Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Aluminum MacBook Pro Case Photo?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
My only issue with folks moving to the curved sides ala the MacBook Air is where do you put the DVI, two USB, FW800 and FW400, Ethernet, ExpressCard and Audio jacks?
There is only so much space in the back of the machine and I'd hate to have to carry a multi-function dongle with me with a slew of cables hanging off it that connected to a single edge-connection on the machine.
exactly, as long as they're adding ports and not taking any away (especially firewire!)
Nice work on the photoshopping. Though it's quite thick. The current MBA is currently only 0.76 of an inch, while the MBPs are exactly 1.0 inch thick. The MB is only 1.08 inches thick, but that mockup looks like it's about 1.5 inches. With the MBPs having a bigger footprint than the MBA the proportion should be too different from the MBA in terms of perceived thickness.
Also, the curving of the case bottom is only possible because it has no optical drive. I know you put one in there but there would be some technical issues with the drive having to be placed farther in the machine or have a specialized drive made that allows the input side to be ultra slim.
The other is the lack of ports. Something that is required on a MBP. Perhaps the back of the device could be more squared off with a special hinge that allows for access when the screen is in full tilt, but I'm betting Apple will keep the ports on the side.
Since the Montevina/Penryn will reduce power usage and thus heat output considerably Apple can have smaller heatsinks, fans, and venting. This means that they can get a little slimmer if they wish. But I think the main change may be the illusion of thinness that uses a hybrid-bevelling solution similar to the MBA. In other words, instead of a 0.16 inch thickness on the edge, Apple could use smaller edge thickness than the current MBP. Say, 0.50 inch so there is enough room for all the ports. Then bevel gradually like in the MBA before hitting a the requisite thickness for the main components.
Of course, in order to get any substantial edge thickness Apple will have to forego using the bulky DVI port. They could use the the same thin, proprietary display port on the MBA, but I doubt they will. There other options are to use HDMI (which they probably won't use) or use DisplayPort which has some pros and cons of DVI/HDMI video, but has the benefit of being able to to connect to DVI and HDMI ports.
You are definitely right about my earlier mockup. It is too thick and not well thought out in terms of ports. That's where my new concept comes in =).
The only thing I would point out is that I think if Apple wanted to use hidden compartments for ports, they could pull it off. In my first mockup the side view includes such hidden compartments.
The only thing I would point out is that I think if Apple wanted to use hidden compartments for ports, they could pull it off. In my first mockup the side view includes such hidden compartments.
I can safely say this is the best looking mockup I've seen. Not really all that different (which it doesn't need to be because the MBP is pretty nice already IMHO) just a bit sleeker. Perfect.
How about a mockup that has the sides about half of what they are on the last mockup so it's thin on the edge but with room for the ports (minus DVI's bulkiness) and more of a MBA bevel on the bottom.
edit: Just a suggestion. I have no idea how long it takes or how much trouble it is to make these mockups as it's been about 10 years since I last used Photoshop. I was adept then, but so much has changed that I tried it few years ago and couldn't figure out how to do the simplest of tasks so my critiques are just of your design, not of your abilities.
Nice! This is pretty beleivable for the MBP evolution
Though I'd change the DVI to DisplayPort.
(comparisons)
Agreed.
Apple must continue to support DVI-I in order to allow the MBP to be connected to all the VGA-only business projectors out there.
You have a great point and it would certainly would limit any other analogue connections, but Apple tends to push the envelope on connectors. Dell is already offering displays with DisplayPort and pretty much all new projectors I know of have DVI or HDMI along with VGA. I think there will be new displays coming on or before MW 2008. They are so overdue.
Thank you. Just finished them about a minute ago after about 12 hours of work.
Edit for the guy above me: your CD slot is huge.
The keyboard better not switch to the macbook air/macbook style. If they do, i wont buy it. i pay more money for PRO features, like a PRO keyboard, not a crappy macbook keyboard.
You should be working at Apple!!If the specs on this thing would be great, i'd buy it!!! No doubt!
Love your work!
Wow! That was the best mock-up i've seen
Looks realy good and I hope that the new MBP looks just like that 