'Brick' Refers to the MacBook Manufacturing Process

[Mykbibby]

MADE IN USA?

How much of this process will translate to the pricing I must ask.

No... Made in California

The price will only be affected positively by this. I expect the new MacBooks to start at 700-800 dollars or less. You may ask where Apple has all the money to do this without having to charge for it?

Simple... their cash reserves :-D

 

[unkle77]

The newly designed MacBooks are still on target for an October 14th announcement and the press should be getting invites within the next few days.

Announcement....

still though, cannot wait for the new MBP's, got the money ready for it!!

 

[nlivo]

I'm looking forward to my new MacBook that I'll be getting in the next couple of weeks!

 

[orpheus1120]

MADE IN USA = HIGHER PRICES?

The question is will the new manufacturing process cut down on cost and retain current mac pricing or will it incur more cost on us consumers. Bear in mind unless the whole process is full automated and doesn't require much labour, then logic dictates there's no way America labour is cheaper than China's and thus a retention of current mac pricing seems almost impossible.

 

[unkle77]

MADE IN USA = HIGHER PRICES?

The question is will the new manufacturing process cut down on cost and retain current mac pricing or will it incur more cost on us consumers. Bear in mind unless the whole process is full automated and doesn't require much labour, then logic dictates there's no way America labour is cheaper than China's and thus a retention of current mac pricing seems almost impossible.

Read the article:

What advantages are there to manufacturing with 3D laser and water jet cutting?

* Carving out of aluminum eliminates the need to bend the metal and create weak spots or microfolds and rifts.
* There are no seams in the final product, so it is smooth.
* Screws aren’t needed to tie the products together.
* The shell is one piece of metal so it is super light, super strong and super cheap.
* You can be a whole lot more creative with the design if you don't have to machine it.

As Peter Oppenheimer said at the recent earnings call, this innovation is something "Apple's competitors won't be able to match" for some time to come. We expect the process to drive down the prices of MacBooks over the next few years and at the same time allow Apple to continue to lead in the innovation department. Design changes should come much more rapidly.

 

[SimonTheSoundMa]

Sharks with freaking laser beams on their heads!


Somehow, I do not see Apple carving out a case from a solid lump of aluminium, far too expensive and wasteful.

 

[Vulcan]

Glad that ended it. Hopefully it's true, meaning that there will be a redesign.

 

[kabunaru]

This should blow the PC competition out of the water.

 

[Loge]

Hope they are also including the MBP, when they talk about "macbooks".

 

[Deimo]

Has anything come out with what Apple was doing with the former HP facility a mile away from Infinite Loop? That story appears to be forgotten to time... wonder if it is zoned for manufacturing?

 

[CarlHeanerd]

People don't seem to realize how BIG this is! It isn't just about new Macbooks and Macbook Pros. This means that the case problems will be lowered SOO MUCH, because of a better manufacturing process. ALSO, there will be better quality of design (no screws, one piece of metal). Finally, it is something that Apple can truly manage. Think about it, you can manage a factory in the U.S. much better than one in China. This would lead to a better product in the end.

By the way, if it is better managed, than suspect less leaks...
FTW

 

[plumbingandtech]

Question for the engineers:

So all the excess material, the "shavings" could then be collected, re-melted (re-smelted?) allowing for an 0% waste, 100% Green environmentally friendly process no?


WOW!

 

[Doctor Q]

...puts an end to 'Brick' speculation...

Don't believe it! Nothing ever puts an end to speculation in the world of Apple rumors.

 

[wonderbread57]

OMG different manufacturing processes!!

so much more exciting than a new product announcement like a tablet!

I can't wait to enjoy this new manufacturing processes case of a macbook!?

 

[Peace]

*cough* *cough*

 

[moniker]

I was thinking the same thing. That would be huge.

Not for me. But then I'm in Europe and mostly think of American cars of lesser quality from days gone by when I see "Made in the USA".

That would be great if this was true for the Macbook Pro as well. I'd liek to see that plastic edge go away.

Yup. Ditto. Very much so. It becomes a bit dented after a while.

 

[TheManOfSilver]

I've been waiting for a MB or MBP for soooo long. Hope the rumors of an Oct. 14 launch are true. I'll be ordering one as soon as they're released.

 

[kabunaru]

Hope they are also including the MBP, when they talk about "macbooks".

Hopefully the MacBook Pro too.
Enough of Macs being made in China.

 

[bigandy]

I highly doubt that manufacture would move to west due to costs.

 

[nick9191]

So by not paying Chinese kids 50 cents per day this reduces the price by $400?

Yeah that makes sense.

 

[Peace]

I highly doubt that manufacture would move to west due to costs.

It be Ireland me friend

 

[highjumppudding]

This means that apple will be creating jobs for the jobless in America and save the Eco crisis. Way to go apple taking on the leadership role.

 

[Romanesq]

I'm in.....

Since I gave away my powerbook, I am just waiting to see when these new puppies are released. Rev. A I don't care, as long as they regulate heat well I am in!

This info about the case sounds like very good news too.

 

[Shanpdx]

I hope they put very good components as well (not just the design and beauty of the laptop) and yeah get rid of the damn Combo drive too

• Three or Four USB ports
• Good video card
• Blu - Ray option
• More HDD space
• More RAM
• and realistic prices

and products for upcoming markets like BRIC(k)

 

[kabunaru]

It be Ireland me friend

Macs made in Ireland?
Hmm, sounds interesting.