Apple Finishing Up Work on an Ultra-Thin 15" Notebook

[AppleScruff1]

I think a lot people think that way however I think many people will still want one for the larger keyboard layout and more versatile/expandable OS and hardware.

Tablets really falter, for me at least when they have to be used for extended periods of time on the go. When I commute to university or work I don't want to bring a keyboard dock and wireless mouse so that I can get proper work done. When I use tablets it's for light everyday tasks like checking my email or browsing the web.

With these new notebooks you have the light weight and portability of a tablet and the power of a 'traditional' computer. This PC can become a mobile workstation and it would simply need to dock into a number of thunderbolt devices to maximize the power it carries.

To the future! *raises glass*

Current tablets including the iPad are too slow for any serious use. Even web browsing it slow. The MBA is much faster.

My thought is that Apple wants to call this a Macbook Pro, minimum price will be 1799.00 and replace the 15" current model. Specs will be what they are, in all honestly equivalent to a 1000 bucks on the other side, they won't give anything extra since people throw money at them. If people made them work you would have a better ball game.

Then kill off the the 13' Pro and that leaves the Air as the only option as an entry level laptop. If their webpage is accurate the Air is never on the top sellers list. It's not at BB or Amazon either, so they can force the MBA down peoples throats. It will be accepted and there ya go.

My theory at least.

PS: No firewire nor ethernet as well. Kiss that buh bye.

It doesn't matter what people want, they will buy whatever Apple puts out and praise Apple to the high heavens. Apple could keep the current iPhone and not change a thing and call it an iPhone 5 and people will be camping out to buy it and brag about how great it is. Every business on earth dreams of customers like this.

 

[threeDevices]

I have conflicting opinions on the ultra slim 15". First, it would be awesome having an more portable 15" and since I never use the optical drive that is no problem. Second, I do use an optibay like attachment in my current 15" so I can have an ssd and a hdd for the best of both worlds. I dont like the idea of needing to carry an external drive around with me all the time.
threedevices.com

 

[barefeats]

Thin Crust or Thick?

Just as with pizza, I think there is a market for both a 15" MacBook Air and 15" MacBook Pro.

 

[applegeek13]

Not sure if anyone's made this joke yet, if so I do apologize.

Anyways, the new thin notebooks are to be called "Macbook PrAir", on par with Apple's ascension to deity status.

 

[DeathChill]

It doesn't matter what people want, they will buy whatever Apple puts out and praise Apple to the high heavens. Apple could keep the current iPhone and not change a thing and call it an iPhone 5 and people will be camping out to buy it and brag about how great it is. Every business on earth dreams of customers like this.

Yeah, just like the iPod HiFi and Apple TV. Come on, we've pointed out that you're living in a dream land when you make ridiculous statements like this.

 

[e-coli]

Bring it on! As long as it has the same computing power as current models, I'll ditch my current 17" in a nanosecond.

A glossy-only screen would be an absolute deal breaker though.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Yeah, just like the iPod HiFi and Apple TV. Come on, we've pointed out that you're living in a dream land when you make ridiculous statements like this.

That was then, as in the past. Today is entirely different. Any iPhone/iPad device will sell regardless of updates. If there is an Apple branded tv in the near future, it will sell well too. The marketing is unbeatable and there are millions of people out there who are waiting eagerly for the next Apple product.

 

[hcho3]

If apple releases a new MBP this year i am gonna be super pissed........ that would would be only 10 months between updates, kinda ridiculous.

MBP 2011 update= MBP 2010 update was April and MBP 2011 update was Feb. That was around 10 months.

MBP 2010 update = MBP 2009 update was June and MBP 2010 update was April. That was around 10 months.

MBP 2009 update = MBP late 2008 update was October and MBP 2009 update was mid. That was less than 8 months.

Based on these histories, your point is?

MBP laptops need to be updated every 8-10 months.

 

[MattInOz]

Not sure if anyone's made this joke yet, if so I do apologize.

Anyways, the new thin notebooks are to be called "Macbook PrAir", on par with Apple's ascension to deity status.

aarrrhhhh Daaaaaddddd....

 

[hcho3]

15 inch laptops shouldn't be called ultra portable...


Also, 17 inch laptops are desktop replacement laptops.

If apple manages to fit in dedicated graphic card on 15 inch MBA/MBP, then I will buy it with the right price.

 

[smulji]

Seems logical...

In one or two more generations, when SSDs are cheep enough so that 256GB can be standard in the 13 inch $1200 base model, I see apple dropping the "Air" name and simply having 11/13 inch MacBooks, 15/17s would retain "Pro" status. Right now there is a lot of user base crossover between the 13 MBA and 13 MBP, most people that currently have 13 inch MBP would probably be better suited with a 13 MBA. If you consider the optical drive dead (and apple does) , then the only thing keeping the 13 inch Air from completely replacing the 13 Pro is cost and HDD storage space. Once the storage/price problems are solved by cheaper larger SSDs, there would be no reason to have a 13 inch "Fat" macbook and 13 inch "Air." Lets be honest, for most people there is very little advantage of having the slight CPU speed bump that having more cooling in the larger 13 inch would allow, the real limiting factor is of these notebooks is the GPU, and that currently is the same in the 13 Pro/Air anyway.

Late 2012 or Early 2013 line:

11 inch MacBook: Base 4GB Ram, Dual Core 2.0 Ghz Ivy Bridge, 128GB SDD (optional 256GB), Integrated graphics

13 inch MacBook: Base 4GB Ram (optional 8GB), Dual Core 2.2 Ghz Ivy Bridge , 256GB SDD (optional 512GB), Integrated Graphics.

15 inch MacBook Pro: Base 4GB Ram (optional 8GB), Quad Core 2.0 Ghz Ivy Bridge, 256GB SDD (optional 512GB/1TB), Dedicated Graphics.

17 inch MacBook Pro: Base 4GB Ram (optional 8GB), Quad Core 2.2 Ghz Ivy Bridge, 256GB SDD (optional 512GB/1TB), Dedicated Graphics.

Seeing as Ivy Bridge will be coming out next year, I don't see these configurations happening in 2012. Assuming that the world doesn't end 2012, I definitely see these configurations occurring in 2013 when Intel introduces their next-gen Haswell architecture which will be manufactured on a 22nm process.

I sure hope your prediction is true. These would be sweet configurations indeed. I would definitely bite on the 13"

 

[DeathChill]

That was then, as in the past. Today is entirely different. Any iPhone/iPad device will sell regardless of updates. If there is an Apple branded tv in the near future, it will sell well too. The marketing is unbeatable and there are millions of people out there who are waiting eagerly for the next Apple product.

So you're saying that the current Apple TV is selling extremely well? Apple seems to consider it a hobby, so I guess not everything they make gets bought up.

Do you think that maybe, just maybe, it extends beyond marketing? Maybe people actually enjoy using them and know that Apple makes devices that they enjoy?

 

[alphaod]

I hope my current MacBook Pro lasts a very very long time if this is the case where it will be replaced. Though, I think the computer is due for a redesign, but then again the current engineering is a killer.

 

[435713]

It doesn't matter what people want, they will buy whatever Apple puts out and praise Apple to the high heavens. Apple could keep the current iPhone and not change a thing and call it an iPhone 5 and people will be camping out to buy it and brag about how great it is. Every business on earth dreams of customers like this.

They certainly make high margins, no disputing that. It just stinks from my perspective that we can't have larger variety of choice. I 100% believe if Jobs left and an aggressive CEO took over and offered say a choice selection similar to the Vaio line then Macs would sell insanely well. Record shattering #'s. Have a thin one like the Z series, but also have larger version like the F series with some serious horsepower for a competitive price. With the build quality Apple uses now which I find exceptional.

People can say what they want but this whole site would LOVE it. Also have 3 versions of the iPhone etc... NO other company could behave in this manner and get away with it. Optical media on a laptop is not 100% necessary since they cramped the laptop. Other makers fit optical, discrete cards, 2 HDD's, and more. Of course it isn't thin so......

They do a lot of things well but so much is just baffling. You can make $ off the pro market but its as if they dont want to. I would love to see the actual profits for Xserve, I guarantee they made out well. It doesn't fit into the overlords vision though. Gates would do better than Jobs What was the score again? 90% + to like 3-5%?

The stock will be brought up, but to be honest most of Apples profits are from iDevices. Jobs has no clue how to really grow PC marketshare. iDevices will suffer the same fate in time. That strategy doesn't work long term. You'll see.

 

[AppleScruff1]

If apple releases a new MBP this year i am gonna be super pissed........ that would would be only 10 months between updates, kinda ridiculous.

Actually updating every 8-10 months is a good idea, especially for Apple. With frequent updates they stay on top of the game with the newest tech and keep refining their product. It's also a good way to attract new customers, especially people who have never owned a make but are spec conscious. I think it would be great if Apple has the latest processors, USB 3 and TB on their machines. It will go great with the new OS. Ten months is a long time in the tech world, some things change quickly. One must have deep pockets to always have the latest and greatest. What should Apple do, stick with the same design and specs for a long time so that nobody gets mad because they just bought a new Apple xxx and a month later a new model came out?

They certainly make high margins, no disputing that. It just stinks from my perspective that we can't have larger variety of choice. I 100% believe if Jobs left and an aggressive CEO took over and offered say a choice selection similar to the Vaio line then Macs would sell insanely well. Record shattering #'s. Have a thin one like the Z series, but also have larger version like the F series with some serious horsepower for a competitive price. With the build quality Apple uses now which I find exceptional.

People can say what they want but this whole site would LOVE it. Also have 3 versions of the iPhone etc... NO other company could behave in this manner and get away with it. Optical media on a laptop is not 100% necessary since they cramped the laptop. Other makers fit optical, discrete cards, 2 HDD's, and more. Of course it isn't thin so......

They do a lot of things well but so much is just baffling. You can make $ off the pro market but its as if they dont want to. I would love to see the actual profits for Xserve, I guarantee they made out well. It doesn't fit into the overlords vision though. Gates would do better than Jobs What was the score again? 90% + to like 3-5%?

The stock will be brought up, but to be honest most of Apples profits are from iDevices. Jobs has no clue how to really grow PC marketshare. iDevices will suffer the same fate in time. That strategy doesn't work long term. You'll see.

You make some excellent points and I agree wholeheartedly. If they had more than one version of the iPhone, they would absolutely destroy the smart phone market and have a much bigger share. The other companies wouldn't know what to do.

They don't care about the pro market or the OSX market. It's all about mobile devices. If Jobs wasn't the way he is, they would have a much larger share of the pc market. They make some really nice computers. If Gates was at the helm of Apple, it would be the largest corporation on the planet, no doubt about it.

 

[Luis Ortega]

Anybody who thinks that apple is going to offer a thinner yet more powerful computer is deluding himself.
Apple is plainly abandoning the computer market for the ios gadget market. The pro name has become a joke. Lion ios, FCPX, airs posing as pro laptops, the list just grows longer every day.
They'll make their billions in profit and users who need computers to do actual work rather than play with their appstore gadget apps or consume their itunes media will look elsewhere.

 

[the8thark]

a macbook pro isn't a computer that ought to miss an optical drive. Apple is on an artificial crusade to get rid of optical drives because it will push more people to buy programs and software via itunes and the app store.

this isn't gentle nudging and giving consumers decisions, it is literally telling consumers what to do.

makes me think about windows 8 and what the more consumer friendly windows market and hardware looks like.

Apple also told the world the Floppy drive it was dead. And that was a good thing. And actually apart from a little music and a little software installation there's nothing you really need the optical drive for these days. USB sticks cover it all. All stuff an external optical drive does well at home. So you do not need the optical drive with you on the road.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Anybody who thinks that apple is going to offer a thinner yet more powerful computer is deluding himself.
Apple is plainly abandoning the computer market for the ios gadget market. The pro name has become a joke. Lion ios, FCPX, airs posing as pro laptops, the list just grows longer every day.
They'll make their billions in profit and users who need computers to do actual work rather than play with their appstore gadget apps or consume their itunes media will look elsewhere.

They already offer a thinner and more powerful computer in the new MBA, so why not something similar with the 15"? The Air design is obviously the shape of things to come and the wave of the future for the entire industry, not just Apple.

 

[justinfreid]

Not funny

I've decided to caulk the opening of the DVD drive closed on my 15" MacBook Pro in celebration of this announcement.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I've decided to caulk the opening of the DVD drive closed on my 15" MacBook Pro in celebration of this announcement.

Why not take out the optical drive and put in a second hdd?

 

[nutjob]

Current tablets including the iPad are too slow for any serious use. Even web browsing it slow. The MBA is much faster.

It doesn't matter what people want, they will buy whatever Apple puts out and praise Apple to the high heavens. Apple could keep the current iPhone and not change a thing and call it an iPhone 5 and people will be camping out to buy it and brag about how great it is. Every business on earth dreams of customers like this.

There are definitely people (especially on this forum) who are like that, but there are also discerning buyers who appreciate Apple design. Their laptops are definitely the best on the market, but it would be nice if someone came along and gave them a run for their money so there was some proper competition. The lack of choices from Apple is a bit sad.

 

[nutjob]

Anybody who thinks that apple is going to offer a thinner yet more powerful computer is deluding himself.
Apple is plainly abandoning the computer market for the ios gadget market. The pro name has become a joke. Lion ios, FCPX, airs posing as pro laptops, the list just grows longer every day.
They'll make their billions in profit and users who need computers to do actual work rather than play with their appstore gadget apps or consume their itunes media will look elsewhere.

Funny, Apple has been doing exactly that for decades. What makes this year so special? Is it a magic number?

This idea of "Pro" and non "pro" is a load. It's pure marketing BS. Either a machine performs for what you want to do or it doesn't. Size and portability is a performance factor which is very important for many people and Apple strike a pretty good balance given the size/heat limitations. I do serious work on my 11" Air all day every day. Most people who do serious work can justify buying Macs, it's the average joe who checks their emails that buys Windows machines.

 

[InuNacho]

Perhaps. But you can download and install software from all over the web... doesn't have to be through the Mac App store...

Hey boss where can I legally download CS5?

 

[AppleScruff1]

There are definitely people (especially on this forum) who are like that, but there are also discerning buyers who appreciate Apple design. Their laptops are definitely the best on the market, but it would be nice if someone came along and gave them a run for their money so there was some proper competition. The lack of choices from Apple is a bit sad.

There are a lot of people on this forum like that. There are also some intelligent, open minded people who like Apple products and aren't afraid to speak their mind or offer constructive criticism about the company or products. Of course on this forum that immediately gets one branded as a troll and a hater. There are some customers who would by an iPhone even it was a hollow shell and didn't make phone calls at all.

I too wish there were more choices instead of everything being the way Steve wants it to be. But now I'm a troll and hater because I criticized Steve.

Funny, Apple has been doing exactly that for decades. What makes this year so special? Is it a magic number?

This idea of "Pro" and non "pro" is a load. It's pure marketing BS. Either a machine performs for what you want to do or it doesn't. Size and portability is a performance factor which is very important for many people and Apple strike a pretty good balance given the size/heat limitations. I do serious work on my 11" Air all day every day. Most people who do serious work can justify buying Macs, it's the average joe who checks their emails that buys Windows machines.

Actually Apple's thinner and lighter computers just became powerful last week. Prior to this they were not cutting edge.

Hey boss where can I legally download CS5?

Can't you buy it from Adobe.com?

 

[CLWelch]

They certainly make high margins, no disputing that. It just stinks from my perspective that we can't have larger variety of choice. I 100% believe if Jobs left and an aggressive CEO took over and offered say a choice selection similar to the Vaio line then Macs would sell insanely well. Record shattering #'s. Have a thin one like the Z series, but also have larger version like the F series with some serious horsepower for a competitive price. With the build quality Apple uses now which I find exceptional.

People can say what they want but this whole site would LOVE it. Also have 3 versions of the iPhone etc... NO other company could behave in this manner and get away with it. Optical media on a laptop is not 100% necessary since they cramped the laptop. Other makers fit optical, discrete cards, 2 HDD's, and more. Of course it isn't thin so......

They do a lot of things well but so much is just baffling. You can make $ off the pro market but its as if they dont want to. I would love to see the actual profits for Xserve, I guarantee they made out well. It doesn't fit into the overlords vision though. Gates would do better than Jobs What was the score again? 90% + to like 3-5%?

The stock will be brought up, but to be honest most of Apples profits are from iDevices. Jobs has no clue how to really grow PC marketshare. iDevices will suffer the same fate in time. That strategy doesn't work long term. You'll see.

Increased choices lead to poorer customer satisfaction. Always. The last thing people need is more choices.