Aluminum MacBook Pro Case Photo?

[matticus008]

This.

It's not a big deal either way.
Just thought I would put my signature to use.

Right. If you refer back to the original context, you'll see the issue.

Each time that poster's theory is debunked, the rationale changes. First it was quality, then it was learning what it meant to understand "design"--when in fact, the issue is that Apple does understand the nexus of aesthetics and function in design, and it was the poster's desires that fell outside that pursuit. "Living up" to what design means would clearly not be an argument in favor of including BD drives, so it offers no help in addressing his woes.

 

[Chandler Adaway]

Right. If you refer back to the original context, you'll see the issue.

Each time that poster's theory is debunked, the rationale changes. First it was quality, then it was learning what it meant to understand "design"--when in fact, the issue is that Apple does understand the nexus of aesthetics and function in design, and it was the poster's desires that fell outside that pursuit. "Living up" to what design means would clearly not be an argument in favor of including BD drives, so it offers no help in addressing his woes.

Ah, yes. I see what you are saying.
It's pretty much impossible to incorperate BD drives into the design of the MBP at this moment anyways.
I don't know why it's a big deal for the poster to understand that, but oh well.
People like to argue.

 

[squeeks]

I think the halo thing if done right would be nice, but whatever. If I don't get two HDDs in the 17" and more pro ports (no USB) and HDMI/Display Port on the new design forget about it!

may be possible with nehalem as they will use much smaller logicboards hence why there will be no case redesign until they launch mid next year

 

[matticus008]

It's pretty much impossible to incorperate BD drives into the design of the MBP at this moment anyways.

Yes. Well, technically, there is one BD-R drive that can be squeezed into a current 17" MBP. But it retails for $999 and does not fit in the MacBook or 15" MBP. It's also slow, power-hungry, and, according to reports, quite loud and hot.

Still, at $999, it's about what Apple would charge for the upgrade, and nobody's really touching it--proving the pointlessness of the option at the current time. Anyone desperate to pay early adopter prices certainly can, or get an external drive (some as cheap as $400) for far less than the price of any Apple option.

What those people are really saying is that they want Apple to magically will into existence a slimmer, faster, less power hungry drive for less than $300 BTO. Indeed, they're the same people who would balk at the price if Apple offered tomorrow all of those improvements for today's price of $1000.

People like to argue.

Yes, and I'm one of them.

 

[rockosmodurnlif]

Nope, the best designed laptop with the most consumer-ish keyboard I have ever used. It's actually not as good as everyone says. Either way, it's not the best when using it for long periods, or when you have a keyboard cover over it.

It's not meant to be used with a keyboard cover, that's like wearing gloves while using the trackpad and saying it's not sensitive enough.

But either way, user experience may vary. But I do want the keyboards replaced and a magnetic latch too.

 

[darwiners]

Mirror Apple Logo

I read Chinese and while reading it it stated the lighted logo will be replaced with the Mirror just like that of the iPhones back. I think it is legit because Apple is trying to move towards the Glass/Black/Mirror?Aluminum design hence the Mirror on the newer iMac and the iPhone. The change in logo is just another way to set apart the "Pro" from the norm. Plus a case update has been long since over due! How many years has it been??? I cant wait!

 

[darwiners]

Apple Mirror

Look at the way the iPhone also has those holes to secure the Mirror onto the back, just like the Rumored MBP!
http://www.zdnet.com.au/story_media/339279684/photos-cracking-open-the-iphone_1.jpg

 

[Digital Skunk]

may be possible with nehalem as they will use much smaller logicboards hence why there will be no case redesign until they launch mid next year

It's what I am hoping for. Got the penryn now in hopes of a redesign by Nehalem, and then grab the second or third iteration. Really hoping battery life improves, with quad core and much more internal hardware.

It's not meant to be used with a keyboard cover, that's like wearing gloves while using the trackpad and saying it's not sensitive enough.

Not necessarily true but I do understand. The key covers for all other keyboards have been fine. And the ones used for the current MBP don't cause most people any problems at all.

There is a big purpose for keyboard covers on laptops.... application shortcuts.

 

[effer]

A new MBP could get a MBA keyboard, large trackpad and magnetic latch (and I would certainly welcome these features), but exactly, how could they totally redesign the MBP chassis anytime soon? It's already one of the thinnest laptops on the market, and without drastic changes to the logic board and cooling, it's not like they can shrink the package down any further.

People are kidding themselves if they think something amazing is in the works for the next Pro release.

 

[ntrigue]

Look at the way the iPhone also has those holes to secure the Mirror onto the back, just like the Rumored MBP!
http://www.zdnet.com.au/story_media/339279684/photos-cracking-open-the-iphone_1.jpg

Having dismantled the iPhone the molds are different for a chrome apple wherein the iPhone has the cylinder push in from the back. I think the chrome apple is hihgly likely in this mold.

 

[Digital Skunk]

People are kidding themselves if they think something amazing is in the works for the next Pro release.

Agreed, but let's not kid ourselves into thinking the MBA keyboard or the square keyboard from the MBA, MB, Apple thin keyboards will end up in the MBP.

I have a feeling that they will, but I am really hoping not since i can't replace the keyboard in a laptop like I can with a desktop.

 

[Chandler Adaway]

Yes. Well, technically, there is one BD-R drive that can be squeezed into a current 17" MBP. But it retails for $999 and does not fit in the MacBook or 15" MBP. It's also slow, power-hungry, and, according to reports, quite loud and hot.

Still, at $999, it's about what Apple would charge for the upgrade, and nobody's really touching it--proving the pointlessness of the option at the current time. Anyone desperate to pay early adopter prices certainly can, or get an external drive (some as cheap as $400) for far less than the price of any Apple option.

What those people are really saying is that they want Apple to magically will into existence a slimmer, faster, less power hungry drive for less than $300 BTO. Indeed, they're the same people who would balk at the price if Apple offered tomorrow all of those improvements for today's price of $1000.

Yes, and I'm one of them.

Yes, I know of that drive.
When I said pretty much impossible for the current design, I meant that it would not fit (it would overheat), and would not be able to be incorporated into the design. Whether that be price or something else.

Of course people would buy it.
Some spent three thousand plus on a barely upgraded MacBook Air before the $500 drop.
I don't know why, but they really felt that the .2 processor upgrade and a few other things were worth that much money.
It's like when the RAZR came out.
Everyone had to have it because of how thin and mobile it was.
Now pretty much every phone is that thin and capable of so much more.

I can see this trend to be followed by all notebooks soon.

As of now, I don't see the point in purchasing it.

Some swear by it's mobility...
I think that it's a waste of money.

But no doubt an awesome toy.




Oh, and trust me..
I know how much you like to argue.

 

[nikiski]

I'm hoping that Apple keeps the option for non-glossy displays...

 

[wallaby]

I pray to god Apple redesigns the MBP to have an easily accessible hard drive a la' the Macbook via the battery compartment. I won't be buying a new one but this is the one design flaw I take issue with.

 

[digitalbiker]

I
That's not true. LCD manufacturers do indeed specify the color depth of their panels. Computer OEMs cheat with dithering and other nonsense--but if you go directly to Samsung, LG, Philips, et al. you'll see the hardware is clearly defined. 262K, across the board. 6-bit.

Not for notebook computers, no. AMLCDs have never been 8-bit for notebook applications, with extremely few exceptions.


Size has everything to do with whether there is a production method for 8-bit color.

Well there maybe some trouble with the very high-density small displays but what you are stating just doesn't jive with what is being reported in numerous articles that I have read online.

For instance here is a recent article on About.com. No mention of any size limitations or pixel bit depth problem on smaller display densities but it does say this

"Since consumers were demanding faster screens, something needed to be done to improve response times. To facilitate this, many manufacturers turned to reducing the number of levels each color pixel render. This reduction in the number of intensity levels allows the response times to drop but has the drawback of reducing the overall number of colors that can be rendered."

"How to Tell if an LCD is 8-Bit or 6-Bit

This is the biggest problem for individuals who are looking at purchasing an LCD monitor. Most manufacturers do not list the color depth of their display. Even fewer will list the actual per-color depth. If the manufacturer lists the color as 16.7 million colors, it should be assumed that the display is 8-bit per-color. If the colors are listed as being 16.2 million or 16 million, consumers should assume that it uses a 6-bit per-color depth. If no color depths is listed, it should be assumed that monitors of 12ms or faster will be 6-bit and the 20ms and slower panels are 8-bit."

Here's the link for the full article. Of course this may be in error as well but it does imply that 8 bit is a choice by the manufacturer not a manufacturing limitation. As far as the 8 bit vs. 6 bit reporting by manufacturers, the article is probably talking about OEM's and monitor manufacturers, not the original panel manufacturer. Most people don't know what panel goes into which monitor or laptop.
http://compreviews.about.com/od/multimedia/a/LCDColor.htm

 

[TwinCities Dan]

I really don't see what's so bad about our existing keyboards, are there a lot of complaints? About what?

I haven't really played on an Air yet but I think the keyboard in black is kinda ugly. What are the pros/benefits of the newer style keyboard?

 

[Digital Skunk]

What are the pros/benefits of the newer style keyboard?

There aren't any. People like them because of personal preference then think it should be in every input device Apple makes.

But people have been reporting that the keyboard is hard to type on. And I personally have the hardest time typing on it with a keyboard cover. There is a review online where a reviewer gives it good remarks at first, but after having to use it for long periods of time finds it very uncomfortable.

They also get dirtier much quicker, but that's nit picking.

Either way, I have used all forms of it for long periods and short ones. For hunting and pecking, or for doing media work where I only use shortcuts it's great. For typing paper or writing novels it sucks.

And when using a key cover it's horrible. I hope Apple doesn't change the MBP keyboard to the new one since the MBP keys don't have any of those problems.

 

[Sirus2400]

Battery Compartments placement

Did anyone else notice that if the battery compartment spans the entire front section of this design, then the superdrive will no longer be front-loading, and rather it will have to load from the side like macbooks (something that is kind of annoying to me).

 

[Chandler Adaway]

(something that is kind of annoying to me).

I know that's based on opinion, but I find it annoying when the computer is in my lap, and I have to move the computer to a different position so I can put a disc in or eject it.

I think it would be a smart decision to move it to the side.

However, I think the front loading drive is unique.

 

[SchneiderMan]

are those new white apple boxes? you can see a apple logo on a box on the top left corner, looks the same as the box with the mbp shell

 

[digitalbiker]

I really don't see what's so bad about our existing keyboards, are there a lot of complaints? About what?

I haven't really played on an Air yet but I think the keyboard in black is kinda ugly. What are the pros/benefits of the newer style keyboard?

Well here are a few of the complaints;

1) The MBP keys have a smaller surface to depress and require more movement to type.
2) They have a taller profile and hit the LCD display when closed. This results in a ghost of the keyboard being etched into the display over time.
3) They are hard to clean as debris falls between the sloped cracks.
4) They pop off on occasion if you have ever mistyped and hit an adjacent key edge the key pops off. You can easily break the tab that holds the key onto the key peg and then the key will not stay on.

But yeah, for the most part it is just personal preference. My personal biggest complaint are numbers 2 & 3. I have a permanent image of the keys etched in my screen. I also can't figure out how to properly clean out the debris that falls and get under the keys. My wife's MBA is much better. No hitting the screen and larger key surface with smaller cracks between keys.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Well here are a few of the complaints;

1) The MBP keys have a smaller surface to depress and require more movement to type.
2) They have a taller profile and hit the LCD display when closed. This results in a ghost of the keyboard being etched into the display over time.
3) They are hard to clean as debris falls between the sloped cracks.
4) They pop off on occasion if you have ever mistyped and hit an adjacent key edge the key pops off. You can easily break the tab that holds the key onto the key peg and then the key will not stay on.

But yeah, for the most part it is just personal preference.

Oh crap, he meant the current MBP keys.... sorry.

I still think they are best laptop keys that you can find, and put covers on, or clean or anything for that matter.

But what Biker says is true.

 

[Sirus2400]

I know that's based on opinion, but I find it annoying when the computer is in my lap, and I have to move the computer to a different position so I can put a disc in or eject it.

I think it would be a smart decision to move it to the side.

However, I think the front loading drive is unique.

Yup, totally my opinion, and I usually use my MBP on a desk, so a front loading drive is more convenient for me. I'm right handed so when I use my friends MB's I have to move stuff (mouse, papers, etc) to insert/eject optical media.

 

[Val-kyrie]

What I don't understand is how people can seriously expect there to be a major design update without any keynote by Steve. As much as I'm hoping for it (and holding of buying a new MBP until the day), I doubt it's going to happen this year.

The MBs underwent a drastic design change with the transition to Intel Core Duos without any fanfare event!

 

[Tosser]

I hope Apple doesn't get rid of the backlit logo and the current keyboard. I really despise the black MBA keyboard idea. Does not make it look/feel like a pro machine at all.

You're forgetting the TiBook, methinks.

Also, I figure cheap plastic spray painted in silver paint to resemble metal looks really chav. It reminds me of chromed plastics. You know – utterly cheap, both in looks and quality.

Also, I could do without the cheap anodizing used resulting in pitting on the palm rests.

Please Apple, let's get away from silver and possibly less aluminum so that we can have a better wireless experience. Every cheap piece of electronics gear in Walmart is now silver rounded rectangles. This design is old, boring, and needs revamping.

It certainly does. They should take some clues from Lenovo/IBM (Thinkpads). Now,there's a pro looking machine, with no "bling", but all purpose-driven. And strong as hell.

Black and white is like Apple's trademark.

No it's not. Ever seen a Tibook? A G4 Powerbook? A recent iMac? Mac Pro? Macbook Pro? Macbook Air? Cinema Display? Recent keyboards?

Alu seems to the thing with Apple. Oh, and remember those Imacs? Dalmation, anyone? Or howsabout those toilet seats (I mean the old clamshell, the first iBooks).

Isince the MBA and the iMac have the same brushed look

No they don't have the same "brushed" looks at all. It's anodized, NOT brushed aluminium. Brushed aluminium would be nice, then we wouldn't be getting the pitting, and in some instances flaking.

It's not meant to be used with a keyboard cover, that's like wearing gloves while using the trackpad and saying it's not sensitive enough.

You're wrong. If it was not meant to be used with a cover, why is there no "drip tray" as on the Thinkpads?

I read Chinese and while reading it it stated the lighted logo will be replaced with the Mirror just like that of the iPhones back.

Sheesh! I hope not. Who needs more cheap, godawful chroming!? Has Jonathan fallen sick again?