2012 Macbook Pro Redesign

[diamond3]

I surely do hope so. I'm going to buy the 15" anyway but remission of a 13" Pro or its being released close or side by side with the Airs doesn't bode well for the Pro machines in the future. I guess you can say I'm one of the minority who is not with the "sleeker form factor at the expense of performance" camp. On the plus side, I do hope the lack of a 13" Pro next to the 15" might lead the path for a competitive priced 15".

I'm not sure what to think. I'm wondering if digitimes report is based only on the production dates of ivy bridge? Here is an updated list if this hasn't already been posted that shows the different 35 Watt processors in bold.

I really don't see Apple releasing the 15"/17" months before the 13". Not where the 13" is their most popular model. It would make more sense for Apple to remove the ODD and start shipping the 13" with the 15/17 model with a 45 Watt QC processor.

Ivy Bridge launch was delayed twice. First time it slipped from the first to the second quarter 2012, and then it was delayed by another two weeks. Current launch date for desktop Ivy Bridge CPUs is set on April 29, which was confirmed by two different sources, Sweclockers and Donanimhaber. That still left us in the dark in regards to mobile processors, due to rumors that their launch was pushed back until June. After seeing recent desktop and mobile roadmaps we can confirm that both desktop and mobile IB chips will be released at the same time.
On April 8 Intel will announce Z77, Z75, H77 and B75 chipsets. On the same day we should see numerous reviews of 75 and 77 boards with, well, Sandy Bridge CPUs.
Ivy Bridge processors will be announced in the 4th week of April, between April 22 and April 28. The announcement will include only quad-core models: mobile Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme families, desktop Core i7, Core i5-3570K, i5-3570T, i5-3550, i5-3550S, i5-3450 and i5-3450S. The announced chips will be available for sale on April 29, and the reviews and benchmarks should be published on the same day. Specifications and prices of these processors are provided below:
Model Cores Market Threads Frequency Turbo
Frequency L3 cache Graphics TDP Price
Core i5-3450 Desktop 4 4 3.1 GHz 3.5 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 77 Watt $184
Core i5-3550 Desktop 4 4 3.3 GHz 3.7 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 77 Watt $205
Core i5-3550S Desktop 4 4 3 GHz 3.7 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 65 Watt $205
Core i5-3570K Desktop 4 4 3.4 GHz 3.8 GHz 6 MB HD 4000 77 Watt $225
Core i5-3570T Desktop 4 4 2.3 GHz 3.3 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 45 Watt $205
Core i7-3770 Desktop 4 8 3.4 GHz 3.9 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 77 Watt $294
Core i7-3770K Desktop 4 8 3.5 GHz 3.9 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 77 Watt $332
Core i7-3770S Desktop 4 8 3.1 GHz 3.9 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 65 Watt $294
Core i7-3770T Desktop 4 8 2.5 GHz 3.7 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 45 Watt $294
Core i7-3720QM Mobile 4 8 2.6 GHz 3.6 GHz 6 MB HD 4000 45 Watt $378
Core i7-3820QM Mobile 4 8 2.7 GHz 3.7 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 45 Watt $568
Core i7-3920XM Mobile 4 8 2.9 GHz 3.8 GHz 8 MB HD 4000 55 Watt $1096
Core i5-3570, i5-3570S, i5-3475S, i5-3470, i5-3470S and i5-3470T desktop CPUs, and Core i5 dual-core mobile microprocessors will be introduced on June 3rd. Product announcement could happen before or after that date. Below is the full list of third generation Core-branded processors, that we will be available on June 3:
Model Market Cores Threads Frequency Turbo
Frequency L3 cache Graphics TDP Price
Core i5-3470 Desktop 4 4 3.2 GHz 3.6 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 77 Watt
Core i5-3470S Desktop 4 4 2.9 GHz 3.6 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 65 Watt
Core i5-3470T Desktop 2 4 2.8 GHz 3.5 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 35 Watt $184
Core i5-3475S Desktop 4 4 2.9 GHz 3.6 GHz 6 MB HD 4000 65 Watt
Core i5-3570 Desktop 4 4 3.4 GHz 3.8 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 77 Watt
Core i5-3570S Desktop 4 4 3.1 GHz 3.8 GHz 6 MB HD 2500 65 Watt
Core i5-3320M Mobile 2 4 2.6 GHz 3.3 GHz 3 MB HD 4000 35 Watt
Core i5-3360M Mobile 2 4 2.8 GHz 3.5 GHz 3 MB HD 4000 35 Watt
Core i5-3427U Mobile 2 4 1.8 GHz 2.8 GHz 3 MB HD 4000 17 Watt
Core i7-3520M Mobile 2 4 2.9 GHz 3.6 GHz 4 MB HD 4000 35 Watt
Core i7-3667U Mobile 2 4 2 GHz 3.2 GHz 4 MB HD 4000 17 Watt
Core i3 desktop Ivy Bridge parts will be introduced in the third quarter 2012. There was a rumor that Core i3 mobile lineup will not be transitioned to Ivy Bridge. We believe that Core i3 mobiles will be released after all. VR-Zone previously disclosed details on Core i3-3217U ULV SKU, and there will be at least one Core i3 mobile 35W CPU. Mobile chips from i3 family will also launch in the third quarter. Incomplete list of upcoming Core i3 models you will find below:
Model Market Cores Threads Frequency Turbo
Frequency L3 cache Graphics TDP
Core i3-3220 Desktop 2 4 3.3 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 2500 55 Watt
Core i3-3220T Desktop 2 4 2.8 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 2500 35 Watt
Core i3-3225 Desktop 2 4 3.3 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 4000 55 Watt
Core i3-3240 Desktop 2 4 3.4 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 2500 55 Watt
Core i3-3240T Desktop 2 4 3 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 2500 35 Watt
Core i3-3217U Mobile 2 4 1.8 GHz N/A 3 MB HD 4000 17 Watt

source:http://www.cpu-world.com/news_2012/2012032702_Revised_Ivy_Bridge_launch_schedule_confirmed.html

 

[Razzz]

WHAT ABOUT THE 17"????
do people really expect it come out "MONTHs" later? i was hoping it would be the same release date D:

 

[KohPhiPhi]

I really don't see Apple releasing the 15"/17" months before the 13". Not where the 13" is their most popular model.

I totally agree. The 13" is by far their best selling model, and it makes no sense to keep it "in the cold" for months while their less-popular models get revamped. I would just find that business practice... well, odd.

 

[icecoldart]

Ok people let me bring some science to this thread.
I'm a longtime PC user and i do digital art for living so i have decided to buy a mac this time around. I'm waiting for the update and did some research on the "guts".

So here's what i know for sure.

The new Ivy Brridge processor wont bring your machines a whole lot of processing power like some did think. The boost will be somewhat 15 to 20% at max with the i7's the i5's will get 10-15% boost. With the i3...iDontCare While this means no super power boost it will need less power which means longer battery work time.

Now about the graphic cards, you will be pleased with what i will show you just below. The gt650 will be a powerful chip which should fully satisfy even the mobile gamers. And i expect it to be mounted in the high end 15 and 17.

Nvidia did something weird bringing kepler chips to low and mid segment leaving the old 40nm architecture in high end... possibly a future update i guess.

P.S Just for clearance the GT640 is more powerful than the current Radeon 6770M

 

[Fleet would mac]

The 13" is by far their best selling model, and it makes no sense to keep it "in the cold" for months while their less-popular models get revamped. I would just find that business practice... well, odd.

Agreed. However, there's a good chance that Apple will put quad cores into all upcoming Pro models, in order to maintain a degree of separation between the two model ranges (Pro and Air). If that's really going to be the case, they could release the entire Pro range quite soon. Otherwise, I fear that we could be looking at June (or even July, because the run on the dual core mobile parts is going to be huge ).

 

[axu539]

I'm not sure what to think. I'm wondering if digitimes report is based only on the production dates of ivy bridge? Here is an updated list if this hasn't already been posted that shows the different 35 Watt processors in bold.

I really don't see Apple releasing the 15"/17" months before the 13". Not where the 13" is their most popular model. It would make more sense for Apple to remove the ODD and start shipping the 13" with the 15/17 model with a 45 Watt QC processor.


source:http://www.cpu-world.com/news_2012/2012032702_Revised_Ivy_Bridge_launch_schedule_confirmed.html

Unfortunately, that list still doesn't mention the 35W QM, only the 35W dual-cores. The i7-3615QM, 3612QM, 3610QM are all rumored to be 35W chips, despite the fact that they weren't listed in the release a few days ago. Those 3 processors aren't going to be available to retail, and only to OEMs. Thus, we still don't actually know if a 35W QM will be available next month (we'll probably never know until machines with those chips start showing up). There's definitely still hope of a 13" quad-core yet!

To add to that though, since the MBPs might be getting a slim-down, the 15" and even the 17" machines could be getting those chips too, since they lose a bit of clock speed and a 2 MB of L3 cache and in turn lose over 20% TDP (a pretty nice tradeoff if you ask me).

EDIT: I did some more research, and it looks like only the i7-3612QM is 35W, while the 3615QM and 3610QM are 45W chips. Based on that, I highly doubt the 15" and 17" machines could get a 35W chip, since there are simply more options in the 45W range. The 3612QM does look fairly ideal for a 13" MBP, though, with 2.1 GHz base clock speed and 3.1 GHz max Turbo. Fingers crossed!

source: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i7/Intel-Core i7-3612QM Mobile processor.html

 

[arctic]

I'm not sure what to think. I'm wondering if digitimes report is based only on the production dates of ivy bridge? Here is an updated list if this hasn't already been posted that shows the different 35 Watt processors in bold.

I really don't see Apple releasing the 15"/17" months before the 13". Not where the 13" is their most popular model. It would make more sense for Apple to remove the ODD and start shipping the 13" with the 15/17 model with a 45 Watt QC processor.


source:http://www.cpu-world.com/news_2012/2012032702_Revised_Ivy_Bridge_launch_schedule_confirmed.html

Look at your list carefully again. The first set of list is what's gonna be available next month (with mobile quads for the 15"). The second list, with the bold 35w (for the 13" Pro) are gonna be available on June. Nope, 45 w in a 13" is not feasible. And a slimmer enclosure (?).

 

[Krazy Bill]

Agreed. However, there's a good chance that Apple will put quad cores into all upcoming Pro models, in order to maintain a degree of separation between the two model ranges (Pro and Air).

Uh... no. Not in the 13". You guys keep forgetting this model also has the "Pro" moniker.

You also seem to think any product with "Pro" in the name implies it must have some kind of major distinction from some kind of non-pro standard which doesn't exist - like it's a Federal law or something.

That said, while I believe the distinction between the 13" Air/Pro will get even blurrier... just keeping the MBP13 a bit more powerful along with keeping user accessible screws in the bottom will probably be enough in Apple's eyes.

 

[arctic]

I did some more research, and it looks like only the i7-3612QM is 35W, while the 3615QM and 3610QM are 45W chips. Based on that, I highly doubt the 15" and 17" machines could get a 35W chip, since there are simply more options in the 45W range. The 3612QM does look fairly ideal for a 13" MBP, though, with 2.1 GHz base clock speed and 3.1 GHz max Turbo. Fingers crossed!

source: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i7/Intel-Core i7-3612QM Mobile processor.html

Yes!!!!! All is well in the MBP world again. The page says estimated release date of April 2. I'm guessing that's moved together with the other QM's anyway for the 4th week of April. I do hope that hasn't gone into problems and will be released with the other quads. Although the deletion of it from the new list worries me. If this 3612 is fine, we'll be seeing quad 13” very soon.

 

[MrX8503]

I'm thinking that the MBP13 is going to be replaced by the MBA 13. So there will only be 4 laptops from here on out. 11"/13"/15"/17"

 

[diamond3]

EDIT: I did some more research, and it looks like only the i7-3612QM is 35W, while the 3615QM and 3610QM are 45W chips. Based on that, I highly doubt the 15" and 17" machines could get a 35W chip, since there are simply more options in the 45W range. The 3612QM does look fairly ideal for a 13" MBP, though, with 2.1 GHz base clock speed and 3.1 GHz max Turbo. Fingers crossed!

source: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i7/Intel-Core i7-3612QM Mobile processor.html

That is good news. If the 13" comes with a quad-core, it will be difficult for me to decide if I should bump up to the 15" for the video card. It sounds like the HD4000 graphics is a significant improvement over the 3000. Now I just have to hope they don't do a dual-core in the lower model and save the quad core for the higher-end model. If I can upgrade for a minimal amount from a early 2011 to a 2012 quad core 13" mbp, I'll be getting one on day one.

 

[axu539]

That is good news. If the 13" comes with a quad-core, it will be difficult for me to decide if I should bump up to the 15" for the video card. It sounds like the HD4000 graphics is a significant improvement over the 3000. Now I just have to hope they don't do a dual-core in the lower model and save the quad core for the higher-end model. If I can upgrade for a minimal amount from a early 2011 to a 2012 quad core 13" mbp, I'll be getting one on day one.

Quad-core would sell me on the 13" in a flash. The HD4000 is actually fairly impressive as far as integrated graphics go, and it'll be more than sufficient for anything short of gaming, which it'll be able to do acceptably on medium settings.

 

[arctic]

Now I just have to hope they don't do a dual-core in the lower model and save the quad core for the higher-end model.

They can't do that since the duals and quad chips are not released at the same time. Unless they'll wait for the duals in June.

 

[axu539]

They can't do that since the duals and quad chips are not released at the same time. Unless they'll wait for the duals in June.

My thoughts exactly. Apple won't stagger a product launch IF suitable components (35W QC) are available. They definitely wouldn't do that JUST to cheapen the machine.

 

[Ohrstrom]

Whats this about turbo? Is this something one can apply to ones laptop?

 

[mcman77]

Ok people let me bring some science to this thread.
I'm a longtime PC user and i do digital art for living so i have decided to buy a mac this time around.

Out of curiosity what size will you be going for? Just want to know what size will suffice for screen space.

I fear that we could be looking at June (or even July, because the run on the dual core mobile parts is going to be huge ).

As long as they put quads in, I don't mind waiting til july

If I can upgrade for a minimal amount from a early 2011 to a 2012 quad core 13" mbp, I'll be getting one on day one.

1 Other feature they should do with the 13 is make it as 14"!! Like HP did. They stuck a 14" screen in their 13.3" laptop!

Same footprint bigger screen, slightly higher resolution.

 

[apple101]

Needs a DVD drive.

One thing I don't want in the new MacBook Pro is the DVD drive to leave. I still use it, and would be lost with out it, as I play Sims 3 almost every day, and would be looking to upgrade the next year or so; if there is no DVD drive, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

 

[riveting]

I wish the next 13 pro will have the following 3 improvement:
1. Higher resolution screen, the current one is bad bad
2. lighter weight, again current one weights too much compared to air
3. Longer battery life.

The current macbook air is almost perfect except you can't change the ram (it is only 4G), and battery life is not stellar.

 

[pgiguere1]

One thing I don't want in the new MacBook Pro is the DVD drive to leave. I still use it, and would be lost with out it, as I play Sims 3 almost every day, and would be looking to upgrade the next year or so; if there is no DVD drive, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

https://activate.ea.com/

Downloadable versions of games have been available for years.

Modern games from Steam, EA (Origin) and Blizzard never ask you for a disc now, since they are simply useless except for installation when you want to save bandwidth. They aren't practical to move around, they're easy to damage or lose, nothing is actually read from the disc after installation unlike in the 90s/00s and they have been proven to be a poor protection against piracy.

 

[NickZac]

If they are going to keep the 13 in MBP, which they would be crazy not to, I think it will see a quad core. That would allow it to be differentiated from the MBA 13 and allow two separate markets to still operate at the 13 inch size. I, as someone who researches production figures, could not picture Apple eliminating the MBP 13, as it is literally at the point of being iconic. If they gave the 13 the option for discreet graphics, that would help make it different from the Air as well. If they eliminate the optical drive, they have freed up a lot of real-estate for the two things that this would need to become reality: space for more parts and space for better cooling. But that's just my thoughts.

 

[Krazy Bill]

I'm thinking that the MBP13 is going to be replaced by the MBA 13.

Why would they cease production of their #1 selling laptop?

 

[pgiguere1]

Why would they cease production of their #1 selling laptop?

They wouldn't, its next logical evolution would just happen to have a different name.

That's like asking why they replaced the iPod mini with the iPod nano. They didn't stop making the mini because it didn't sell well.

It really comes down to if they decide to put high-end internal parts like quad-core CPU and discrete graphics in the next 13" MBP. If not, don't expect Apple to sell two almost identical computers with the only difference being that the Pro has a 20% faster CPU and is a couple of millimeters thicker.

 

[Risasi]

The cheapest quad core CPU is $378 list price. That means a MBP 13 w/ quad core would be much more expensive than the current dual core. For this reason alone I don't think they will do it, which saddens me. I suppose there is an outside chance that Apple has some special deal with Intel for a custom processor or early release on a dual core.

 

[MrX8503]

Why would they cease production of their #1 selling laptop?

Consolidation.

If it doesn't happen now it'll happen eventually. Apple isn't going to keep two 13" models once they're able to make a powerful enough Air.

 

[Risasi]

It really comes down to if they decide to put high-end internal parts like quad-core CPU and discrete graphics in the next 13" MBP. If not, don't expect Apple to sell two almost identical computers with the only difference being that the Pro has a 20% faster CPU and is a couple of millimeters thicker.

Well...there are more differences. Optical drive (aka second bay for SDD+HDD option), memory can be upgraded to 16GB, glossy screen which IMO is easier to look at for longer periods of time than the current Air. But yeah, I know what you're saying. There really aren't enough differences to separate them, unless you're looking for niche and want to play the upgrade game and have a powerhouse 13" Mac.
I've been expecting them to drop the 13" MBP. Which is why I was surprised to hear two days ago that they are being built as we confab. I guess we'll see in another month or so.

----

On the one hand I would they keep making the 13" MBP, and on the other I would rather they drop it. Thus limiting my choice to 11" or 13" MBA vs the raw power of a 15" MBP.