Apple Releases Penryn-Based MacBook Pros with Multitouch

[tba03]

No mag latch fiouf!
No higher res screens 1440 is ok
No new keyboard fiouf, i would have stuck with my 1st gen if they put the crap ass keys of the MB/MBA
No HD optical drive who cares, i remove optical drives to add a second HD
No price drop its already correctly priced
No new GFX card (not that one was really available) dont care
No way in hell I'd buy one of those new - it's a disgusting price.

so, its a great upgrade!

 

[harrison1000]

vram error

UK store only has 128 + 256 MB VRAM - a mistake?

Yes it's an error, I just called apple uk, it appears to be incorrctly stated on the education store. first model is 256 and the mid and 17 inch models are both 512mb

 

[zioxide]

Different color. Silver is just plain old looking. It looked state of the art in 1999 but now it looks cheap. Black matte is so much cooler and in style.
---
Trust me! When Apple released the first PowerBook it blew people away. Everyone had to have one and it set the standard for generations.

In 2000 when Apple released the TI. It was like no other laptop before it. It not only turned heads but it oozed top of the line features and the competition was green.

In 2008, the mbp is a frankenstein of design. Apple slams updated parts into the same old design without thought at re-designing to improve function. It is not distinctive and it is just matching specs with other manufacturers.

Sad! Let's hope Apple devotes a little of that creative design talent to the MBP in the next update.

So you want Apple to make a new and fresh design but you want it black like every other notebook on the market?

 

[Achiever]

thanks mate i will be buying it from the 5th av store
planning on spending about $3000 in the store

No worries. Enjoy the City. The 5th Avenue store is absolutely beautiful and open 24 hours (for those of us who absolutely, positively have to have our new MBPs at 3:00 am).

 

[Wolfpup]

I'm using a 2.2 (last gen) that had 4MB L2 cache, whereas the new 2.4 penryn I've just ordered has 3. I will have 4GB RAM and a 7200rpm HD in both...I do mainly intensive audio recording/live performance with software instruments/samples in Logic/MainStage - do you think the reduction in L2 cache will make a difference?! Or should I expect a decent speed increase with the new machine?

Are you ordering the new model as an additional computer, or to replace the old one? If it's a replacement, that's not remotely worth the upgrade, particularly for what you're using it for.

Overall I'd expect the new system to be slightly faster (not noticeably though), but I suspect there might be a few individual programs you could find that would run slightly worse.

Quick, everybody. Buy yours now.

I figure we've got about 2 weeks before people start whining about waiting for a MacBook/MacBook Pro upgrade again.

Wow, another whining post. How creative!

How about just accepting that not everyone uses their computer for the same things? Not everyone is okay with a low end GPU or a sealed drive or a cooling system that has to work like mad if you actually push the hardware.

 

[freebooter]

Amen to that. People are inclined to say generally stupid things, moreso on the internet.

Some of these posts are insanely misinformed, and the complaints so lame.

Many people who can't think and read have a remarkable ability to use a keyboard--a kind of asymmetrical illiteracy.

I'll be getting the next updated MBP if they are released before December.

 

[Appler]

The "thinness" of the MBA came at a price ... a premium price for small drive and no optical. A thinner computer is NOT a more effective or useful computer. The MBP with it's current design is still the best designed and (I believe) thinnest computer available with all of its features and capabilities.

I never said ALOT thinner...just for aesthetics purposes. I am sure Apple has the technology to make it thinner and not sacrifice effectivity.

Please provide a link to th "high-end" laptops with 4GB standard RAM you are referring to. Please make sure that it has a price-point attached to it. I disagree that cheaper laptops anywhere come with 4GB RAM as a standard feature (and you referred to 4GB as the "standard" for high end, thereby also referencing the more expensive end). I do not disagree with you on Apple's RAM being overpriced, however. Anyone should realize this by now. Apple could win a few more fans by adjusting their RAM prices to more in line with the real world. As for hard drives ... 500GB laptop drives are not THAT readily available in bulk to make them a "standard feature", I don't believe. I could be wrong, but they are just starting to hit the mainstream now, and everyone would have complained more if Apple had waited on this update until the drives had greater availability.

Check the other computer manufacturer's websites. Mainstream, as well as non-mainstream (voodoo, M-tech, alienware,etc.). And yes, I am talking about high end. Why would a baseline computer include a 4GB RAM, a computer made for light users?

Apple did/does offer an option on the 17" for higher resolution and has been known to be a bit lax in their screen updates, but I also believe this is for the next round to be brought in around WWDC, along with bigger drives, faster processors, and BluRay drives.

But not the 15". As far as I am concerned, the only difference between both is the size, with the 17" 2 inches bigger lol.

Apple, like most, did not want to make a major investment in/commitment to BluRay drives until they were certain that it would be the new "standard". HD was just pulled in recent weeks and Apple would have had to delay this update to incorporate BluRay into these updates. Watch for them in the next MBP update.

That's exactly my point. Another upgrade, another purchase for those who need it. And given that Jobs has an active role in Blu ray, that switch could have came in this upgrade.

What percentage of laptop users actually use their remotes on a basis greater than 2-3% of the time? Is it something to make an issue over? No! I'd gladly sacrifice a remote for my laptop (which I have never used anyway) to get a good, easy computer at a competitive price. And, yes, Apple is allowed to make money. Trust me, if Dell, Gateway, HP, etc, could make cash the way Apple does, you can bet your rear they would!

Who gives a rats about the remote? And for those who do, they will happily pay 20 bucks, a very small fee compared to the bulk paid. But i am talking about the symbolism in that.

I don't disagree that Apple could be a bit more flexible in their builds now that they are on the same platforms as all PCs (i.e. better graphics options, etc), but Apple is still (in my opinion) the best provider of an overall quality product (and, yes, the OS is a big part of that). For those who want to go with other boxes and builds, they should realize that it has been shown that OSX will work on other boxes. So choose the box you like, install OSX, and enjoy.

And I do not disagree with you. Apple is still by far the best out there in MAINLY their experience. The buying experience, how everything could be reached by using ONE website...the beloved apple.com and so on and so forth. But like i said, i am afraid of what is to come to pass.

 

[Mr Maui]

This is a ridiculous position to defend.

Apple is all about style and design. Style and design always change. If there was such a thing as a perfect style or design then every pair of pants would be identical. every car would be identical, every TV would look the same, etc. etc.

I don't disagree that things can be improved (not going to relist or rehash all of your points), but a complete redesign of the case is not a necessary thing. THAT is my point. Most of the case complaints seem to be focusing on "thinner" and "lighter". Good luck getting all of the "improvements" you referenced into a thinner and lighter case, regardless of how you redesign it. The current design still beats just about every design out there for the features you get. And Apple prefers simple elegance versus flash and flamboyance. JMO.

 

[skiesforme]

only downer is 3gb L2

can some one tell me if i buy 2 x 2gb stix memory, will it only use 3gb of it?

if so, should i buy 1 x 2gb mem to add to 1gb apple stick, or is it better to run equal 2gb stix??

PLEASE SOMEONE ANSWER THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION

sorry for the caps

thanks in advance

That's 3MB L2 Cache dude. You would be buying RAM not Cache. Cache is built into the CPU, nobody can change it for you. RAM is user configurable. Go get your 2*2GB sticks and plug 'em in !!
Cheers !!

 

[geoffism]

Overjoyed!

Hey, at the end of the day, its your computer and the one that you are working on. It all just depends on whats important to you. Just incase you didn't notice, this is not a small purchase.

Me personally, I'm happy with it. My PBG4 just expired its AppleCare, so, to me, that signals the changing of the tools. I bought this current machine at the same update 3 years ago.

I look at it this way, I'm going from 80g to 250g (I might get the 200 @ 72 instead). From 64 vram to 512. From 1G memory to 4. And from 1.67 processor to 2.6. This one still works fine, but I like new toys. And the HD is about full. Couldn't be happier.

I like how it looks. I'm glad they haven't changed. For those are are "upset" about the lack of an update on the casing, what do you want? You just want something? Its not going to happen. Look at the MBA. Its just a morphed version of the Titanium case. Anyway, go paint some flames on it then. Or go order yourself a purple/blue/green/whatever dell.

in about 2.7 seconds, i'll be purchasing my new machine. The time is right and I have ZERO second thoughts about it. This will be my 5th Mac. And I've never had anything but love from each of them. For the complainers, keep banging on the forum, keep waiting for that "Utopian" update, and keep entertaining me. I'll be the one with the new MBP, and you won't.

 

[digitalbiker]

So you want Apple to make a new and fresh design but you want it black like every other notebook on the market?

I think there are more silver metal looking laptops on the market than black matte like the black mb.

Dell, Sony, and HP all offer the metallic silver look in their laptops.

Trust me if Apple came out with a totally redesigned MBP in compact matte black professional design, it would make the old MBP look like yesterdays garbage.

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

Its "douple-layer"...

Must be new technology....


JK guys, but thats what it says.

I believe you, I have a screenshot of the typo.

There is already 3 USB Ports in the MBP, I'm glad I bought a MBP before. This is a kinda poor update.

The 17" always has, AFAIK.

3 USB ports on the 17" model previously.


What I like about this update:

Multi-Touch
More VRAM
Larger HDD (at the cost of lower rpm)
LED backlit screen (finally on 17" screen)
Newer Processor (SSE4 is an big improvement if utilized)
3rd USD 2.0 port (for the 15" model)
BlueTooth 2.1+EDR (same as MacBook Air)


What I would have liked to have seen:

Including all of the above+

Blu-Ray Optical Drive
Flash Bootable
WiFi + GPS (would be nice)
SD Card slot (when will this be built-in)



I wish I had waited, however the SR 17" MBP Hi-Res I have is ample for my needs. I have yet to outgrow it.


I do not like the black keyboard of the MacBook Air. Apple should have opted to make the case a darker Al similar to the iPod Touch and iPhone colour tone.

 

[compuguy1088]

Why are folks complaining about hard drive size in the 15" model? Why not buy the cheapest option for hard drive on teh MBP, order a 320 GB WD drive, clone your Mac from the 200 to the 320, insert into MBP and place the 200GB in a $20 USB drive cage?

The problem with that is there is a chance during the actual installation of the drive that damage can occur. That can result in the voiding of the warranty.

 

[Mr Maui]

So you want Apple to make a new and fresh design but you want it black like every other notebook on the market?

My sentiments exactly. Apple's design is still unique to this day. A little color in the case wouldn't hurt, but simple and elegant is still an Apple trademark for their laptops.

 

[HLdan]

ARE YOU MAD?

Seriously? Do you wake up and think "I am an onion". Do you wear underwear on your head on a regular basis?

To buy the 4gb from Apple - you've just burnt £180. Totally wasted - Apple are officially shafting you to the tune of a 500% price premium on that extra 2gb of ram.
I can not understand why anyone would ever, EVER willingly and voluntarily, get totally shafted like that.

Doug

Doug, that's really harsh don't ya think? Sure Apple is charging way too much for ram as Dell does as well on the BTO items but for many computer buyers they just want to "BUY" and be done with it. Not everybody wants to spend time and trouble surfing to another website and searching for the right ram and if they don't know what to buy they have to post on MR which is another step. Then they order the ram from the 3rd party and wait for it to ship then they have to take time to undo a few screws and go through the trouble of installing it.
Not everyone wants to do that and it doesn't make them stupid for paying Apple's premium so do away with being inconvenienced.

 

[aspiringwriter]

so the base model is better than the old refirbed 2nd tier model?

are you sure the new base model will outperform it?

 

[FleurDuMal]

Just out of interest, what would be the performance difference between a 2.5/2.6Ghz Penryn and the 2Ghz CoreDuo (found in the original Macbooks) in tasks like Handbrake encoding, and programs like Aperture and Photoshop?

 

[StellarZ]

Well, looks like i will finally buy my first mac. This updated pushed me to say that these laptops are the right choice. Well I'll probably buy the $2499 15" as soon as they become available at Best Buy! I work there by the way. Nice update Apple!

 

[PeterC-7]

Somehow I can't get thrilled with this update. Frankly, it's like Apple is building a Frankenstein these days. They keep shoving updated parts into the same old exterior design.

It's OK for a speed bump but personally I think the Black MB is a much better buy. The black mb has a more modern and slicker design and really upstages the clunky old mbp. If only the black mb didn't have integrated graphics, had a multi-touch pad, and had an led backlit screen it would be perfect.

I guess I'm waiting for Montevina. I sure hope Apple get's off their @$$ and updates the design of the mbp. I can't believe people still like the design of that dinosaur. It is essentially the same over all design as the 2000 pb. Why doesn't Apple apply some of that innovative thinking to their flagship laptop.

Look at the function of the clam-shell laptop: Apple has pared it down to about its simplest, sleekest, expression. The minimum thickness is mostly determined by the drives and ports; the width by the keyboard and screen. The shape is as simple as it can be. The only significant case enhancements that can be made are by the new-style button keyboard and a thinner screen shell, but that would tend to upset the aesthetic balance of the lower shell.

The plastic edge on the palm-rest serves the function of also preventing edge-wear from wristwatch metal bands or buckles - if you ever owned a TiBook, you'll know exactly what I mean. (I suspect the Air being lower to the desk doesn't suffer from this problem so much.)

Inside, with each iteration there have been constant tiny incremental case refinements which shows that the design isn't static.

However at some point in any device's design, a form is reached that answers most simply to its function, then, apart from cosmetics, the function has to change significantly for the form to reflect it. When this point is reached we have arrived at a classic design. Blue jeans are another example, which is why I think a certain CEO still wears them. At some point even the cosmetics hit classic status too.

Don't forget Steve also often still wears the same black shirt.

Given so little space to maneuver, something has to be saved for the midyear Montevina update, remember this is only a refresh.


(Peter C - Design teacher)

 

[esamek]

So I just talked to an apple store clerk and they said they would let me exchange with no restock fee.

 

[Mr Maui]

1. I never said ALOT thinner...just for aesthetics purposes. I am sure Apple has the technology to make it thinner and not sacrifice effectivity.

2. Check the other computer manufacturer's websites. Mainstream, as well as non-mainstream (voodoo, M-tech, alienware,etc.). And yes, I am talking about high end. Why would a baseline computer include a 4GB RAM, a computer made for light users?

3. But not the 15". As far as I am concerned, the only difference between both is the size, with the 17" 2 inches bigger lol.

4. That's exactly my point. Another upgrade, another purchase for those who need it. And given that Jobs has an active role in Blu ray, that switch could have came in this upgrade.

5. Who gives a rats about the remote? And for those who do, they will happily pay 20 bucks, a very small fee compared to the bulk paid. But i am talking about the symbolism in that.

6. And I do not disagree with you. Apple is still by far the best out there in MAINLY their experience. The buying experience, how everything could be reached by using ONE website...the beloved apple.com and so on and so forth. But like i said, i am afraid of what is to come to pass.

JMO

1. As thin as the MBP is, thinner is not gonna be aesthetically better at this point. And sacrifices would likely have to be made to accomplish it.

2. Voodoo, M-tech and Alienware are NOT inexpensive computers, and the ones with 4GB RAM standard are comparable in price in some cases, and more expensive in others. I've already addressed Apple's overpricing of RAM and agree it could be done.

3. The 15" will be updated in its resolution on the next round. I believe Apple wants to blow away the whole laptop world again when it drops in BluRay etc, so it is saving these upgrades for a wham-bam, thank you ma'am upgrade (not update) around WWDC.

4. I agree BluRay "could have" happened in this upgrade, BUT Apple would have had to gamble that BluRay WOULD be the standard, and that was just confirmed in the past two weeks when HD dropped out. It would have been a big gamble if the fight had dragged on.

5. You brought up the remote, and it is ridiculous to argue the symbolism of it. Should we argue about the symbolism of removing dial-up modems when some people still used the feature?

6. I think our thoughts are similar, it's just the presentation / application of them that varies.

Peace

 

[Mac84]

The wait is finally over !

Finally, Apple decided to update both Macbook and Macbook Pro.
It will be a big disappointment if only the Macbook is updated.
Ordered my first MBP. Hopefully I will get it by next week.
Looks like the next news discussion will be on the iMac.
Way to go Apple... you did not disappoint me finally...
Thanks to all the rumours which turns out to be a bit true and also thanks for the fun of all you people posting up informations in the forums.

 

[bemaniac]

I know I'm definitely coming in late for the comment, but seriously Apple? How many years has it been since that case has been totally redesigned?

As much as the multitouch and faster processors are nice, I want something new and exciting, not the same old design they've been shoving at me for years.

I'll hold my credit card nice and safe until Apple actually wows me.

 

[Mr Maui]

So I just talked to an apple store clerk and they said they would let me exchange with no restock fee.

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[RoDe]

Normally I'm not the type nag about updates. But this update is so minimal that I feel compelled to complain about it.

I used to have MBP2.4 thats now updated to a 2.5Ghz I'm sorry but this is to cry about. Though I do fully comprehend that this is not Apple doing but Intel.

I'm going to buy one but I must say with reluctance. This update is nothing at all what I had hoped for.