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I think Apple prefer glossy for one reason.

It makes their promo shots look better. Apple are obsessed with reflections on all their press shots. The faux white gradients all over all the place.

I don't think it has anything to do with what consumers want. It just makes the computers look shinier.
 
They look very two toned. I consider my month old MBP a larger step foward from a design aspect than the new MBP.

:mad:I hate the fact they only come in Glossy finish

:mad: and a mini display port?? that model is completely capable of having a full DVI port.

:)But I do love the new touch pad!

I give the design a 3 out 5.
 
I think this is what Apple is trying to do right now...

They've noticed that their laptops are getting more and more popular so they're now trying to make them more accessible to the average consumer. This way they plan on gaining more market share...

I think the next refresh of notebooks will be something very similar to what we have seen in the past, with something that's much more "expensive" looking I guess...

Not too sure if that's the best way to explain it, but maybe some of you guys know what I'm trying to say.
 
I'm happy that the new manufacturing process makes the MBP more "durable" (something to be tested as all Apple metal portables seem to be fragile) and probably learn how to live the the glossy screen but I'm quite surprised that Apple decided not to give us a high res option for the MBP. Also it would be nice if they could have kept the old price point.

Its thinner and wider too. I rather they keep the foot print smaller though...
 
I think this is what Apple is trying to do right now...

They've noticed that their laptops are getting more and more popular so they're now trying to make them more accessible to the average consumer. This way they plan on gaining more market share...

I think you're half right. I think Apple noticed their laptops are getting more and more popular, so now Jobs' subconscious is gonna make sure he acts in a way that makes it all get screwed up so that he never has to face his fear of really finally being on top.

I'm sort of mostly kidding. But I definitely think Apple really hurt themselves with this update. The only real rationale I can think of is that maybe their new production plant cost so much money that they needed to take a round of profit making by making lame laptops that they can make a lot of profit on, and then come out with better laptops in the next revision so that their reputation doesn't get hurt too badly.

Of course this is all complete speculation and I'm really tired.
 
macbookpro20081014.jpg
 
They do look very two-toned, I Agree...they should have gone with an aluminum bezel and aluminum keys (I suppose) with the Pro. No Matte?...that's bonkers.

The Macbook however, looks great.
 
Pros:
- Multi-touch trackpad.
- Faster graphics
- Some nice detail on the case.

Cons:
- No matte option.
- No FW400, no FW at all on the MacBook.
- Yet another display connector standard?

I think I'll sit this generation out, provided my MBP lasts that long.
 
I think you're half right. I think Apple noticed their laptops are getting more and more popular, so now Jobs' subconscious is gonna make sure he acts in a way that makes it all get screwed up so that he never has to face his fear of really finally being on top.

I'm sort of mostly kidding. But I definitely think Apple really hurt themselves with this update. The only real rationale I can think of is that maybe their new production plant cost so much money that they needed to take a round of profit making by making lame laptops that they can make a lot of profit on, and then come out with better laptops in the next revision so that their reputation doesn't get hurt too badly.

Of course this is all complete speculation and I'm really tired.

I'd also like to point out that this is a HUGE step for the MacBook line, but it seems like the MBP line hasn't gotten anywhere in this update.
 
Just like all of you, I am also beyond disappointed. I think the overall look (the black bezel really) is just plain ugly. This could have been a great design if they just got rid of that, and made a different keyboard that isnt a chicklet AND black.

I am also angry with the lack of matte option as well, and the lack of a FireWire 400 port. Of course the people here say that you can get a FireWire 800/400 converter, but they are missing the point. THERE IS ONLY 1 PORT. There used to be 2 (1 400, 1 800) now there is just 1 and now I cant plug my external (800), camera (400) at the same time. This is HUGE PROBLEM. There would be no way in hell I will buy this until they bring back some stuff.

I really thought that they wouldnt do the black bezel, I WAS PRAYING that they wouldnt do it. On top of that, there is NO DIFFERENCE between the MacBook/Pro line now. There is nothing but specs to tell the difference (and screen size) there is really no way. They look identical.

This is probably the worst decision Apple has made. This is a great step forward for the MacBook line, but the Pro has been abandoned. Glossy screens? Get real. And people need to get real. Most photographers, gamers, editors, and writers hate glossy. Bring back the Apple that made a Pro line.
 
I think it's obvious that Apple is moving more towards consumers and further away from the "pro" demographic. However, I'm not sure why so many are upset with the newest update.

For one, they didn't eliminate the matte screen completely. Anyone can still go to the Apple store and purchase a 17" MBP with a matte screen and slightly updated internals. And, they didn't replace the entire CD line with glossy. All three original matte options are still there.

Personally, I prefer matte screens too. However, I also have a matte external display at home to do my serious video and photo editing (I work at an ABC-affiliate station and produce 5 HD video segments each week, so color accuracy is very important for me...). And, I'm happy with the new 9600 card.

While I think that Apple should not alienate the "pro" crowd, don't forget that the actual demographic is very small. How many people who own MBPs would actually be able to tell the color difference between matte and glossy? While many consider themselves "pro," a much fewer number of those people are actually using the computer for professional quality work. I have a feeling that a lot of the people purchasing MBPs are using them for note-taking in class and for playing the occasional game.

I can see designers and video professionals upset about the switch in screens, but I have a feeling that a lot of the people sounding off on these forums do not use the MBP for "pro" work. They just hear someone legitimately complain and they take on the argument for themselves.

Do I think that Apple is making a mistake by alienating the demographic that jump-started the company and propelled it into mainstream success? Yes. But, at least they didn't completely remove the matte option from the MBP table.

The way I see it, if you're in the market for a new MBP and you don't like the new glossy screen, either buy the 17" glossy or purchase a new external display.
 
In other news, the box for the MBP is now white, making it look even less "pro". Way. 2. Go. :apple:.

specs_macbookprobox20081014.jpg
 
But, at least they didn't completely remove the matte option from the MBP table.

Yeah... but did they do this as a concession, or did they do that so they didn't bite off more than they could chew (design/manufacture) on the timeline they were working with?

I think they only refreshed what they thought would have maximum market impact taking into consideration time to market + value. Now this part of the line is out of the way, we'll probably see more at Macworld. Come this time next year there likely won't be any matte options, unless they plan to reintroduce in their revised lines.
 
I think it's obvious that Apple is moving more towards consumers and further away from the "pro" demographic. However, I'm not sure why so many are upset with the newest update.

For one, they didn't eliminate the matte screen completely. Anyone can still go to the Apple store and purchase a 17" MBP with a matte screen and slightly updated internals. And, they didn't replace the entire CD line with glossy. All three original matte options are still there.

Personally, I prefer matte screens too. However, I also have a matte external display at home to do my serious video and photo editing (I work at an ABC-affiliate station and produce 5 HD video segments each week, so color accuracy is very important for me...). And, I'm happy with the new 9600 card.

While I think that Apple should not alienate the "pro" crowd, don't forget that the actual demographic is very small. How many people who own MBPs would actually be able to tell the color difference between matte and glossy? While many consider themselves "pro," a much fewer number of those people are actually using the computer for professional quality work. I have a feeling that a lot of the people purchasing MBPs are using them for note-taking in class and for playing the occasional game.

I can see designers and video professionals upset about the switch in screens, but I have a feeling that a lot of the people sounding off on these forums do not use the MBP for "pro" work. They just hear someone legitimately complain and they take on the argument for themselves.

Do I think that Apple is making a mistake by alienating the demographic that jump-started the company and propelled it into mainstream success? Yes. But, at least they didn't completely remove the matte option from the MBP table.

The way I see it, if you're in the market for a new MBP and you don't like the new glossy screen, either buy the 17" glossy or purchase a new external display.

You took the words right out of my mouth but unfortunately I can't see myself lugging a 17 in around (tee hee) when I travel. Now i am resorting to a prev gen mbp (which is great except for having to deal with the gpu defect) when i love the new design :(
 
damn lots of disappointment out there. while i agree it was nothing amazing, i wouldnt say im downright disappointed.

will be interesting to see if the glossy "problem" is mainstream or only hardcore users on forums
 
In other news, the box for the MBP is now white, making it look even less "pro". Way. 2. Go. :apple:.


LOL. I'm not sure the box is a "pro" factor. I will sell my "black box" for $3000 if anyone is interested. I still have all original packaging materials, please note MBP not included with your purchase.
 
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