Apple Releases New MacBooks

[lightsout]

Because they will have slightly faster processors (maybe) and x3100 over the 950gma? If you need graphics power the macbook isn't for you.

What I want is the 12" Powerbook model - I want the Macbook size with Macbook Pro insides. Given the cost difference between the base Macbook & Macbook Pro, I think such a model would fit nicely in between the ranges.

I don't understand why "professional" means "large screen".

 

[The Truth]

Sob sob, so Santa didn't come this year. Maybe you were bad?

 

[Macinva]

Why not? Have you taken a sacred oath that "I shall only buy computer that has Santa Rosa"?

This is my first post here and I just had to post on this. I found this question hilarious.

LOL!

Anyways, seems like decent updates however I'll be waiting for the next revision MBP.

 

[mrtekkid]

If they had given me SR I would have been able to buy one. With what they've given me I can't. Therefore no Mac for me, no matter how badly I'd like one.

So for me, absolutely these updates suck. They mean no MB for me. And since that's the only Mac I'm interested in it means I'm stuck with a crappy wintel. Probably a Sony.



With the SR laptops?



I expect Apple to remain competitive. When all other manufacturers are announcing Santa Rosa laptops I expect something similar from Apple if they want me to buy their computers.

Your attitude stinks. You act as if Apple doesn't want me as a customer. If Apple doesn't give me what I want I buy elsewhere. Which is bad for Apple since it's a lost customer. You're acting as if I'm lucky to get anything at all from Apple, as if I owe them something. I owe them nothing and neither does any consumer.



I play WoW, so with the integrated graphics I would most certainly have seen a difference. And it's why I can't buy a MB.



Apple under no obligation to satisfy a potential customer? Like I said, what a stinking attitude.

I am amused at the amount of speculation these BABIES placed on these updates. Apple never said, "HEY GUYS!! NEW SR MACBOOKS TUESDAY!!" It was an update, and a very good one at that. It's faster and more improved. This guy here talks about a MBP in a MacBook.

Hey, hello. Ummmm... Here's how it goes. The Pro laptops are better for a reason. They are top of the line laptops. The MacBook which you so insist you want, is a CONSUMER laptop. C-O-N-S-U-M-E-R! That means the standard CONSUMER will not need SR or anything anyhow because they have no reason to have it by just surfing the internet and downloading pictures and stuff. What you say you want is a MPB. Wait for the Mac Book Pro update and then buy that if you want good. Cause that is what is going to happen. Do not get disappointed because of speculation and rumors that did not come true. No one let you down but yourself.

I am on a Windows computer right now. Am I waiting to switch???
Absolutely.

Am I disappointed with the updates??
No. They are a consumer computer. It does not need to do much at all.

Now when the MBP update comes out that is when I am going to buy. Only because it has the top of the line stuff in it. Hence, PRO. P-R-O! So wait a bit longer and get a pro and don't disappoint yourself with rumors and speculation. Making the consumer version better than a pro is not a good marketing decision for Apple.

I'll say it one more time.

If you want Pro specs, buy a MBP.

 

[otter-boy]

No, I think you're trolling. If not intentionally, then you're just a fool.

I disagree that this update stinks. Do you know why? Because I'm a calm, rational person and I do not need to pay a premium to get the fastest thing available today. I understand that the fastest model today will not be the fastest model tomorrow, and I don't need the most power available just to use the computer as I'd like to use it. If you do need the absolute fastest, then you are resigning yourself to a life of frustration.

If you're upset that the low-end laptop line is not the fastest possible system, then you're just looking for an excuse to be irate.

KingofAwesome, you are intentionally misreading the comments. Manic Mouse said no such thing as expecting the MacBook to be the fastest possible system. S/he merely stated that there are certain updates, such as the new graphics chip, that would be expected especially considering how poorly the current integrated graphics chip has been performing.

If you would pay attention, many of the people who are disappointed did not expect to have the MacBook come in a tricked-out SR platform (although many would have liked a lower-end SR MB), they (and me) merely expected the problem areas (especially the GPU) to be addressed in this update.

Please, don't create straw man arguments to knock down. If you want to argue with someone, actually address the issues that the person brought up.

 

[Evangelion]

I'll go for this - yes, I really do. The weakest part of the Macbook is its graphics, I believe everyone will agree on that. Whilst the increase in base CPU/memory/HD is all good, it isn't anything that really improves the Macbook as a system as these could often be bought as options anyway.

For what do you need graphics for? Games, mostly. And fact is that a laptop with any kind of integrated Intel GPU would suck at gaming.

Can I tell the difference between a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo & a 2GHz Core 2 Duo? Unlikely, but I suspect I could easily push the graphics card to notice a difference.

Yeah, instead of getting 5 FPS, you would be getting 10 FPS. Twice as fast, but still to slow to be useful.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Thank you for understanding, instead of being a jerk like a lot of you guys.

You are welcome. I did that once or twice, then I said forget about it, when I have the money for a machine that I want I will get it plain and simple unless there is an update right around the corner, or I just live without it and won't complain too much. My shuffle is nice, I want a full sized iPod. I will wait until the touch screen one comes out. If Apple give a sucky update like this one to the iPod then I will buy last years model and save $75. But I will be overly pissed about it. Apple rules the MP3 market, and they have a kick butt iPhone with the best UI around. They better make the next iPod a real market crusher or a lot of non-Apple iPod users will rejoice at the superiority of their Creative, Sandisk, and (a very very small number) Microsoft music players. And they will be happy with their decision to not go Apple.

Dust this crap update off your shoulder, and keep saving for that MBP. If it's June and Apple updates their MBP line and no Santa Rosa, buy it anyway if you really want an Apple... if you don't... we won't hate you at all and you will always be welcomed at MacRumors to speculate on the next big thing, just don't ask us for help with that crap Vista, or about what software to get that works like iLife and stuff.

 

[deputy_doofy]

Well, the MacBooks now have a better Superdrive than my MBP (8x vs. 6x).
Damn technology and progress.

 

[BenRoethig]

I think most ppl (I do!) feel the same way about the Mac Pro's and their 17 month old GPU selection.

Apple can come out with whatever costs them the least, charge whatever they want, and the Mac base will still buy it. Don't think for a second they don't know this.

 

[maccam]

why do guys listen to these rumors, they only upset you.

 

[ready2switch]

I just saw the update. Lame if you ask me. Speed bump to tide us over for how long now? Restart the update clock, we have a long wait coming.

 

[gtgrad95]

Although I'm disappointed I won't be getting my new MBP this week, I think this can still be a good thing. It means that the MBP update (most likely at WWDC) will be a grand announcement with SR, LED backlighting, etc. It also means that they are reserving these new features for their higher end notebook line. If they had released it today, it might have been as disappointing as the MP update.

So, hang in there guys - only 4 weeks or so left!

 

[zwida]

Like what? I just hopped over to sonystyle.com, and there are cheaper laptops but they lack the same features. Sure, the N series is cheaper and has a DVD burner, but they use the Core Duo processor with half the cache. They also have no 802.11n, no magsafe, no POWERED firewire, and it weighs 6.5 pounds(!).

You're right on, there. I'll pile on:

Sure, I like the look of the Sony machines. And, of course, I like a good deal. That said, I happen to think that folks who are whinging because the update to Apple's consumer level machines don't include leading (or bleeding, in some cases) tech for less money than the competition should can it.

 

[guzhogi]

As w/ all upgrades, there are complainers. If it's a dull upgrade (like this), people complain it's a dull upgrade. If it's a good upgrade, people complain that their current systems are more obsolete. And then if there hasn't been an upgrade in a while, people complain about that. Then are are people who say "I think I'll wait until the next upgrade to buy a new Mac." And those people probably be one of the first 2 (if not both) things. My ? is, why can't people be happy w/ what they have? Why do people need constantly faster computers? Remember how you first felt when you got your new computer? Why don't people keep feeling that way?

 

[mrtekkid]

What I want is the 12" Powerbook model - I want the Macbook size with Macbook Pro insides. Given the cost difference between the base Macbook & Macbook Pro, I think such a model would fit nicely in between the ranges.

I don't understand why "professional" means "large screen".

Thank you. The babies here just can't get their through their thick WINTEL skulls. Pro is pro not for the screen. You want Pro specs, buy a Pro.

 

[Jarcrew]

Where's the dedicated graphics? Where's the 250GB hard drive? Where's the LED backlights? Where's the gigantic throne for me to prognosticate upon, working myself up into a little frenzy completely of my own accord and then blaming somebody else when it doesn't come to fruition?

Wah wah wah. If you don't like it get a PC, then you'll have something to moan about. The MacBooks are a great deal.

 

[Digital Skunk]

What I want is the 12" Powerbook model - I want the Macbook size with Macbook Pro insides. Given the cost difference between the base Macbook & Macbook Pro, I think such a model would fit nicely in between the ranges.

I don't understand why "professional" means "large screen".

It doesn't... I am with you on that 12" MBP... Don't give me a MacBook with MBP insides... give me a new design... a new 12" widescreen aluminum backlit keyboard 12" MacBook Pro with dedicated graphics. Take out the super drive if you want Apple... just make it small.

 

[QCassidy352]

And you guys do realise that this update will be the MB for the next 6+ months? Not using SR may not seem too bad now, but in 3-4 months when EVERY other laptop will be shipping with it then it may be a big deal.

Exactly right. Welcome to another 6 months of the GMA 950.

Look at where we've come in a year since the macbook was introduced:
CD --> C2D
1.83/2.0 --> 2.0/2.16
512 RAM (2 GB max) --> 1 GB RAM (2 GB max)
60/80 GB HD --> 80/120/160 GB HD
GMA 950 --> GMA 950
802.11G --> 802.11N
Same prices, same (other) features, same software.

Those of you who are familiar with my posts know that I love Apple and am very rarely on the "bash apple" bandwagon. I'm pretty much always looking to buy a new mac, just because I get a kick out of it and am crazy like that. My family and friends laugh at me because I'm so fast to change computers. But honestly, I've yet to feel the slightest urge to upgrade my macbook at either this or the previous update.

It's time to call a spade a spade. This is laughable progress for a year's time, and what's worse, I'm sure this is where we're going to stand 3, 4, even 6 months from now (MB updates so far have been May/November/May).

Very, very poor decision not to go with SR and the x3000 graphics chipset. These laptops are targeted, to a large degree, at students, and students play games. No, the x3000 wouldn't let you crank up the settings on Oblivion, but it would be a huge step up from the 950, which was unacceptably poor when it was first used in the core duos a year ago.

Oh well. Just makes it that much easier to be happy with my core duo.

 

[BenRoethig]

Agree 100%. I think it is just pathetic to sell a notebook without a DVD+-RW drive these days. The price difference between Combo and DVD+-RW drives is almost none. Apple just wants to make everybody pay $200 more for something, which should have been alreade included.

This Macbook update is all about getting rid of stockpiled inventory. The reason they still use combo drives is because Apple has them in inventory.

 

[ts1973]

Without talking about the performance increase of Santa Rosa (there is some, but it is rather minor) I'd like to say that I don't really understand this upgrade...

Apple has known for a long time that Santa Rosa is coming, it even was delayed for a couple of Months, but I knew about Santa Rosa in august last year. So let's agree that Apple knew before me (duh). This means they've had at least half a year time (counting Intel's development time to get the first samples out) now to tune the MacBook for Santa Rosa, but they chose not to... Why ? They knew that every other manufacturer was going to offer the upgrade... Again : why not offer Santa Rosa.

This has got me really puzzled...

 

[BigPrince]

to people name calling....

dude it's just the excitement. Even though our wishes did not come true it was still a hell of a good time being excited.

do you want us to pretend we are happy or something?

 

[mrtekkid]

I just saw the update. Lame if you ask me. Speed bump to tide us over for how long now? Restart the update clock, we have a long wait coming.

Hi welcome to mac. You want Mac Book Pro specs, buy a Mac Book Pro. Otherwise, live with the CONSUMER version which is made to do less for consumers.

((I think I'll be saying this more over the course of the day.))

 

[theStump]

Why's everyone so sad? Its called entry level for a reason.

Now to wait for a chance to leave work and go to the apple store for a nice 2.0 white (old) C2D on sale My first mac...been waiting forever, I need it now!

 

[kwajo.com]

No, they wont. The image file on top showing the macbook family shows the new MBs with the old MBPs - I hardly think they will upgrade that image twice. I think the MBP will se a much larger (LED) revision and therefore Steve would want to show it on stage at WWDC.

I'd agree, but they didn't even do a good job on that image, there is inconsistency in the colour of the fonts along the bottom. Notice the lighter grey on the MacBook Pro 17".

Looks like someone has to redo it whether there are more updates or not.

 

[maccam]

Black iMacs (hopefully)