Analyst: iMac and MacBook Updates Coming Within Weeks?

[sauer228]

Lower MB prices and a rumored tablet for $799-$999? I'll take the MB please.

 

[Angelchild]

Wedge Partners' report echoes.....but is the first to point to a release window for the new models in the very near future.

That's not so true. Appleinsider did first.

 

[macadociousone]

Expected

Well, I called this back in March.

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7308724#post7308724

More to come.

 

[Thomas Davie]

Whatever happens, whether it is more computing power for the same money or a slight drop in prices is good. I was saving up to buy my girlfriend a Macbook for xmas, so this just makes it a little bit easier.

Tom

 

[LAS.mac]

Well, I really hope in a slight improvement of the MBA, more Ram and a slight faster processor, for instance. I don't see how they could make a new policarb MB. I'd soppose they can increment processor speed a bit more, and make it slightly cheaper, in the 800-850 USD range.
I have an iMac and I'm quite happy with it. The only thing I'd like to see is an integrated multicard reader (to get rid of the one standing on my desk).

 

[zap2]

We do need a MacBook redesign...I'm using a Core Duo MacBook, and I walk into the Apple store and see basically the same Mac, faster, but design is still similar.

I like that upgrading RAM and HDD is easy, but make it look a bit more "2009" vs "2006"

 

[charlituna]

At $999, the Macbook is a bit overpriced for its market segment. Although i would still pay a premium for an Apple product, a price drop is very welcome.

a mild price drop is probably all you could get. no actual refresh.

recent announcements seem to play to the notion that they are shifting their calendar, putting laptop changes at the start of their back to school promo (which is a big time for them) and desktops right before the holidays when parents might think of getting a new computer for the house (which would more likely be an imac than a laptop)

 

[danielwsmithee]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that intel has announced that the new Mobile Quad core i7 (clarksfield) will be shipping by the end of september.

I'm seeing the clarksfield going into the high end iMac and MBP. While the Arrandale (2 core - integrated graphics) will go into the MacBook and low end iMac.

Also I hope the iMac will now line up with the LED Cinema Displays, contain an SD Card slot, and 4 memory slots instead of just 2.

 

[ilmolto]

Hopefully Apple will update the Mac Pro as well.

 

[Eidorian]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that intel has announced that the new Mobile Quad core i7 (clarksfield) will be shipping by the end of september.

I'm seeing the clarksfield going into the high end iMac and MBP. While the Arrandale (2 core - integrated graphics) will go into the MacBook and low end iMac.

Clarksfield in the iMac would be epic.

 

[joueboy]

Bring it on!

Bring it on! And don't forget to put a Blu-ray drive, okay.

 

[AidenShaw]

Mac Mini. I feel like this should be the focus of the next computer update. It needs a true overhall and redesign. It could be a great device, but it's been neglected for too long. Even though it was "updated" recently, I think it really needs to be recreated to fit into current consumer needs and wants for a machine of its size and computing power. Basically do or die time coming up. I personally would want to have it be the base for the whole "Home Network" idea that was talked about before. Like to have it replace the Apple TV and serve as a home server. (no pun intended )

Interesting, since HP just did a nice upgrade to the MediaSmart server....

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/09/14/hp-announces-mediasmart-server-ex490-and-ex495/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/787116/


Merge the Apple TV and the Mini into one system, and make the "new Mini" larger and much more like the MediaSmart.

The Apple Mini-TV would be the tiny box for limited applications (small system or set-top box), and the Apple Mini-Server would be true home nexus.

 

[mgridgaway]

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumor mongering at its worst.

 

[gkarris]

LOL...

I guess the release of Windows 7 and the Laptop Hunters Ads made an impact...

 

[macadociousone]

I can see the iMac getting more of a curved back body, kind of like how the iPhone did, but being slightly thicker in the back then it is even now.

That's precisely where it's going. Nice call.

 

[Ramashalanka]

Do quad core notebook chips exist yet? That would be a nice upgrade for the iMac. If not, what's the latest chip out and what are the benefits to the current iMac chipset?

Yes, quad core notebook chips exist, e.g. the Q9000 and Q9100:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2

Seen here in a dell laptop:

http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellst...=dhs&cs=nzdhs1&kc=&oc=S510605NZ&~lt=alienware

At 45W, probably to warm for an Apple product. Make thicker computers please, apple.

Unfortunately, all of the Arrandale chips (which Apple will probably use) are two core/four thread. :-(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Nehalem_(microarchitecture)

 

[danielwsmithee]

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumoring mongering at its worst.

Isn't that the whole point of this website?

 

[theLimit]

MacBook changes will likely bring a move to the internal battery, replacing mini-DVI with Mini Display Port, dropping FireWire, and maybe adding the SD slot. Hopefully a price drop to a more reasonable $799, unless they move back to the Unibody design, but then there isn't enough to differentiate the 13" MacBook Pro until they get updated. But that isn't a new practice for Apple. Back in the PowerPC days, the iBook specs would equal the PowerBook specs for several months.

 

[macdoofus]

okay, so I guess I wait another 2-3 weeks? to buy my White MB. That is if I were chasing the proverbial dragon, which it seems I am. Trying to get back into the Mac fold with a MB or iMac plus 32gb iPod Touch. Hurry up man!!! edit; opps, I do need the Firewire though, I already have FW externals.

 

[Frisco]

Bring it on! And don't forget to put a Blu-ray drive, okay.

I have to think that the first Mac to get Blu-ray will be the Mac Pro.

 

[danielwsmithee]

Unfortunately, all of the Arrandale chips (which Apple will probably use) are two core/four thread. :-(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Nehalem_(microarchitecture)

The Arrandale are meant for thinner lighter laptops. I can see them going into the 13" and MacBook. The Clarksfield is targeted and high end 15 to 17" in laptops. They are quad core i7 mobile processors 4 core / 8 thread. Toping out at 2 GHZ (turboboost to 3.33 GHZ).

 

[125037]

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumoring mongering at its worst.

MacRumors

 

[philipt42]

The iMac is getting thinner again? Will it be moving to the Atom processor to reduce energy consumption and cooling requirements?

At a time when the Windows/Linux crowd is celebrating the new Lynnfield Core i5 and Core i7 this rumor is beyond disappointing.

I don't think they will use the atom processor just yet. That's a little extreme.
I agree, though, a thicker imac for more processing power would be a great trade.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I'm guessing they will be redesigning to make iMacs look more like iPhones on stands? -_O??

Could be interesting, but I'm more concerned about what they can actually do. The present design isn't bad--just needs Blu-ray, faster processing, perhaps dual processors, a HD you can change without opening the thing up, etc.

 

[Ramashalanka]

The Arrandale are meant for thinner lighter laptops. I can see them going into the 13" and MacBook. The Clarksfield is targeted and high end 15 to 17" in laptops. They are quad core i7 mobile processors 4 core / 8 thread. Toping out at 2 GHZ (turboboost to 3.33 GHZ).

The 2GHz version (920XM) is 55W. I don't see it as likely in an Apple laptop. I would love to be wrong.