Apple Notebook Updates on October 14th? 120GB MacBook Air HDD?

[WardC]

Software on optical media

I'm not saying it won't go away someday. But I don't think it will be in the next round of Macbooks.

The idea of having a copy of System Software on optical media bundled with the unit is to have a "last resort" backup in the event of a major crash, so you can *hopefully* re-install and be up and running in some manner within a short amount of time, even if you are away from home and the internet.

Apple has always done this, be it on 400k floppy, 800k floppy, 1.4MB HDD floppy, CD-ROM, and now DVD-ROM. With the MacBook Air even, you would still need a DVD-ROM to restore the system in the event of a major crash event, since you would not be able to access the internet.

So, I think it's a necessity to at least have a copy of the system sw bundled in the unit on one disc, it doesn't take up barely any space, and it could save you from alot of heartache when you really need it.

 

[WardC]

I agree. The fact that you can purchase a downloadable version of Creative Suite 3 "Master Collection" which weighs in at 14GB indicates to me that optical media serves little purpose. If Apple will ship OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" on flash media that plugs into USB (a perfectly viable option for an OS install that does require some form of physical media), then it's perfectly reasonable to drop the optical drive. I don't know if it's time to do that on an entry-level machine, but they used the iMac to change to face of physical media forever, so why not the MacBook to change it again?

jW

You make a good point...things will change, it's the evolution of the beast. Still, I would rather have my copies of serious software on Optical Media, with a warranty in box, and such, so I can put it a safe place and have it for backup when I need it. I paid $650 for my copy of Photoshop CS3, for that reason. Also it has some resale value if you want to sell it on eBay when you get a new version, and then you can transfer the license. I don't feel comfortable shelling out more than $100 for something that in essence is just a "downloadable" file that can be lost or not available if my system crashes. Sometimes those sites have a period after which your "download window" expires and you don't have access to re-download the file again if you lost it, or your system crashes. I just can't do that. But yeah, for demo purposes, the downloads are great

 

[AppliedMicro]

Apple has always done this, be it on 400k floppy, 800k floppy, 1.4MB HDD floppy, CD-ROM, and now DVD-ROM. With the MacBook Air even, you would still need a DVD-ROM to restore the system in the event of a major crash event, since you would not be able to access the internet.

Doesn't necessarily have to be on disc or optical media.

They could just include a small read-only flash memory chip on the mainboard, which includes system software. Nothing entirely new either. Some of those 68k all-in-ones had a System 6 on a chip, if I remember correctly. You just start up your computer holding the option key, boot of that chip and re-install. Conceivably, if could even be flashable for system updates.

Sometimes those sites have a period after which your "download window" expires and you don't have access to re-download the file again if you lost it, or your system crashes.

Well... just make a backup.

Also it has some resale value if you want to sell it on eBay when you get a new version

But then... does Adobe really want it to have considerable resale value?

 

[WardC]

Well, DVD-ROM is a relatively new thing, it was recently (with 10.4 actually) that Apple transferred to using DVD-ROMs vs CD-ROMs, due to the fact that the whole OS X install can be on one disc vs about 3 or 4. Given that, I see DVD-ROM sys-software being bundled for awhile...

But I DO see your point entirely. It's not really a big deal, but a Flash Disc is erasable and in memory, it doesn't last forever. A Flash chip in the machine with system software goes against the open-firmware requirements by Apple, I believe, they want to be able to keep flashing the ROMS with new kernals and firmware, not use it to hold system software. Some people buy a Mac laptop now with the intent to only run Windows or Linux (for real) -- and Apple thinks that is OK.

About commercial software (Adobe)::

Also, most people don't make a backup, and a backup is not a sure thing, DVD-R and CDR media can still be flaky, and and Adobe does give you a nice case for the media that won't get crushed (hard plastic) which you can keep in your box. Having the "real deal" is the same price, and it's a better media than having to hassle with a download (big size) and backup and store it safely, which you are paying the price for, plus you might lose your SN#, which I have done a gazillion times, those are a hassle to keep up with too.

About resale -- with a boxed version, at least you have something of value, it's still worth several hundred dollars even a year after you buy it. It's a hard asset. And you never know when you will need it. At least it's WORTH something, vs a downloadable with is worth zero.

Edit: Well again, people do sometimes like the convenience of downloading software directly to their machine and using it the same day, and backing it up to their own media, making multiple copies of it (for backup), and such, and don't care about having a box or the real retail package (tangible package) -- OK, that is fair enough. But like I said, when I pay the big bucks, I want something REAL, not a download. If I wanted a download I would go to torrent. ;-)

 

[Mal]

Why is a tangible retail package any more valuable or secure than a downloadable update? I know it's a bit of a paradigm shift, but storing your serial number electronically and having a downloadable install (especially if the company provides downloads for a long timeframe from the original purchase) is actually more secure, because few things stored electronically (especially if stored online somewhere) are ever truly deleted or lost. I personally prefer not to have to hold onto a physical package and serial number, and have started storing them in my Google documents in addition to on my computer locally. Most companies keep records as well, and I have been able to obtain lost serial numbers by emailing their customer support reps very easily. It's a new world out there, and it's probably about time that the move away from physical media and printed serial numbers. You can, as mentioned, of course make your own physical backup if that makes you feel safer, but it makes me feel more cluttered and less safe to have physical copies of my software.

Maybe I'm just in the minority, but I prefer to think of it as the cutting edge.

jW

 

[CWallace]

Why is a tangible retail package any more valuable or secure than a downloadable update?

If you have the option to make a physical backup of it, I don't see why it would be. Almost all of my Mac software exists only as a digital download with an e-mail license key. I keep physical backups of both for security, but I do so in an aggregate fashion since it is more cost-effective and space-effective.

However, for things like the core Operating System, it is better for it to be shipped on physical media because you may be in a position where downloading the OS (via special network or modem boot-mode like Windows RIS) would be impractical (for multiple reasons).

 

[editor08]

MBP specs?

can't wait for new MBP... sorry if this has been posted elsewhere recently:

I know this is speculative but....
What do you guys think is likelihood of quad core MBPs come Oct?

(I thought I recalled reading a rumor about this....or am I dreaming? )

...What are the anticipated minimum specs on forthcoming MBPs?

hooray...new laptops!

 

[MacNichi]

You couldn't be more wrong...

ok, some goofball calls a macbook homo, but then a well-meaning responder defends the computer from being called homo. both treat homosexuality as an insult -- intentionally or unintentionally.

now, back to the powerbook orgy in progress.

How the hell did I, the well meaning RESPONDANT, as opposed to 'responder' "unintentionally treat homosexuality as an insult?". Now, please, think before you type... I am homosexual, and regardless of the fool being 11 or 57, using the word 'homo' was and is completely irrelevant to any thing discussed on this site, period. If it wasn't me, it would have been someone else correcting misuse of offensive dialect. Now, explain to me AGAIN how the hell I ""unintentionally treat homosexuality as an insult" ???

Enquiring minds need to know...

 

[lauralou]

homo, gay, queer: ignorence is not bliss

Many are probably ignoring this thread as not-relevant, but, IMHO, the way people treat each other, and their consciousness about how language hurts, is far more important than whether the new MBs arrive on October 14 or Nov 1.

Mac-man's original comment:

hmmm.. and the black and white cases are very homo and im sure alot of ppl agree with me..

I responded:

Do you have to use phobic language when giving us your opinion of the looks of the MacBook? What does it mean that you think the color of the cases looks "homo"? It doesn't even make sense. Please think about your careless use of language and get that it's not only offensive, it's a meaningless and uncreative way to express yourself.

MacNichi, to my comment, said:

Thank you! I was staring at this comment thinking "he's probably 11, leave it alone" but seriously!! Now macbooks have been dubbed "gay" and we all know that "gay" is a terribly misused word as it is... but... I don't see how a poor defenseless macbook could be at all homosexual...looking or otherwise?

Thankyou, I appreciate the good intention of your comment. It bothers me a bit because of the "poor defenseless" part, which implies that being called gay is always an attack, i.e., that it's a bad thing (I suspect you didn't mean this though).

And now imacmatician inserts a quip that he probably thinks is cute but completely dismisses homophobia as a real social phenomenon.

One definition of "gay" is "happy."

I'd like to know if you have ever had people beat you black and blue because they thought you were gay. [This just happened 2 weeks ago where I live in Boston, and it's not an unusual event.]

And MrMacFanatic:

I fully agree to that. How low does one have to become to describe labtops as "gay". It's a pitty sometimes when people drag down the (at least in my oppinion) high standards of Macrumors, by using foul, insulting or inappropriate language.

Thank you. I appreciate the support for my comment; for recognizing that these "insignificant" language expressions perpetuate disrespect.

MacMan, I hope you read these comments and understand. I'm suspect you're under 20 but that's no excuse. Language fads come and go, and there's always some slur that people use without thinking about it. I won't even go into the ones I heard when I was in high school, but they all pertained to someone's racial, ethnic, or cultural identity, and they were all ugly.

Now, let's get back to fun with anticipating the new release (which I, too, am awaiting, as my PowerBook monitor is experiencing a exponentially growing number of vertical colored lines--a phenomenon I understand is a defect.)

 

[micol124]

Well put laura! Though I am starting to worry that the only upgrades will be to the MacBook and not to the pros....

 

[Clayne]

lauralou,

I support you. I hate when adjectives become discriminate, and then when discriminate becomes standard. I can't stand homophobia in this culture, and it's all too present.

All,

These macbooks need to come out. I'm dying over here!

 

[LukeG]

These macbooks need to come out.

You mean, like, of the closet?

*ducks and hides*

 

[CWallace]

What do you guys think is likelihood of quad core MBPs come Oct?

Only with a change in the casing. Current mobile quad-core CPUs have a Thermal Design Power rating 10 watts higher then the CPUs used in current MBPs so additional cooling is needed.

 

[iMacmatician]

Though I am starting to worry that the only upgrades will be to the MacBook and not to the pros....

September 23 MacBook Pro update according to Engadget.

What do you guys think is likelihood of quad core MBPs come Oct?

Nehalem will first deliver 35 W (Penryn-equivalent) quad-cores. There's a 2 GHz quad-core coming in Q1 2009 but there's no word on TDP yet.

 

[deletio]

Prices

What do you guys think of the prices for the upcoming MBPs? I haven't owned any Apple products before, and I was just going to buy the first one tomorrow, but since the whole world is waiting for the update, I might as well join you all (;

However, how did apple change their laptop prices with every model line update? Did they pretty much keep on the same level (comparing to the previous models)?

Thanks!

 

[gadgetgirl85]

September 23 MacBook Pro update according to Engadget.

Nehalem will first deliver 35 W (Penryn-equivalent) quad-cores. There's a 2 GHz quad-core coming in Q1 2009 but there's no word on TDP yet.

I sure hope its Sept 23! My patience is wearing thin and I really need a laptop. I am not buying until the new ones are released though. I will make do, its just getting difficult.

 

[vampyren]

I got my MBP around 6 months ago and i really love it, ONLY thing i badly miss is a HDMI.

I would love to use it as a media center now that we have PLEX and XBMC.
With DVI and normal headphone jack it is no fun to mess up with all the cables and not being able to get more then stereo sound out.

So let's hope apple will add this little thing into future MBP. I could even consider to upgrade for just that.

BTW what is wrong with the current design? its really awsome, feels premium all over it cant really see what can be better but i'm sure they can do some magic with the edges like my new iphone.

 

[akm3]

I got my MBP around 6 months ago and i really love it, ONLY thing i badly miss is a HDMI.

I would love to use it as a media center now that we have PLEX and XBMC.
With DVI and normal headphone jack it is no fun to mess up with all the cables and not being able to get more then stereo sound out.

So let's hope apple will add this little thing into future MBP. I could even consider to upgrade for just that.

BTW what is wrong with the current design? its really awsome, feels premium all over it cant really see what can be better but i'm sure they can do some magic with the edges like my new iphone.

You know that you can get optical digital (multi-channel) output out right? Without silly HDMI?

 

[MrMacFanatic]

What do you guys think of the prices for the upcoming MBPs? I haven't owned any Apple products before, and I was just going to buy the first one tomorrow, but since the whole world is waiting for the update, I might as well join you all (;

However, how did apple change their laptop prices with every model line update? Did they pretty much keep on the same level (comparing to the previous models)?

Thanks!

Actually Apple tends to keep the prices at the same level for the same line and level of upgrades, at least in the past 5 years. However, but this is only a personal feeling I got from what I read all over this site, I get the feeling that the new ones might be slightly cheeper, but I dont want to give you false hopes, it would only be a few percent. Just to get a picture, go to the buying menu on Apple.com and check what a low, medium or high end MB/MBP will be, and it will pretty much be the same for the newer ones.
BTW, dont get the RAM upgrades from apple, they are way overpriced, buy them somewhere else. It is really easy to out the new RAM chips in yourself.

 

[vampyren]

You know that you can get optical digital (multi-channel) output out right? Without silly HDMI?

Yes i stumbled on this page after i poster:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2541

Using a clumsy DVI cable + Toslink mini-plug is more annoying to me then a simple HDMI. What i like about HDMI is that its like a USB port, simple to plug in and out. Any way this is my 2 cent

Thanks for the tips though akm3.

 

[akm3]

Yes i stumbled on this page after i poster:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2541

Using a clumsy DVI cable + Toslink mini-plug is more annoying to me then a simple HDMI. What i like about HDMI is that its like a USB port, simple to plug in and out. Any way this is my 2 cent

Thanks for the tips though akm3.

It is great for that, that is true. However it doesn't support Dual-link DVI (so no 30" monitors at 2560x1600) over HDMI, and if your speakers are separate from your monitor...you have to run two cables anyway.

DVI-->HDMI cable (from good ole' monoprice) + toslink is how I connect my Mac Mini to my home theater and I love it. (Except for the annoying overscan issue with is a problem with my TV)

 

[WardC]

It is great for that, that is true. However it doesn't support Dual-link DVI (so no 30" monitors at 2560x1600) over HDMI, and if your speakers are separate from your monitor...you have to run two cables anyway.

DVI-->HDMI cable (from good ole' monoprice) + toslink is how I connect my Mac Mini to my home theater and I love it. (Except for the annoying overscan issue with is a problem with my TV)

The lack of dual link support on the Mini, MacBook, and Air is a letdown. Curreently only the Mac Pro and the MacBook Pro support dual-link. The greatest resolution supported on the DVI-out on the above mentioned Apple machines is 1920x1200, which is roughly the same native on a 23" ACD, a 24" iMac, or a 27" display. The 30" display is basically the only one to run at 2560x1600 native, but the ability to output to this resolution would be nice. It requires Dual-link DVI and a dedicated video card circuitry to support it.

 

[bartzilla]

How about as an option?

I'd be happy with an external drive.

I wouldn't want an external laptop optical drive. One of the things I like using my laptop for is watching movies when I'm travelling. I know someone will be itching to reply to this with the idea of burning movies to hard disk, to which I'd reply that I have ~280Gb of stuff stored on hard disk, but if the movie I want to watch isn't one of those but one of the many I haven't converted yet, I'm stuck. I also then can't grab a cheap DVD on impulse when I'm travelling to watch later...

... unless I take my external optical disk with me... Yeah, more wires, power adapters and bulk to drag when I'm not at home. How about "no".

By all means have options (though haven't Apple sold computers based on simplicity and not carrying lots of different and confusing things?) but I think forcing a change like that on people might be a mistake at the moment.

 

[Phrasikleia]

Has everybody seen this???

 

[AppliedMicro]

I know someone will be itching to reply to this with the idea of burning movies to hard disk, to which I'd reply that I have ~280Gb of stuff stored on hard disk, but if the movie I want to watch isn't one of those but one of the many I haven't converted yet, I'm stuck.

I rather have an itch to reply that Apple wants you to buy / rent movies on their iTunes Store.

They're not going to retain the internal opticals just because of rebellious types like you, who want circumvent their great iTunes Store by buying plain old DVDs!