Apple Prepping for Notebook Refresh?

[Andy-V]

The design of the current MacBook is great and I don't think it needs to be revised yet. It has a great design that is still modern and stylish.

But the MBP does need a redesign as it's just about starting to show it's age. Also, I want one for the new school year so I really hope they update in September or before.

 

[FullGaz]

At last news that are NOT about the iPhone! I really miss news (and rumors) about computers from Apple. These days, it seems that it's only iPhone, iPhone, iPhone! And not just a little, as well: more than 3 months without anything to bite into? Almost a year since the last Mini bite ???
I love the iPhone (and I want a 3G ), but I want to see some action, please!!!

 

[QCassidy352]

Do you guys think that Apple will update the MacBook and MacBook Pro at the same time in one day?

Nobody knows. Last time they were updated on the same day, but in the past they have been months apart. It's anyone's guess.

I'd say it was overdue in supposed 'pro' products, but that's not quite the right phrase. My desktop PC now has a BR drive. If my next laptop choice is between an MBP without, or a PC laptop with...I'm afraid I will seriously consider ' un ' switching.

I don't understand this way of thinking at all. I just can't imagine caring more about a friggin' optical drive than the OS your computer runs on. I mean... it's an optical drive. It plays movies in higher definition. That's a marginally big deal with a big flat panel TV, but this is a 15" laptop. The OS influences how you use your computer every day.

 

[impact]

if you have just ordered a macbook, is apple good about returns when a new product comes out? If you had been using if for a few weeks, would they let you return even if there was no actual problem, you just wanted the new one? Thanks

 

[VaDor]

I hope refresh macbook line too , because the macbook (white and black) are the only ones that differ from the rest of the apple line (imac, mac pro, macbook pro ... ).


Mac-Mini specs are ridiculous at that price!!

Sory Apple! Mac mini specifications 1.83Ghz, 1GB Ram... at 599$ sucks, one more year without updates and mac mini specifications will be competing with the asus eee. Lolol

UPDATE the damn thing!!!!

 

[andiwm2003]

well in order to compete with sony's viaos they have to do a case redesign. the MBP and the MB are to heavy. a pound less is the least. and also reduce the screen becel to get a smaller footprint on the MB.

i just wonder if they get rid of the optical drive across the line. i'm not sure if i like that but then i use my optical once ervery month. please fw800 for MB and an express card slot if you get rid of the superdrive.

 

[.:R2theT]

Of course you're going to see MacBooks. The Mac mini is a desktop computer, people don't carry these around. And it's also a given you'll see more laptops on campuses, Macs or not.

Yes it is true you won't see people carrying around their Minis. But the growth(not just for Apple but for all computer makers) is in portables, not desktops. And the reality is Apple just has no reason to sell cheaper machines. In fact, IMO, it damages the brand. The Mini really just rounds out the whole line. Apple basically saying "See we offer something everyone can afford" but out of the other side of their mouth Apples is saying "but wouldn't you rather have this instead".

 

[bytethese]

Ugh, there goes my grad school budget.

 

[tmelvin]

I hope refresh macbook line too , because the macbook (white and black) are the only ones that differ from the rest of the apple line (imac, mac pro, macbook pro ... ).


Mac-Mini specs are ridiculous at that price!!

Sory Apple! Mac mini specifications 1.83Ghz, 1GB Ram... at 599$ sucks, one more year without updates and mac mini specifications will be competing with the asus eee. Lolol

UPDATE the damn thing!!!!

I doubt that will change. Remember the old PB lines and iBook. They want the different looks for a reason. The idea being if you want hi-res, Alu Case, etc. then go MBP or MBA. Otherwise, the MB is a good portable system, with fairly decent power. Could be wrong, but I think they'll continue along those lines.

 

[Rivix]

Kick ass. I want one!

 

[Holmes89]

Does anyone know what the average time between the ramp downs and the release is? I tried looking because I've read them before but I can't seem to find them. I know that Best Buy and other companies have shown that Apple is beginning to cut back on shipments.

 

[masse]

I rekon they should keep the old macbook design, rename it eMacbook and sell it for marginally cheaper. As well as the new redesigned (hopefully touchscreened) macbook and pro.

I hope you're kidding. This is as likely as apple preloading vista onto their computers.

 

[boxod]

I hope it looks something like this!

As much as i love the whole White apple thing that is current. I do agree with comments that its starting to look a little dated.
Does anyone know anything about Apples decision to stop using the white? or is it just because of reasons i've stated?

 

[jturn00]

Let's hope when this roll out eventually happens, that it goes a bit smoother than the iPhone release.

At least people waiting in line will have company at the apple stores with all the people waiting on line for the iphones

 

[Holmes89]

<snip>
I hope it looks something like this!

As much as i love the whole White apple thing that is current. I do agree with comments that its starting to look a little dated.
Does anyone know anything about Apples decision to stop using the white? or is it just because of reasons i've stated?

No offense to the picture but God I hope not, that really doesn't look like something Apple would make..... it reminds me of a Zune for some reason.

 

[bytethese]

As much as a like Apple's hardware, it is certainly time for a hardware refresh, particularly on the pro side where we have had practically the same cases since 2003.

SONY have set a pretty high bar with their latest range of VAIO portables, particularly the Z Series, which has amazing specs and to my eyes leading industrial design.

64GB x2 RAID SSD, Bluray, 1600x900 resolution, HDMI out, hybrid graphics system which let's you switch between integrated (better battery) and dedicated (better performance) chipsets on the fly. Not the thinnest, but in terms of specs it packs a punch. Only 3.42lbs as well.

Up to Apple now to answer.

I think I just pitched a tent. Wow. That would be a sick laptop to have, come on Apple, I want a Blu-ray drive in my laptop!! That Sony reminds me of the X300, on 'roids.

 

[gifford]

I hope you're kidding. This is as likely as apple preloading vista onto their computers.

they did it with the CRT before.

And if they do go touchscreen the scenario is exactly the same as when they chose to keep the CRT (eMac)

 

[thecartoonguy]

Speed bump or revision?

Personally I love my BlackBook casing so I hope they don't switch it.

Could we be as lucky to have both? Oooh that would be SWEET!

 

[Andy-V]

I don't think 'Touch' keyboards will take off. Some things are better when there is something physically there. Tapping a flat unresponsive surface wouldn't feel very nice, it would be expensive and doesn't offer anything over the keyboards we have today.

 

[billystlyes]

I know a ton of people waiting for the Mac mini to be updated. It's a shame the greed monster (i.e. Steve Jobs) won't cooperate. Staying out of the sub $1000 market will be the downfall of Apple's recent run. In fact, I heard people sneaking at prices at Best Buy the other day.

 

[thecartoonguy]

I think I just pitched a tent. Wow. That would be a sick laptop to have, come on Apple, I want a Blu-ray drive in my laptop!! That Sony reminds me of the X300, on 'roids.

LAUGHING... "So you are happy to see me"- new mac book design

 

[Brother Michael]

It also wouldn't make sense for Apple to sell low-cost MP3 players (iPod shuffle) but only have 1000$+ computers. As far as marketing logic goes, if the Mac mini is no more (or there is no low-cost replacement), then they should kill both the iPod shuffle and the iPod nano.

iPod Nano fulfills different niche than the iPod Shuffle. The Nano is meant for someone who wants am iPod while working out, running or something that they can use while doing physical work.

It is meant to strap to your arm and go with you and not be noticed but have enough space to allow you to listen to a variety of music (It is because of this reason I hate the fact that they are widescreen now).

I don't like trying to strap my 60gig iPod to my arm when I am trying to do something that is active. My 4 gig nano though no problem.

 

[BullMooseFilms]

I hope they do MBP first if they don't do them together. (since I have to get a MBP hehe)

My $ is on July 29 or Aug 5 for the release based on this new info, probably J29.

I hope it's a case redesign too, so I can go into school with the obviously new laptop, but I'll be happy if it just has the higher FSB/RAM speeds.

The other thing that seems likely is that the 17" base will be the 2.53Ghz chip, so only the mildest of speed bumps, but the upgrade would go from 2.6 to 2.8, and for that kind of upgrade I might spend the extra $225, I wasn't even considering it for the 2.5 to 2.6

The other good thing is that I wanted to get it at the Apple Store (I hate buying things online - I want my new toy now) but to get the high-rez matte screen, I had to pay for the 2.6 processor, but if it's a 2.8 I might just go that route - can't upgrade the processor.

Just glad I'm working again so I can think about that processor upgrade and maybe that nice looking black Samsung laser printer, it's only $100 after the rebate.

Also with the printer rebate, it seems like it's ongoing but it also expires, but the day after one expires a new one starts, is that generally the case?

Also is there anything worthwhile to do with the stock RAM other than keeping it around in case you have to ship the thing back to Applecare? I know I want to go to the 4GB (assuming that's still the limit) because of the video work and running Vista and all (It runs so much happier with 4GB on my desktop, sure it will feel the same here)

And heck - that brings up another question - do people prefer Parallels or VM?

 

[thecartoonguy]

Does anyone know what the average time between the ramp downs and the release is? I tried looking because I've read them before but I can't seem to find them. I know that Best Buy and other companies have shown that Apple is beginning to cut back on shipments.

From what I have seen the time from cut back on current models to new roll out has been about 4-6 weeks. I could be wrong but this seems to be the general time frame.

 

[FuuFuu]

Someone already posted this subject in this thread but no one replied to it so i'll try to emphasize it. like the day when iphone came out, when the new mb mbp comes out will it be hectic? will there be lines in each apple store for them? will it be days after until you can purchase it online?