That said, it is not that easy as it might seem from your point of view...

The former is unlikely as batteries are physically more dense than PCB. The latter is even more unlikely as you can't just drop in a more powerful GPU without also adjusting every other part of the system.

4GB at this time is good enough for the MBA.

I'm not holding my breath on the 13" MBP getting a higher-resolution screen than 800v this year.

If Asus, Lenovo, etc can put a decent GPU inside a 13" laptop which is even thinner than the MacBook Pro, I don't know why Apple couldn't. I know they won't but why?

Disagree. 4 gigs of RAM isn't enough for my ancient PowerMac G5, wasn't enough for my dear 2010 MacBook Pro and won't be enough for any of my future Macs. The Safari is able to steal all the memory itself. RAM-wise, Mac is more demanding than Windows and I can't live without the comfort of having at least 8GB of RAM installed in my Mac. Sure, Apple could add an option to customize MBA with 8 gigs of RAM, but they charge an arm and a leg for extra memory, so no, thanks.

If they are going to keep the resolution as it is, they'll piss lots of people off. Premium priced computer with sub par components is a fail.

 

[Tom2893]

I've been wanting an Apple MacBook for ages now, but if on Monday it doesn't have a better resolution screen, and beefed up specs for the money your paying- forget it. Could probably get more for your money with a Ultra Book ect

 

[RodPinto]

Sure, it's no big deal to order a custom MacBook Pro from the Apple online store if you live in the UK. But remember that it's not possible everywhere. Here in the Czech Rep., when you want to buy a Mac, you go to one of the APRs. They don't usually keep a stock of BTO configurations, so if you happen to want your desired Mac to have (for example) an anti-glare display, you usually need to wait 4-6 weeks. Therefore you can rarely see a custom Mac around here, because the trouble connected with ordering simply wasn't worth the trouble.
I used the past tense because, fortunately, Apple had recently launched the official Czech online store, but the problem is that number of people who are aware of it is still fairly low. As a result of this, vast majority of Apple merchandise is sill being sold through AARs and APRs and I don't see it changing in the near future.
However, we are still luckier than our dear slovakian neighbors, who don't even have the opportunity.

That said, it is not that easy as it might seem from your point of view...



If Asus, Lenovo, etc can put a decent GPU inside a 13" laptop which is even thinner than the MacBook Pro, I don't know why Apple couldn't. I know they won't but why?

Disagree. 4 gigs of RAM isn't enough for my ancient PowerMac G5, wasn't enough for my dear 2010 MacBook Pro and won't be enough for any of my future Macs. The Safari is able to steal all the memory itself. RAM-wise, Mac is more demanding than Windows and I can't live without the comfort of having at least 8GB of RAM installed in my Mac. Sure, Apple could add an option to customize MBA with 8 gigs of RAM, but they charge an arm and a leg for extra memory, so no, thanks.

If they are going to keep the resolution as it is, they'll piss lots of people off. Premium priced computer with sub par components is a fail.

Perfect! Agreed! Gpu is a must!

I need a 7970m! If Apple can't bring it to me, sorry! Other brands can, and for a lower price!

After 7 years i'll have o say: bye Apple!

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I've been wanting an Apple MacBook for ages now, but if on Monday it doesn't have a better resolution screen, and beefed up specs for the money your paying- forget it. Could probably get more for your money with a Ultra Book ect

Exactly as i think!

 

[jcpb]

If Asus, Lenovo, etc can put a decent GPU inside a 13" laptop which is even thinner than the MacBook Pro, I don't know why Apple couldn't. I know they won't but why?

Disagree. 4 gigs of RAM isn't enough for my ancient PowerMac G5, wasn't enough for my dear 2010 MacBook Pro and won't be enough for any of my future Macs. The Safari is able to steal all the memory itself. RAM-wise, Mac is more demanding than Windows and I can't live without the comfort of having at least 8GB of RAM installed in my Mac. Sure, Apple could add an option to customize MBA with 8 gigs of RAM, but they charge an arm and a leg for extra memory, so no, thanks.

If they are going to keep the resolution as it is, they'll piss lots of people off. Premium priced computer with sub par components is a fail.

I wouldn't use a laptop where every time I type something I feel like I'm typing directly on a frying pan with the stove turned on.

The good news about the GT 620M in the ASUS UX32VD is that it's faster than Intel's HD4000. The bad news about the GT 620M is that it's faster than the HD4000. That is not a decent GPU by any reasonable measure. More power consumption for a very small FPS increase in current games running in low quality just isn't worth it.

"Premium priced computer with sub par components is a fail."
Irony. Too many PC laptops are just that.

Again, first-world problems...

 

[Xcallibur]

I wouldn't use a laptop where every time I type something I feel like I'm typing directly on a frying pan with the stove turned on.

The good news about the GT 620M in the ASUS UX32VD is that it's faster than Intel's HD4000. The bad news about the GT 620M is that it's faster than the HD4000. That is not a decent GPU by any reasonable measure. More power consumption for a very small FPS increase in current games running in low quality just isn't worth it.

"Premium priced computer with sub par components is a fail."
Irony. Too many PC laptops are just that.

Again, first-world problems...

So a 1080p IPS display is sub par? Nice joke right there, truth is Apple grossly overcharge for their products.

 

[iamdavekennedy]

Sure, it's no big deal to order a custom MacBook Pro from the Apple online store if you live in the UK. But remember that it's not possible everywhere. Here in the Czech Rep., when you want to buy a Mac, you go to one of the APRs. They don't usually keep a stock of BTO configurations, so if you happen to want your desired Mac to have (for example) an anti-glare display, you usually need to wait 4-6 weeks. Therefore you can rarely see a custom Mac around here, because the trouble connected with ordering simply wasn't worth the trouble.
I used the past tense because, fortunately, Apple had recently launched the official Czech online store, but the problem is that number of people who are aware of it is still fairly low. As a result of this, vast majority of Apple merchandise is sill being sold through AARs and APRs and I don't see it changing in the near future.
However, we are still luckier than our dear slovakian neighbors, who don't even have the opportunity.

That said, it is not that easy as it might seem from your point of view...

As far as I'm aware BTO configurations are online store only here too, many of the photographers at my University opted for the matte screens and had to wait approximately 2 weeks longer for theirs to arrive than my standard base model!

I may not have been clear that I was referring to BTO models rather than base specification models!

Sorry

 

[jcpb]

I need a 7970m! If Apple can't bring it to me, sorry! Other brands can, and for a lower price!

After 7 years i'll have o say: bye Apple!

The R7970M is a very power-hungry mobile GPU. Most "laptops" that use this GPU have thicker chassis's and more powerful cooling systems. Why would you want this much power - and the problems associated with running such a powerful chip - in a laptop as thin as current MBPs, never mind an Air?

Apple would have to make its MBPs thicker just to cool the R7970M without cooking your balls in a hurry. Apple isn't going to do that. Then consider just what you must give up in exchange of getting a PC laptop with this chip installed.

It's not worth the expense to put this chip on a Mac laptop, sorry. So your response = BYE BYE APPLE? rofl.

First-world problems...

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So a 1080p IPS display is sub par? Nice joke right there, truth is Apple grossly overcharge for their products.

Where did I say that ASUS ultrabook's screen is bad? Stop putting your words into my mouth, thanks.

In the same vein, most PC laptops with 1366x768 TN screens are grossly overpriced.

 

[pragmatous]

Not if you consider equivalent hardware. The difference is maybe 100-200 dollars.

Ie:
HP Elitebook 8470p 14" = $1,862.00
Macbook pro 15" equivalent hardware = $1,949.00

And that isn't really a fair comparison as the elitebook is newer than the macbook pro. You can get the macbook pro at the stores a little bit cheaper at discounted prices vs the online store.

So a 1080p IPS display is sub par? Nice joke right there, truth is Apple grossly overcharge for their products.

 

[Highlander-]

When will the new Macbook Pro be in stores?

Hi, with the new Macbook Pro set to be unveiled on Monday 11 June, how soon can we expect to see it in Apple stores? Tuesday? Friday? What's the average wait between product announcement and store availability for Apple launches?

I need the new Macbook Pro yesterday. My current Macbook has been dying for a while and now the screen will not stay on for any length of time (flickers, fails), stays lit for about a minute the goes black again. Next week is a crucial week for me work wise with some photo and writing assignments so I want my new Macbook in my hands as fast as possible. (Renting one for a week would costs hundreds....)

For the record, I live in Toronto so I'm near a major Apple store.

Thanks for any advice on this.

 

[Tom2893]

Hi, with the new Macbook Pro set to be unveiled on Monday 11 June, how soon can we expect to see it in Apple stores? Tuesday? Friday? What's the average wait between product announcement and store availability for Apple launches?

I need the new Macbook Pro yesterday. My current Macbook has been dying for a while and now the screen will not stay on for any length of time (flickers, fails), stays lit for about a minute the goes black again. Next week is a crucial week for me work wise with some photo and writing assignments so I want my new Macbook in my hands as fast as possible. (Renting one for a week would costs hundreds....)

For the record, I live in Toronto so I'm near a major Apple store.

Thanks for any advice on this.

If it's announced Monday at the Keynote, it should be on the online store a couple hours or so to buy after it updates. It should be available in store the day after or so.. (so I've heard)

 

[Exio]

Not if you consider equivalent hardware. The difference is maybe 100-200 dollars.

Ie:
HP Elitebook 8470p 14" = $1,862.00
Macbook pro 15" equivalent hardware = $1,949.00

And that isn't really a fair comparison as the elitebook is newer than the macbook pro. You can get the macbook pro at the stores a little bit cheaper at discounted prices vs the online store.

You just contradicted yourself; Generally in the tech world, the newer the hardware the better it is.

 

[Hellhammer]

Not if you consider equivalent hardware. The difference is maybe 100-200 dollars.

Search harder next time: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131206

 

[deijr1238]

A few days ago, when everyone was talking about the back to school specials, doesn't Apple normally do the "buy a Mac, get an iPod Touch free"? Anyone know if that's going to be the case this year? Or was that just for students? I've just about convinced myself to get the new MBP, and if I could wait another month or two, and possibly get a new iPod Touch thrown in as well, it would be worth waiting for, IMO.

 

[Hellhammer]

A few days ago, when everyone was talking about the back to school specials, doesn't Apple normally do the "buy a Mac, get an iPod Touch free"? Anyone know if that's going to be the case this year? Or was that just for students? I've just about convinced myself to get the new MBP, and if I could wait another month or two, and possibly get a new iPod Touch thrown in as well, it would be worth waiting for, IMO.

It's for students only and IIRC last year it was a Mac App Store gift card, not an iPod.

 

[deijr1238]

It may have been a few years ago, couldn't remember for certain.

Looking forward to my first Mac. I've owned a bunch of Apple products over the years, and a few of the older Macs, such as the g3 iMacs, but never anything new. I'll probably be in line with the rest of you come next Monday or Tuesday, hoping for that new MBP.

 

[Highlander-]

If it's announced Monday at the Keynote, it should be on the online store a couple hours or so to buy after it updates. It should be available in store the day after or so.. (so I've heard)

Great... I hope that is the case.

 

[pragmatous]

Has 4GB onboard ram. What happens when that RAM goes bad? The laptop becomes garbage.

Not a bad laptop but samsung trying to save a buck screwed themselves. Read the reviews next time.

Search harder next time: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131206

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What? quote me exactly where I contradicted myself please.

Thanks.

You just contradicted yourself; Generally in the tech world, the newer the hardware the better it is.

 

[LazerFace]

In regards to more powerful GPU and heating issues it really depends on the use case. For instance, in the four years I have had my current laptop it has probably been on my desk 80% of the time, so for ME heating isn't as much as an issue (also no hardware issues due to the heat). I bought a PC with a powerful GPU because I wanted to be able to play more modern games, and opted for a laptop because I wanted to preserve the option of mobility.

I do agree there is a psychological (in a lot of cases) yearning for the most powerful specs when you buy a new computer, especially when you are paying a premium. The problem with Apple is that you pretty much get what you get, and the customization options are really quite limited when compared to the entire PC universe. But this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, as this is the Apple way.

THAT SAID, what you really need to weigh is the entire Apple experience vs the specs you need (or think you need ). It is always going to be a personal decision , but I definitely put a lot of weight behind the build quality, aesthetics, and overall experience Apple offers. My last computer purchase I went price/specs over Apple, and can't say I regretted the decision. Now, as my needs have changed Apple is the right choice for me. I do hope however they don't totally skimp on the GPU which I believe will not be the case, and if they do it can't be any worse than my current setup.

 

[the-doctor]

It's for students only and IIRC last year it was a Mac App Store gift card, not an iPod.

A $100 gift card if I recall, interesting that there is also speculation of an updated iPod nano at WWDC, one that costs $100. Hmm, makes you wonder.

 

[Xcallibur]

A $100 gift card if I recall, interesting that there is also speculation of an updated iPod nano at WWDC, one that costs $100. Hmm, makes you wonder.

Would rather an iPod Touch than a Nano

 

[ivanpk]

Am I the only one who will be disappointed if the price jumps by $400? 1800 is already a very expensive machine...

 

[pragmatous]

Ya I'm looking at alternatives if those prices are true. That's a bit ridiculous. HP has a few good choices.

Am I the only one who will be disappointed if the price jumps by $400? 1800 is already a very expensive machine...

 

[jpross123]

Do you think the MBP will have more heat and fan issues if the design is thinner?