Apple Announces New Aluminum MacBooks

[looking4anotebo]

Any other recommendations? I'm pretty open minded here.

Wait 8 months.

 

[elvtnedge]

So let me get this straight.... a white macbook 2.4 sells for 1350 and a new macbook at 2.0 sells for 1399.. if I want a 2.4 in the new I have to spend 1750? so $400 more CDN for just as good processor..

I was just going to get an audio interface for casual recording and now I cant use firewire..

can someone explain the advantages over the old macbook aside from the better graphics... why did they compromise the CPU?

 

[kylef]

I seem to be in the minority who actually was really pleased with this update. Although US:UK prices are crazily annoying.

Prior to this, I was planning on getting a 15.4" MB Pro (8600m GT). But I decided to wait and I'm glad I did - a 13.3" MB (9400m) will do me absolutely fine as my gaming days are practically over! Love the look of the new notebooks in pictures at least, going to check them out tomorrow and probably order one then too.

£1149 -- £1079 @ Education -- £1094 w/ iPod -- Sell iPod -- £1000

Works for me Never use Firewire, USB 2.0 is great. Only 'sad' thing for me was the lack of (expected) 9600 availability on MB and now forced to buy a 'sold separately' adapter for an external monitor.

 

[XiuXiu2012]

That is how you sell computers: Get them in the shop, show them the cheapest model, then show them how they get a lot better for only a little more.

And hope no one shows them the freaking price cuts on yesterday's models...

http://www.powermax.com/parts/code/macbook_pro_15


Previous gen 15" Macbook Pros are almost 20% cheaper than they were yesterday.

 

[notjustjay]

After speaking to some camcorder makers, I learned that high-definition HDD camcorders utilize a recording format called Advanced Video Codec High Definition ( AVCHD )—which neither Final Cut nor iMovie support.
http://www.macworld.com/article/58461/2007/06/tapeless.html

So, your options are:

Typical consumer miniDV camera - nope, no Firewire
Prosumer miniDV camera, like my Sony VX2000 - not supported
HD cameras recording onto miniDV (HDV format) - not supported

mini-DVD-camera - sorta-supported, pain in the butt to import, high cost of media, difficult to convert/edit MPEG2 video, and remember not to try to insert the mini-DVD into your slot load drive!

AVCHD hard-drive-based camera - not supported (as per above)

... so... what's left?

Flash-based cheapo cameras? Video-recording feature of your digital still camera? What kind of resolution can you record with those?? How many hours of video can you keep on a memory card? Would you record your vacation memories or your new baby's first steps like this?

Oooh, I know. The built-in iSight camera!

Conclusion:
If all you ever do with your videos is post them on YouTube, then the MacBook is right for you!

 

[Masklinn]

Not sure which is the typo. The US store still shows the 2.0 as backlit keyboard.

I keep refreshing the order page and each time it shows this :

Start preparing a strongly worded letter to apple and keep screenshots close by, because you'll need them when they'll send you a non-backlit macbook.

 

[50548]

The Good
~Beautiful Casing
~Powerful GPU's
~2GB standard RAM

The Bad
~ NO FIREWIRE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
~ Glossy Screen
~ Insane pricing. ($1,300.00?!?)

The Verdict

No Deal. Going to wait for Snow Leopard.

The funniest thing is: we're sooooooooo spoiled. I've never seen a desktop or portable PC at work with a SINGLE FW port...go figure...

 

[Peace]

Start preparing a strongly worded letter to apple and keep screenshots close by, because you'll need them when they'll send you a non-backlit macbook.

Nope..

The presentation was a typo. I just chatted with the Apple rep

Here it is verbatim

You are chatting with Lori A, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Lori A. Welcome to Apple!
hi lori. I have a question
Would you like help with your shopping?
sort of.
I ordered the new Macbook 2.0
when I did the configure my mackbook it said it comes with a backlit keyboard now people are telling me it doesnt. I've already ordered it and got a confirmation
I have screenshots
It does.
Please don't be concerned.
the 2.0 comes with the backlit keyboard?
Yes.
ok thank you
If you have questions about an order you already placed or need verification you can also phone customer service.

 

[DTMoody]

Well...

I just took the plunge... Be it a positive one or up the Arse.

I just completed my web order for the $1500 MacBook.
I did get an $100 OSU education discount though... THANK YOU APPLE!
I should receive it 16th-20th.

I'm really excited. I'm not so disappointed in it not having firewire, but I could see why so many people are.

I just need it for the basics and school work, finances an such. I just love the build quality of it.

Not interested in watching movies on it, so not big deal if there is not BR.

I'll let you guys know what I think when I get my hands on it for a bit.

 

[mobilehavoc]

What do I honestly lose if I buy a refurbished 15" MBP for $1500.

Is this a bad deal? Seems like a steal to me...love to hear people's opinions.

Model Refurbished MacBook Pro
Processor 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 2GB (two SO-DIMMs) 667MHz DDR2 memory (PC2-5300)
Display 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 by 900 resolution, glossy widescreen
PCI Express Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
Video Built-in iSight camera, DVI, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included)
Audio Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/audio line out, stereo speakers, microphone
Hard disk drive 250GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm
Slot-loading optical drive 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Ethernet Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
Wireless Built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11n); built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Modem Apple USB Modem (sold separately)
Input Full-size, illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; Multi-Touch trackpad
Expansion One FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, two USB 2.0 ports, and ExpressCard/34 slot
Weight 5.4 pounds
Footprint 14.1 x 9.6 inches
Thickness 1.0 inch
Video accessories DVI to VGA adapter (other adapters sold separately)
Hardware accessories 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, lithium-polymer battery

 

[Andrew K.]

"And the back lit keyboard is part of the 2.0 model."

Regarding the Apple Macbook specs page showing Backlit on 2.0 only:
"Yes it is an error."

That is from the Apple Chat.

"We have reported this issue and the web site will be changed very soon."

wait what? so the backlit keyboard is standard on both the 2.0 and 2.4 models?

 

[decimortis]

I shut my MacBook 2.4GHz down after the announcement and took it out for a beer.

This has been the first Apple update that has made me love the older version of MacBook more than the new one.

Pure white beauty, keeps my precious FW, and it still smells terrific!

Cheers Apple, you don't get more of my money quite yet.

 

[mayanka89]

Start preparing a strongly worded letter to apple and keep screenshots close by, because you'll need them when they'll send you a non-backlit macbook.

Like I said in my previous post, the Apple Chat Rep says the website shows an error, and ALL versions of Macbook (2.0 and 2.4) have backlit keyboard.

 

[localoid]

I am a DJ. My external audio device is firewire only. How am i supposed to dj with no firewire? It's just stupid. They force you to buy the most expensive thing just for one port. I am an apple FAn but this is kind of a slap in the face. If there is not going to be firewire they price should be way cheaper.

Apple apparently has no clue regarding the number of people that found the Macbook the ideal mobile solution for a wide variety of digital audio applications largely because it had a (bus powered) 6-pin Firewire port and it had a 13" screen (vs. the larger 15" MBP).

I hope a good number of folks will let Apple know how you feel about their dropping Firewire via the Macbook Feedback page @ Apple.com.

 

[Peace]

wait what? so the backlit keyboard is standard on both the 2.0 and 2.4 models?

See my previous post. Yes both come with backlit keyboards.

 

[mayanka89]

Nope..

The presentation was a typo. I just chatted with the Apple rep

You are chatting with Lori A

That was the same rep I chatted with. She had to go talk with someone first to go ask, then came back and said she filed a report and will get the website changed to match that all Macbooks have backlit.

 

[50548]

wait what? so the backlit keyboard is standard on both the 2.0 and 2.4 models?

This is hard to believe, but it might also be an intentional "oversight" from Steve so that we receive such a treat on both models...

 

[syclone]

So on the 15" what is the difference in the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB of GDDR3 memory for the earlier 15" and the new standard 15" the integrated NVDIA GeForce 9400M processor?

Would love to hear what folks can distinguish?

The new 15" Actually has 2 graphics cards in it. The integrated 9400M is less powerful than the 8600M GT and it steals its memory from the main 2GB/4GB of RAM - but it is more efficient, so if you are just surfing the web, it will use this chip and get up to an hour more battery life. There is also a new 9600M GT with 256 or 512MB of its own dedicated memory in there too that will boost performance at the cost of battery life.

 

[iEdd]

Well, not so fast... check this one out:

http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-527950.html

Anyone brave enough to try it and let us know if it works?

Thanks but that's pointless. I pay extra if I can to get FireWire, because it's faster. That converter means it only runs at USB speed and I've wasted money on a) More expensive FW devices not cheap USB ones and b) the adaptor. I was hoping for a solution that used the 1000Mbps speed of the ethernet port.

Edit: Well, not pointless if you already have the device (eg. camcorder). Only if you plan to buy more FW stuff.

 

[brisweeney]

really the only update is design,and price, and graphics.....i was expecting at least more base ram,2gig for entry and 4gig for higher priced one. and 2.5 or 2.6ghz processing power,not just the same 2.4 i have now.

i think ill wait until jan or feb,see what macworld brings,what snowleopard will be like and what specs it needs, then go for the macbook.


if i was a pro user id be really pissed that the update was pretty much design based and not processor based.

 

[MrCrowbar]

I like how I thought the mockups with the black glass displays were ugly as hell. Now I've seen the real thing (well, pictures of it) and now I think my black Mabook us butt ugly and terribly designed and engeneered.

I'm waiting for Snow Leopard and speed bumps and will probably replace my slowly dying Macbook with an aluminum one. I hope the price will go down and some kind of Firewire to Gigabit Ethernet adapter gets available.

 

[Peace]

All I know is after my "recorded" chat with Apple combined with my order I get a backlit keyboard regardless.

 

[localoid]

The funniest thing is: we're sooooooooo spoiled. I've never seen a desktop or portable PC at work with a SINGLE FW port...go figure...

If you don't understand why Firewire is important you're obviously a consumer of content, rather than a creator of content. Apple used to make computers that appealed to creative people. But that was then and this is now...

 

[Andrew K.]

Nope..

The presentation was a typo. I just chatted with the Apple rep

Here it is verbatim

You are chatting with Lori A, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Lori A. Welcome to Apple!
hi lori. I have a question
Would you like help with your shopping?
sort of.
I ordered the new Macbook 2.0
when I did the configure my mackbook it said it comes with a backlit keyboard now people are telling me it doesnt. I've already ordered it and got a confirmation
I have screenshots
It does.
Please don't be concerned.
the 2.0 comes with the backlit keyboard?
Yes.
ok thank you
If you have questions about an order you already placed or need verification you can also phone customer service.

SWEET thanx for the info!

 

[Pando]

Wait 8 months.

Wish I could, but I've been holding out for a long while already, like a lot of people, and it's gotten to the point where I need to replace my computer. I'm using a 5 year old Vaio and it's starting to fall apart: speakers stopped working, no battery life, keys are starting to faulter, etc. I appreciate your advice, but waiting just isn't an option for me anymore.