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An new entry-level Macbook Pro makes no sense
- Thread starter senttoschool
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Sounds very reasonable. My bet is $1499 for a 8GB/512GB version or 16GB/256GB one.
Yeah, I could see these. I was thinking it'd start at 1799 for 16/512 but they probably could go with an 8/256 config or a 16/256 config as you mentioned since external storage is an actually-viable thing.
The 1799 price point is weird since its just $200 to the M Pro... I would expect the price difference to be a big bigger. But who knows.
The endurance endowed by the more efficient/frugal processors inside of the pro enveloppe will be a big selling point for some, me included.
Would this new M2 Mac Pro be a better purchase for developers than current M1 Pro/Max Mac Pro?
Honestly it depends on what you want. It probably would be better than the M1 Pro/Max in only single-core speed, but it'll probably be the battery life champion of Macs considering it'll likely be the same 70WHr battery paired with a less-power-hungry chip. That's why I want this thing.
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I'm basing that on the difference between the 2-port and 4-port models. Back then it was just a $100 difference between the 16/512 configs (so even $1899 may be more like it).
In addition, I was thinking of what price Apple could keep it as to still entice people to go up a bit more to get an M1 Pro system.
Same chasis, same min-LED display, but without Pro Motion, and without the Pro chip. That's worth at least a few hundred dollars less.
I think it's an embarrassment to call a laptop "Pro" and not have at least 16/512 in 2022 but still charge $1500 for it.
I think the new Macbook Air is going to destroy this if it stays at $999 - $1100. It's hard for me to imagine recommending a Macbook Pro that has the same RAM or SSD, same M2 chip, but much heavier and bulkier for $500 more. I don't think the ProMotion and SD/HDMI make up for the $500 increase in cost and in a much heavier and bulkier package.
I hope this is only a temporary solution until they come out with a 15/16" Air.
Temporary solutions should be used when the technology is not ready, not when the designers/managers are not ready. What prevents Apple from releasing a 15/16" MacBook Air?
Supply chain? Design priority? Work from home issues?
Who knows. But there were solid rumors of a 15/16" Air. I personally think it's still coming. It makes too much sense. A super bulky and heavy 14" with a basic M2 SoC makes zero sense to me. Like, why would you put an SoC that can run up to 90% of its speed fanless in the Macbook Pro chassis? And you have to play with 8GB/256GB specs just to lower the price enough? In a "pro" machine? In 2022? Come on now.
As silly as this sounds, this entry level MBP will be less about specs, and more about aesthetics.
It’s going to target those who don’t need the power of a M1 Pro or care for the new (rumoured) colorful white bezeled MBA’s.
In other words, the cheapest way to get a space grey Mac laptop.
It’s going to target those who don’t need the power of a M1 Pro or care for the new (rumoured) colorful white bezeled MBA’s.
In other words, the cheapest way to get a space grey Mac laptop.
They've had an 'entry-level' macbook pro for a while. I think they like that segmenting, regardless of the chip situation. That means they'll probably ship a M2 entry-level macbook pro - and it will probably look like a 14" macbook pro.
I have a feeling the cooling system will be overkill. Maybe they can cut costs by scrimping on the heat sinks.
I have a feeling the cooling system will be overkill. Maybe they can cut costs by scrimping on the heat sinks.
You know, if they're 'thinking' of a 15" iPad, they should also be thinking of a 16" macbook... and a 27"+ iMac. They'd probably sell very well.
For me personally, if I'm at a desk, I want a (or more) big screen. If I'm on a laptop, I want it very portable - keyboard width sized...
Gurman: Apple Event on March 8, At Least Four M2 Macs to Launch Later This Year
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that Apple is planning to hold a virtual event on Tuesday, March 8 to...
www.macrumors.com
Ok, so an M2 based Macbook Pro using the old 13" chassis makes far more sense than the 14" chassis. As I said all along, the 14" chassis is complete overkill for a chip that can run fanless.
However, I don't like it. There's barely any differentiation between the Air and 13" Pro already. Now there's a 13" Air, 13" Pro, and a 14" Pro. Yuck.
Apple really needs to get its act together and release a 15/16" Air.
I want to see this lineup:
- $750 - Macbook SE (using current 13" MBA chassis & screen)
- $1100 - 14" Macbook Air
- $1600 - 16" Macbook Air
- $2000 - 14" Macbook Pro
- $2500 - 16" Macbook Pro
This is the lineup I want to see too. Just do a small/big version of both notebooks. I know a lot of people that want a larger screen, but the 16” pro is way overkill for their needs and just too expensive. A larger air would be perfect for that gap between the air and small pro. Then an “older design” SE at a super great entry point for younger students and casual users.
Yea, I'm not really sure what Apple is doing here. It seems like Apple Silicon has presented a golden opportunity to blow PC laptops out of the water at every price point and class.
Perhaps the delays and bizarre lineups are related to work from home and supply chain constraints. It's no wonder that Tim Cook wants his workers back in the office ASAP.
Getting Apple employees back into the office won't make much difference. That's not where the supply shortages are happening. Tim wants employees back because they spent a ridiculous amount of money on that stupid donut and they don't like it sitting there empty.