Apple to Release Thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC

[neilpryde23]

Dear MacRumors Netizens,

The most striking thing that I have seen in this newly release mockup image of the redesigned MacBook Pro, is that only one side of the machine is visible. How do we know for fact that Apple has done away with the Ethernet port? For all we know, the port may have been moved to a different location on the machine. This is reminiscent of how Apple has relocated the power button several times throughout the history of the MacBook/MacBook Pro. If in fact there is no more SuperDrive on the machine, there is a lot of space for some new ports and other doodads that Apple thinks may be in order.

Don't hold your breath,

--Daniel

Later in the 9to5mac article, they show a complete mockup of both sides and it doesn't show an ethernet port on the other side either. But who knows, this is just a mockup based on the information from their 'source'.

 

[manu chao]

I never really thought about that. It wouldn't be too high but all I was trying to get at was that there are some places where wifi isn't an option. And as many have said previously the small decrease in the thickness of the laptop isn't worth the loss of the Ethernet port, unless Apple were to include an adapter in the box. I'd hate to have to spend another $30 or so when I get my ~$1500 computer and see everyone else with computers half the price of mine not having to worry about it.

Did you think about that the same way with VGA and DVI? Should Apple have kept the VGA and DVI connectors? You might not agree with a specific decision but surely keeping VGA + DVI + (m)DP + FW400 + FW800 in addition to the existing USB and audio ports (+ SD card slot) at some point becomes too much.

And if we look at the success of the MBA (which sells better than the MBP), certainly a lot of people prefer a thinner laptop to a native Ethernet port. Apple is not in the business of satisfying 95% of all potential customers, they are quite happy with satisfying only 80% if it satisfies those better by not caring about the other 15%.

Why do people buy the 13" MBA instead of the 13" MBP (apart from getting a SSD for $100 less)? They give up RAM expansion, GBit Ethernet, FW, to some degree also storage expansion. All for $100 less for a 13" Mac laptop with an SSD?

 

[KnightWRX]

That mockup wasn't from a "fan" per say, though it may yet prove to be inaccurate. If this is all ridiculous, then this thread and all rumor discussion is pointless.

When there's a source, or parts leak, yeah. When a 3rd party site makes a Mock up (like Macrumors' oh so nice 7" iPad mockups or the iPhone 5 mockups they made based on case designs by 3rd parties..) then yes, it's kind of absurd to get your panties in a bunch of start stressing over lack of a built-in port that has plenty of viable external options anyhow.

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No, you're simply making generalizations. There is nothing to imply that, because someone doesn't need an ODD or ethernet cable, that a discrete graphics card, significantly greater processing capability, higher resolution, more ports, or the ability to upgrade may not be reasons they buy a Macbook Pro.

Wait, I need Ethernet. But I have a MacBook Air and it has Ethernet! To me, a dongle was a perfectly acceptable solution in light of the better weight and size of the MacBook Air. And frankly, if I could have gotten a dedicated GPU in a form factor like the Air (thinner and lighter than the MBPs), then I would have gladly given Apple more of my money for it.

So yes, people who want and need GPUs doesn't mean anything towards if they want or need built-in Ethernet (built-in being the keyword, just like the floppy or ODD, Ethernet isn't going anywhere, it's still right there in the OS).

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I never really thought about that. It wouldn't be too high but all I was trying to get at was that there are some places where wifi isn't an option. And as many have said previously the small decrease in the thickness of the laptop isn't worth the loss of the Ethernet port

To you. To me, the decrease in thickness and weight sure is worth a USB -> Ethernet dongle. I already made that comprise 2 years ago. Never regretted it so far.

 

[ds.]

Did you think about that the same way with VGA and DVI? Should Apple have kept the VGA and DVI connectors? You might not agree with a specific decision but surely keeping VGA + DVI + (m)DP + FW400 + FW800 in addition to the existing USB and audio ports (+ SD card slot) at some point becomes too much.

And if we look at the success of the MBA (which sells better than the MBP), certainly a lot of people prefer a thinner laptop to a native Ethernet port. Apple is not in the business of satisfying 95% of all potential customers, they are quite happy with satisfying only 80% if it satisfies those better by not caring about the other 15%.

Why do people buy the 13" MBA instead of the 13" MBP (apart from getting a SSD for $100 less)? They give up RAM expansion, GBit Ethernet, FW, to some degree also storage expansion. All for $100 less for a 13" Mac laptop with an SSD?

Yea I get what your saying about having too many ports. But they should keep a distinction between the air and the pro. Like you said people who don't mind losing the Ethernet port are getting the air, but if Apple doesn't offer an Ethernet port on any of their laptops then it doesn't really give the consumers an option. We lose the Ethernet port either way. I personally think Apple shouldn't mix the airs and the pros. Leaves too little choice in my opinion. I'd like to be able to have the choice of a getting a really portable device (the air) and a device that is not as portable but offers a lot more (the pros) if they mix them together we're stuck with (what will probably be) a portable device that doesn't offer as much but looks nice and thin.

 

[cmChimera]

Yea I get what your saying about having too many ports. But they should keep a distinction between the air and the pro. Like you said people who don't mind losing the Ethernet port are getting the air, but if Apple doesn't offer an Ethernet port on any of their laptops then it doesn't really give the consumers an option. We lose the Ethernet port either way. I personally think Apple shouldn't mix the airs and the pros. Leaves too little choice in my opinion. I'd like to be able to have the choice of a getting a really portable device (the air) and a device that is not as portable but offers a lot more (the pros) if they mix them together we're stuck with (what will probably be) a portable device that doesn't offer as much but looks nice and thin.

The pros still offer significantly more than the Airs. SIGNIFICANTLY more.

 

[kofot]

So if this new MBP has a flashdrive for OSX and a normal HD for everything else, how will this affect users who wants to install from their old time machine backups?

 

[manu chao]

Like you said people who don't mind losing the Ethernet port are getting the air, but if Apple doesn't offer an Ethernet port on any of their laptops then it doesn't really give the consumers an option. We lose the Ethernet port either way. I personally think Apple shouldn't mix the airs and the pros. Leaves too little choice in my opinion.

If Apple produces a laptop that satisfies 90% of its users (for a given size), why would we need choice for the sake of choice?

 

[Mr. Strategery]

Can't Wait...

My credit card is practically jumping out of my wallet. And my 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4 is crying in the corner.

 

[wallysb01]

And it's been said a million times. USB3.

And its also been said a million times USB3 will pin a CPU core with big transfers, it still isn't as fast as ethernet and it remains to be seen how expensive it is, since, you know, no one sells them yet (at least not in the needed form for a mobile device). All that is really worth a millimeter or two? #Facepalm#

 

[danielsutton]

Yea I get what your saying about having too many ports. But they should keep a distinction between the air and the pro. Like you said people who don't mind losing the Ethernet port are getting the air, but if Apple doesn't offer an Ethernet port on any of their laptops then it doesn't really give the consumers an option. We lose the Ethernet port either way. I personally think Apple shouldn't mix the airs and the pros. Leaves too little choice in my opinion. I'd like to be able to have the choice of a getting a really portable device (the air) and a device that is not as portable but offers a lot more (the pros) if they mix them together we're stuck with (what will probably be) a portable device that doesn't offer as much but looks nice and thin.

This is an interesting point that you make. I agree, there should be a distinction between the MBP and MBA. Just like there is a distinction between OSX and iOS. If Apple were to merge the MBP and MBA (similar to what M$ is doing with Windows 8), then they would try to please everyone, but end up pleasing no-one. The MBP and MBA are made for two different market segments. MBP is for mobile professionals who need the larger SSD, better graphics performance, and faster processor options, while the MBA is a lighter-duty portable that is not quite powerful enough for more intensive use. I like the idea of a distinctive MBP and MBA option, and i hope Apple likes it too!

 

[lobster68w]

It's amazing how some of the true fanboi's here think. Some of you people think Apple can do no wrong. Just because YOU don't need ethernet, does not mean that others don't. There are many industries and governments that don't allow wireless. Carrying around some stupid dongle is not the answer. There are those of us who buy our machines for function, not looks. If you want thinner, buy an Air.

 

[nuckinfutz]

It's amazing how some of the true fanboi's here think. Some of you people think Apple can do no wrong. Just because YOU don't need ethernet, does not mean that others don't. There are many industries and governments that don't allow wireless. Carrying around some stupid dongle is not the answer. There are those of us who buy our machines for function, not looks. If you want thinner, buy an Air.

The question is how many people are using the Ethernet port versus just connection to the network wirelessly?

People can kvetch all they want but if they find themselves in the group that is the minority they shouldn't be surprised if things do go their way.

I thought I'd use my Ethernet port far more than I have. I've been pretty much strictly wireless in all situations where my router was more than a room away. it's just more convenient.

 

[ctone]

And if we look at the success of the MBA (which sells better than the MBP), certainly a lot of people prefer a thinner laptop to a native Ethernet port. Apple is not in the business of satisfying 95% of all potential customers, they are quite happy with satisfying only 80% if it satisfies those better by not caring about the other 15%.

Why do people buy the 13" MBA instead of the 13" MBP (apart from getting a SSD for $100 less)? They give up RAM expansion, GBit Ethernet, FW, to some degree also storage expansion. All for $100 less for a 13" Mac laptop with an SSD?

Because they just want the cheapest Mac laptop that is sold? The low end Air is actually $200 less than the low end MB Pro.

 

[Highlander-]

Finally some rumours from reliable sources. Not just Digitimes. 11 June is marked in bold on my calendar. Bring on the new Macbook Pro. Or Macbook Pro Air. Whichever.

p.s. 666.

That is all.

 

[MattInOz]

If I'm not mistaken, the Ethernet port had to go to accommodate the slightly thinner overall form factor.

Apple is savvy enough not to leave Ethernet users in the lurch. I expect to see a USB3-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter, either "in the box" or as an available accessory.

There are currently 3rd party USB-to-GBEthernet adapters out there, priced around $30 or so.

The Firewire port is smaller than the Ethernet Port and can act as an Ethernet port with a cheap dumb cable. They should just upgrade Firewire.

 

[voltare]

This is an interesting point that you make. I agree, there should be a distinction between the MBP and MBA. Just like there is a distinction between OSX and iOS. If Apple were to merge the MBP and MBA (similar to what M$ is doing with Windows 8), then they would try to please everyone, but end up pleasing no-one. The MBP and MBA are made for two different market segments. MBP is for mobile professionals who need the larger SSD, better graphics performance, and faster processor options, while the MBA is a lighter-duty portable that is not quite powerful enough for more intensive use. I like the idea of a distinctive MBP and MBA option, and i hope Apple likes it too!

don't forget the gamers. the video game industry is catching up to the film industry very fast.

i love having a laptop that i can play games on. it's great. although apple's decision to go back to nvidia has made me consider going back to a pc again...

 

[aussie_geek]

How about this?

I think there will still be room for ethernet on the new MacBook Pro's. Those pictures from 9 to 5 mac are only mock ups....

Maybe they will be more wedge shaped like the airs. The back edge will be the same thickness of an ethernet socket plus 2 - 3 mm of extra metal top and bottom to keep the strength.

Look at your MacBook Pro at the moment - the thickness of the aluminium at the top and bottom of the port - this is the minimum thickness Apple would need.


I think that we will lose a fair bit of bulk from the display and the rounded section on the underside of the Mac. And of course, the optical drive.

Also, put the ethernet port and firewire at the back of the wedge - where the MacBook Pro will be at its thickest.

See My photo.

 

[Inconsequential]

Idea: Leave the adapter attached to the Ethernet cable at work. Carry a second in your computer bag. Problem solved.

So we are probably going to be up at £15-25 for each adapter, so your suggesting I should add £50 to whatever purchase price of my next laptop is because of some stupid Apple thing that requires things to be stupidly thin?

My MBP is already thinner than every single other PC laptop my friends have, and by a good margin. It is made better and has a better battery life. It does not need to be thinner.

The MBA is there for portability. The MBP is there for performance.

Tapering the MBP, like the MBA, I could live with, as long as cooling, the ethernet and FW800 ports aren't compromised as a result.

USB 3 is 5 Gbit/sec. It can handle Gigabit Ethernet just fine. And we'll see what won't fly logically. A dedicated GPU could very well fit in a thinner MBP. The chips aren't that thick and usually require much less active cooling than the Intel CPUs that power these things.

It's not unlike me. Apple is not removing Ethernet or ODDs. My MacBook Air has both, albeit, as external options. If it had a dedicated GPU, it would be even better. A smaller, thinner MBP is just what I would purchase as a next laptop, built-in Ethernet and ODDs be damned. I'll just get external options when needed.

Pro level machines need an OS that supports the protocol. They don't need the built-in port at all.

Let's not have any ports at all. Just have one super adapter that we have to carry around with us eh?

So currently, I'd need an adapter for ethernet and FW800 as well as the mDP to HDMI, VGA and DVI ones I already have.

At what point does the cost or number of dongles get to before something thinks, this is bloody stupid?

 

[KnightWRX]

And its also been said a million times USB3 will pin a CPU core with big transfers, it still isn't as fast as ethernet and it remains to be seen how expensive it is, since, you know, no one sells them yet (at least not in the needed form for a mobile device). All that is really worth a millimeter or two? #Facepalm#

USB3 is faster than Gigabit Ethernet and I haven't had any CPU pinning on my MacBook Air to now, and it only has a "lowly" Core 2 Duo (no seriously, the USB CPU issue is quite blown out of proportion on this board).

And yes and it is worth the weight and size.

As for how expensive they will be... a lot less than a Thunderbolt adapter that's for sure.

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So currently, I'd need an adapter for ethernet and FW800 as well as the mDP to HDMI, VGA and DVI ones I already have.

At what point does the cost or number of dongles get to before something thinks, this is bloody stupid?

That is a decision for you to make. There is no single "point" where it becomes "bloody stupid". It's all based on personal needs/wants/feeling of entitlement.

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I think that we will lose a fair bit of bulk from the display

The reason the Macbook Air has a thinner display is because they used a much worse display than the MacBook Pro 13". Let's hope Apple doesn't go this route for the new MBPs, a worse display (in terms of quality and backlighting) would definitely be a bummer.

 

[Abazigal]

So we are probably going to be up at £15-25 for each adapter, so your suggesting I should add £50 to whatever purchase price of my next laptop is because of some stupid Apple thing that requires things to be stupidly thin?

I find that it is generally not a very good idea to expect to pay a certain amount for an electronic product and think it is the end of that. If anything, it is really only the start of your purchasing spree. You will then want a case, accessories, software etc, so be sure to budget some extra cash for that as well.

 

[jacktorrance]

My MBP is already thinner than every single other PC laptop my friends have, and by a good margin. It is made better and has a better battery life. It does not need to be thinner.

The MBA is there for portability. The MBP is there for performance.

What if I want to carry the performance with me?

There is, of course, a completely valid argument for making the MBPs as portable as they can possibly be. The ethernet port happens to be the rumoured trade-off in this instance. I can only comment on my personal circumstances but, in the 3 years that I have owned my 17" MBP I might have used the ethernet port 4 or 5 times - I work as an architect and photographer, most of my work doesn't require fast network connectivity so WiFi is sufficient, but I do need to be able to take processing power with me everywhere I go.

 

[grrrz]

For a lot of people, the lose of firewire would be the big deal here.
I bet they lost a lot of sale when they did that with the white macbook (but you could still move to macbook pro then)
For video and sound people on the go (pro or less pro, whatever), this is often the only link to their hardware.
An editor/video reporter wouldn't buy a computer if he couldn't import his tapes, and I'm not sure but I think a majority of people still use tapes for video.
A musician/sound producer wouldn't throw away a 1000$ sound interface he bought a few years ago just for the sake of buying apple.
even if the industry is very slowly moving to hybrid usb/FW or even thunderbolt.
And a musician would certainly not bring a fragile (probably overpriced) FW-thunderbolt or whatever dongle to a gig, adding another weak link that could screw things over.
Unless they can come up with a real seamless cable (like thunderbolt - Firewire), with electronics embedded in one of the connector, that would be 100% reliable (but dream on)
let's see what happens now.

 

[KnightWRX]

A musician/sound producer wouldn't throw away a 1000$ sound interface he bought a few years ago just for the sake of buying apple.

He's not forced to upgrade to these new laptops either. When he's ready to upgrade his sound interface, then he can spec it for the new laptop he'll be getting too.

Happens all the time in many industries. Heck, in IT, happens a whole lot. Sometimes, old protocols/technologies just need to make room for the newer stuff.

 

[ruffneck]

I'm going to be buying a 15" MBP soon. The only reason I've been waiting is for the update. Now seeing the debate right now, I'm confused whether to just buy the current model or wait for the new one. Since most of you guys are considerably more experience in all matters Apple, I'd like to know what you suggest.

The primary purpose of this laptop is music production.

Would really appreciate the help. Thank you

 

[CausticPuppy]

I'm going to be buying a 15" MBP soon. The only reason I've been waiting is for the update. Now seeing the debate right now, I'm confused whether to just buy the current model or wait for the new one. Since most of you guys are considerably more experience in all matters Apple, I'd like to know what you suggest.

The primary purpose of this laptop is music production.

Would really appreciate the help. Thank you

My only concern with using a MBP for music production (based on current models) is the jet-engine-like sound they produce when the CPU is under load. That probably won't be a factor unless you're going to use Logic or some other DAW with dozens of tracks and all sorts of plugins simultaneously.