Apple Updates 13" Aluminum MacBook, Rebranded as "MacBook Pro"

[Porco]

I don't think you get it...it's not ONLY about physical media dying (which it is), it's about NOT seeing any major advantages of BR over traditional DVDs, until at least BR COMPLETELY replaces DVD on the shelves of stores (which, by the way, BR is FAR from achieving, even in the US or Europe).

No. CDs and cassette tapes co-existed for some time for example. Laserdisc had a decent run as a niche format for film fans, and Blu-ray is probably already more widespread than that was.

What do you get for a much more expensive media? More DRM, zero or less possibilities for fair use copying, a better image for gigantic screens (which, if we follow your rationale, means that it's useful only for a FEW people too) and, as said above, MUCH higher prices for movies. Besides, if your fragile argument is for more space, OS X already supports BR backups; go buy an external burner for that.

That's a weak argument when your alternative is iTunes movies. The restrictions on iTunes movies are arguably just as draconian in many respects, more so in some ways. Yes you can use them on any suitable Apple devices you own, but you're in a vendor lock-in situation. No lending your movies to friends, no buying a second hand out-of-print title of a rare title you missed... but DRM is bad wherever it is, sure.

I have not even mentioned anything about data storage, for me it's just about wanting to be able to watch all my movies on the next mac I buy.

Apple is way wiser than the stupid PC market and their poor followers, and that's why it's the most solid and profitable IT company of the world right now. Otherwise they would be cramming every single technical gadget in their machines just like they did in the 90s...which almost meant their downfall, of course.

That's fair comment up to a point, but it's not about cramming in more gadgets, it's about supporting a well-established format as an option. A Blu-ray drive would of course be wholly compatible with CDs and DVDs, so you're just replacing one with the other, not adding anything extra physically.

Because:

1 - very few people have bought or care to buy BR (or BD, whatever you prefer to call that crap);

Enough to get you all riled up though, clearly. Are millions of people "very few"? Really?

2 - very few people have gigantic screens that justify purchase of heavily-DRM'ed BR (or BD, whatever you prefer to call that crap) movies;

Again, are millions of people "very few"? Really? Anyone with a HDTV will benefit from Blu-ray over DVD, especially at screen sizes of 32 inches+. And there are only going to be increasing numbers of people buying large sized HDTVs. But really that is an argument for HD, not about BD or downloads.

I'd be willing to bet more Blu-ray players exist out there than Apple TVs.

3 - there is no reason to watch BR (or BD, whatever you prefer to call that crap) movies on comparatively tiny notebook screens. This argument is as silly as saying that watching such a movie on an iPhone is gonna provide you with a wonderful entertaining experience.

Utter complete fail. How many times does the same point need to be addressed? The reason to watch a BD on laptop is because you have already paid for it once. The slight increase in resolution is largely irrelevant. The fact you are posting this in response to a post that actually makes this point is just hilarious, and makes me wonder if you're actually reading posts properly or just seeing the words 'Blu-ray' and regurgitating a pre-canned response.

AGAIN, LEARN IT: BR (or BD, whatever you prefer to call that crap) IS DEAD.

No, it isn't, and writing it in capital letters doesn't make it any more true. Blu-ray sales continue to rise. To grow. To 'live' if you like.

 

[rfb]

Considering that applecare on a notebook is really essential. Effectively, it means that the £899 macbook (pro) is £999. This is craftiness of the first order, and many will buy and then only realise they have an extra hundred to pay later.

I'm about to order my laptop, and I am just wondering why it is so essential to have the Applecare?? I was going to skip it this time and put the money into more RAM/HD. I've had it before and it was really nice, don't get me wrong, but is it really essential?

 

[uv23]

I'm about to order my laptop, and I am just wondering why it is so essential to have the Applecare?? I was going to skip it this time and put the money into more RAM/HD. I've had it before and it was really nice, don't get me wrong, but is it really essential?

I have never bought applecare on any of my mac laptops and never had an issue, as any problems I had cropped up within the first year. Then again, now that I've said this, I'm sure I'll have some crippling logic board disaster on day 366 of my new 13" ownership.

 

[rfb]

This response provides no new information. I waited to get the new screen. I was aware that a WWDC update was at hand, but post after post predicted that it would only be a speed bump and perhaps a slight price drop.

My wife and daughter share an 11-year-old PC, so at least getting the MacBook sooner rather than later has allowed my daughter to cut ties with this ancient shared resource.

I can totally understand people being upset, but what this poster said hits the mark...they bought it sooner and got to use it and enjoy it rather than waiting. It's all a gamble with any product. For me, I had a feeling that they were going to bring firewire back after seeing the petitions and having even the sales people in the Apple Store say that they had no idea why Apple chose to get rid of firewire. I was torn between the White which I really didn't want, and using USB (my camera does support both, but I really wanted firewire.) I was willing to wait it out as long as possible especially when the buyers guide said "approaching the end of the cycle." The guy at the store said that they wouldn't be upgrading anytime soon, but my gut told me differently. This was a pain b/c my iMac crashed, and I was forced to bring my Dell (yuk!) home from work each day so that I could at least have Internet. I really missed my Mac and almost caved a few times while it was getting fixed. IMO Apple should upgrade (for a reasonable charge) for people who bought within the last month or two. For everyone else, you bought it, enjoyed it, and you can now sell or just keep enjoying it the way you were before.

 

[martin1000]

I'm about to order my laptop, and I am just wondering why it is so essential to have the Applecare?? I was going to skip it this time and put the money into more RAM/HD. I've had it before and it was really nice, don't get me wrong, but is it really essential?

Applecare is included for 1 year with the purchase of your laptop.

You can buy applecare right up to your 1st anniversary with the laptop. What I've done in the past is not buy applecare until about month 11 after the purchase. Then applecare will extend for the remaining 2 years.

Hope this helps.

 

[Carl Abudephane]

.

 

[flopticalcube]

So what exactly SD is useful for? Plugging cards that are full with pictures? Anything else?

Media storage and transfer in general. Pictures (80%+ of all still cameras), video, ripped movies, software. I am always having to search for my USB dongle or camera cable which is buried in some pocket of my bag somewhere.

 

[brop52]

Applecare is included for 1 year with the purchase of your laptop.

You can buy applecare right up to your 1st anniversary with the laptop. What I've done in the past is not buy applecare until about month 11 after the purchase. Then applecare will extend for the remaining 2 years.

Hope this helps.

Right, but you better make sure your Applecare is registered prior to 12 months after the purchase date otherwise you are SOL. You should also buy from Amazon or ebay (especially if you don't get the education discount). Though some people don't like going through ebay due to the possibility of fraud I think I'm just going to order from sellers who ship the box to you. (Still possible for fraud unfortunately but I'll take the risk).

 

[Theclamshell]

they should introduce a new macbook then!!!!!

 

[flopticalcube]

I don't know if this has been previously mentioned but one bad thing to come out of this for people like me wishing to purchase a 13" machine..

As the 13" is now a 'Pro' the price of AppleCare has shot up!! Nearly £300 in the UK now opposed to nearly £200 for the standard macbook!!

AnDy

I knew there was more to this than what you see at first!

Enjoy your SD slot!

Considering that applecare on a notebook is really essential. Effectively, it means that the £899 macbook (pro) is £999. This is craftiness of the first order, and many will buy and then only realise they have an extra hundred to pay later.

The 13" still uses the older MacBook AppleCare. Nothing has changed in that regard.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB587LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2Mg&mco=NjcxMjkzNQ

MacBook / MacBook Air / 13-inch MacBook Pro - AppleCare Protection Plan

Still $249 retail (way overpriced!).

 

[BillyBobBongo]

I don't know if this has been previously mentioned but one bad thing to come out of this for people like me wishing to purchase a 13" machine..

As the 13" is now a 'Pro' the price of AppleCare has shot up!! Nearly £300 in the UK now opposed to nearly £200 for the standard macbook!!

AnDy

Just took this screenie from the UK Apple store...they have the 13" MacBook Pro within the same plan as the MacBook and the MacBook Air.

 

[funkypepper]

Could somebody please tell me, what to do with this strange port, named audio in/out?

 

[Quillz]

I'm about to order my laptop, and I am just wondering why it is so essential to have the Applecare?? I was going to skip it this time and put the money into more RAM/HD. I've had it before and it was really nice, don't get me wrong, but is it really essential?

It's not. Apple would like you to think it is so you give them even more money, but you don't need it. The standard one-year warranty is more than adequate. Once you're past a year, any problems you might encounter will usually be more expensive to fix than new hardware altogether.

 

[Eidorian]

Just took this screenie from the UK Apple store...they have the 13" MacBook Pro within the same plan as the MacBook and the MacBook Air.

AppleCare for the MacBook has gone up in price then. I expect the trend to carry over to eBay.

Pure profit without ever shipping a box.

 

[flopticalcube]

AppleCare for the MacBook has gone up in price then. I expect the trend to carry over to eBay.

Pure profit without ever shipping a box.

Wasn't it always $249?

 

[jetlife2]

I love this update

Put me in the group of 12" Powerbook fanatics who are FINALLY ready to upgrade.

To this day, when I travel with my Pbook G4, it still attracts attention...it continues to do the job I need it do, which is on the road GB's of photo downloads, light editing with Photoshop CS3, cataloguing and RAW correction with Lightroom, and normal travel tasks like surfing, email, maintaining my Mafia Wars..

But certainly it is groaning a little under the weight of some of this software. It runs 10.5 happily, but is shortly going to be left behind when 10.6 arrives. Plus it has had a new keyboard, a new (much bigger) hard drive when the old one crashed, a new battery, a new power input socket, and multiple power adapters...so after 5 years it is ready for replacement.

Now I have the option of a 13" unit (close enough!) retaining all the small size advantage, FW, tons of CPU horsepower, ready for Snow Leopard, backlit, longer battery, the fabulous Al. unibody fit and finish, and all at a price that is LOWER than I spent 5 years ago! Amazing value.

So count me as delighted. I was never happy with the idea of the Macbooks, white, black or even Aluminum (although that generation - shortlived - was getting closer). The 15" MBP is too big for my preference...now I have the perfect package. I was even considering a netbook Hackintosh...now I won't need to. This is a worthy successor to the famous 12" pbook G4 that has been all over the world with me.

Thanks Apple!

 

[jpcrockett]

Memory and HDD

fyi, according to the new user manual, both are user-replaceable in the 13" MBP.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_Pro_13inch_Mid2009.pdf

 

[50548]

You don't understand the issue - it's not whether the 13.3" screen is ideal for seeing full 1080p quality.

The issue is that we're buying BD movies for our home systems, and we can play them on our Windows machines just fine.

Apples can't play them, though. Are we supposed to buy both BD discs and DVD discs just because of Apple's pig-headedness? Or are we supposed to buy Windows systems from other companies if we want to play BD discs? (The latter works for me. )

By the way, I'd rather watch a 1920x1080 BD movie scaled *down* to fit the 13.3" 1280x800 screen, rather than the 640x480 (or sometimes 720x480) DVD movie scaled *up* to fit!

As I said, it's not about "pig-headedness", it's about being wise enough not to succumb to a stillborn yet overhyped standard. The fact that you and some others use BR (since I refer to its two syllables) doesn't translate into physical necessity to play discs on your Mac.

Apple's wisdom is exactly in that the absolute trend for the near future (read: max 2 years) means streaming/digital downloads, especially given our ubiquitous fast Internet connections. In fact, I don't even remember using my DVD drive to watch movies (apart from a few DVDs that couldn't be played on my DVD downstairs due to stupid region restrictions - I encoded them to my Apple TV later, of course).

Therefore, if you STILL think laptops are supposed to play plastic discs, you are way off the future trend, something that Apple knows how to anticipate really well.

Perhaps you should look and see that 10 of the top 16 bestselling TVs at Amazon are 40" or larger.... In fact, 6 of the top 16 are 52" sets. http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/172659/ref=pd_ts_e_nav

And, while you're at Amazon, notice that 3 of the top 5 selling "DVD" players are actually Blu-ray players! http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/172514/ref=pd_ts_e_nav

This means absolutely nothing. It simply shows that, for those buying NEW screens, they are looking for HDTV, which would be obvious these days. But without actual numbers and based on Amazon U.S. sales only, you can all but infer a certain conclusion to your benefit. Likewise for BR players.

Fortunately, your opinion doesn't match up with the facts about Blu-ray.

Blu-ray Sales on the Rise in Japan
March 6, 2009 by Josh Dreuth

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2469
​

and

Blu-ray is being adopted faster than DVD
January 3, 2009 by Mike Ferro

and

Blu-ray Dominates Christmas Sales
Jan 5, 2009 by Scott Nichols
​

Despite not being a Mac user, at least one thing you are learning well from Steve Jobs: the capacity to create RDF.

Firstly, the example of Japan is absolutely skewed in the sense that they are first-rate adopters of new technologies, especially when these technologies are championed by local companies like Sony.

Secondly, the propagated BR adoption rate is no more a lie than when "independent" channels reported Vista's much quicker consumer market uptake compared with XP. You are, in fact, comparing apples with oranges here and presuming that when DVD was launched, average revenues, potential customer base, mass communication and advertisement diffusion were on the same levels as we have now for BR; sad to say but the parameters are totally different now, and much in favor of the fallacious argument presented above.

Finally, you seem to omit from the "news" presented the following different views (ALL news from 2009):

"Similar to the CEA, market research firm FutureSource Consulting is predicting U.S. stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player sales at 6 million in 2009, up from 2.5 million in 2008. At the same time, sales of Blu-ray-enabled PlayStation3 consoles are forecast to rise from 3 million in 2008 to 5 million in 2009. By 2012, the research firm sees the PS3 in more than 20 percent of U.S. homes and stand-alone BD players in 50 percent.

But at least one retailer wasn't as optimistic. Jonathan Zupnik, Sears audio/video/TV DMM, told TWICE: “I continue to have concern about Blu-ray. It did not hit industry expectations last year with production issues. I also believe the economy has had more of an impact than believed. The simple reason being the difference is not demonstrable in comparison to VHS to DVD. Standard DVD looks very good on a 1080p TV. Unless you are watching on a 60-inch-plus TV, it is hard to see the impact [of a 1080p Blu-ray Disc]. I do not believe the industry numbers will be hit this year, unless they drop the price.”

Demand was generated in the fourth quarter of 2008, largely through the price promotions and system bundling run by manufacturers and retailers during the critical holiday shopping season, some industry watchers have said.

Major price promotions were offered by leading discount chains, such as Wal-Mart's $129 special, Target's $149 special on an Olevia-branded player and Best Buy's $169 sale on an Insignia-branded model.

Since then, most prices have trended back up to more than $200."

Or maybe this, about "value-added" BR services:

“I have not seen much of an impact from IPTV, but the younger generation is comfortable with a significant amount of streaming and this may be part of why Blu-ray hardware's install base is not as large as we all would like it to be yet. I don't believe HD on demand, and quality content that is easy for the consumer to download is a threat [to packaged media].”

What about this?

"Sony and its movie studio Sony Pictures have clearly been rooting for Blu-ray to match and eventually surpass DVD as a major earner, but chairman and CEO Michael Lynton has suggested that that now looks increasingly unlikely.
When asked by Forbes.com if Blu-ray can eventually replace DVD, Lynton said: “The question is whether people will really replace their libraries. Plus it would appear there’s already price erosion in Blu-ray, so we’re not making the price point we originally hoped for.”
“The entertainment industry at large has pretty much given away high definition to consumers,” he continued. “They haven’t really charged a premium for it on television. That makes consumers more likely to buy Blu-ray but less likely to pay a premium for it.”
Lynton would appear to be correct about Blu-ray versus DVD. It seems that while people like the idea of watching films in hi-def, they don’t like the idea of shelling out £18 to £25 on a Blu-ray version of a film they already own on DVD, or that is available for less than half the price if bought new."

Better yet; this is why Apple is simply GENIUS:

"Netflix - Blu-Ray Adoption Slower Than Internet Movie Streaming Adoption

Authored by Jay Baage on January 29, 2009 - 10:26am.
Los Angeles - New data from Internet movie rental service Netflix suggests that digital distribution of movies is growing at a faster rate than Blu-ray disc adoption among its multi-million deep subscriber-base.

Some 700,000 Netflix subscribers are renting Blu-ray discs through the service, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said on the company's Q4 earnings call, according to Sillicon Alley Insider. That represents almost an 30% increase from last September, when about 500,000 Netflix subscribers were Blu-ray users. At the same time, "Millions" of subscribers used Netflix's streaming service within the last month, Hastings said.

Digital delivery is Blu-ray's biggest threat, since a quick adoption of internet-distribution and VOD as a delivery methods of movies and TV-shows by consumers mean that Blu-ray will never really take off."

Or this:

"APRIL 10 | The 2009 Blu-ray Disc set-tops are now launching, with such new features as Amazon Video on Demand streaming and wireless connectivity, but some retailers are concerned that the latest bells and whistles might not be heard by recession-weary consumers.

Retailers who believe consumers are holding back on making major electronics purchases because of the economy anecdotally paint a more conservative picture than many analysts who predict that Blu-ray set-top sales in 2009 will double last year’s total, which was 2.7 million units, according to Adams Media Research.

Some store sources believe that full-year Blu-ray set-top sales will reach the relatively modest 5 million unit range, representing a 5% to 10% drop from analysts’ estimates.

Texas electronics superstore Bjorn’s expects its own Blu-ray player sales will be just on par with 2008. The store’s overall January to March revenue was down by double digits over the same frame in 2008."

Tired of the truth? Engadget couldn't say it better:

"Just think about it -- the move from VHS to DVD was almost entirely unlike the transition from DVD to Blu-ray. In the former example, the quality improvement was incredible. Rewinding became a thing of the past. Full blown surround sound was introduced. Special features and tasty extras were able to fit. Interactive menus were born. Discs were able to be played on desktops and laptops. Compare that to the shift from DVD to Blu-ray. The disc size has remained the same (physically). Audio has only marginally improved, mostly at a level that only audiophiles can appreciate. Visually, there is noticeable improvement only for those with enough cash to snag an HDTV. BD-Live interactivity isn't nearly as captivating as it sounds on paper. Oh, and Blu-ray Discs are markedly more expensive than DVDs.

The reality is that there is far less motivation to switch from DVD to Blu-ray than there was years ago when consumers were tempted to leave VHS behind and enter the DVD arena. Yet, for whatever reason, Blu-ray movies are priced in opposition to that fact. The way we see it, BD will continue to be a niche product so long as it's priced like a niche product, and if it holds out too long, we won't be shocked to see the increasingly ubiquitous HD streaming snag away at least a small bucket of potential customers."

Need I say more? Again, you bet on the wrong horse, just like you have done with the xMac. BR is a sorry ass standard that is too little, too late. And even if you believe this is gonna overtake DVDs around the world, it's gonna take at least 5 years for that to happen...maybe then will you see Apple using it in some of its MacPros...

[/QUOTE]​

 

[jpcrockett]

As I said, it's not about "pig-headedness", it's about being wise enough not to succumb to a stillborn yet overhyped standard. The fact that you and some others use BR (since I refer to its two syllables) doesn't translate into physical necessity to play discs on your Mac.

...

Need I say more? Again, you bet on the wrong horse, just like you have done with the xMac. BR is a sorry ass standard that is too little, too late. And even if you believe this is gonna overtake DVDs around the world, it's gonna take at least 5 years for that to happen...maybe then will you see Apple using it in some of its MacPros...

[/QUOTE]

guys, it's getting old. you're not going to convince each other. give it a rest.

 

[NT1440]

<snip>

Damn what a post. Thank you for finally getting some logic into this place with facts to back it up!

 

[hrl]

I for one, would rather have digital copies than those media discs.
Portability is what I want, I don't want to store too many discs around the house. It's space consuming and not very practical. Of course, everyone have different needs.

 

[ricosuave]

I would be slick if Snow Leopard came in an SD card!

 

[Mugen1516]

I registered just to share how Apple took care of me. Today was Day 13 with my Unibody 13" MacBook. When I found out that the 13" got moved to the Pro line with availability of a better processor, FW, and SD card and all this for less money, I was truly disheartened about my purchase.

I called Apple up on the phone twice today; once at lunch and held for 10 minutes, then again after I got home and held for 45 minutes. Someone finally picked up and helped me. The guy said he would accept the return "this one time only" as they usually don't do returns on customized MacBooks (mine was 2.4ghz/4gb/320gb/iworks+aperture). I did have to take a 10% restocking fee hit but it still ends up being cheaper with the newer 13" MBP AND the iPod Touch deal was not available when I first purchased back on 5/21. So, I will end up with the better MBP and a free iPod Touch and save a little money too (although not saving much).

I thanked the guy thoroughly. Can't wait to get my new MPB now! I just dropped off my "old" MacBook at FedEx about 30 minutes ago. So, thanks Apple!

 

[Eidorian]

Wasn't it always $249?

I've lived far too long in education with lower prices and on eBay for my AppleCare purchases. You're right.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

I would be slick if Snow Leopard came in an SD card!

Probably costs less to press a dvd, and apple wouldnt want to confuse their users with two different formats (they think we are stupid enough to be confused by cut/paste).