Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Do you think Apple is switching away from polycarbonate plastic for the MacBooks???

M

mox123

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 18, 2007
259
1
Chicago
Given what they've done for the iMac and now even the iconic iPod.....the LAST product that defines the consumer line -- MACBOOK-- is the ONLY product left that uses white plastic....will the next macbook revision switch them to aluminum as well????? IF so, that's a HUGE update....:confused:
 
They'll change it only if it makes for better recycling, I believe.

I think it's a whole lot more expensive to use metal for everything.
 
As i said at the iMac launch the macbook sticks out like a soar thumb it dose not belong in the line up.
Like putting a macbook pro for sale on dell's website.
 
i believe that they'll make them aluminum, sure if that's what you want.

they'll be colored like the nanos though, i guarentee it if that's the case.
 
If I was apple, I would announce new macbooks with aluminum enclosures and the shipping date for Leopard around the end of the month, but not shipping them until leopard is out. They don't have much to lose, sales are going to go way down on macs until leopard is out, and at least this way, they keep up a steady pre-order rate.

As for the enclosure, I would make it a three tiered system, much like the nanos were.

Bottom macbook, only in Silver
Middle macbook, silver + whatever colors they would use
Top macbook, only in black

I can always hope this is what they do, and they really do have nothing to lose on an early announcement, and may even gain some pre-orders.
~Thursday
 
mox123 said:
Given what they've done for the iMac and now even the iconic iPod.....the LAST product that defines the consumer line -- MACBOOK-- is the ONLY product left that uses white plastic....will the next macbook revision switch them to aluminum as well????? IF so, that's a HUGE update....:confused:
Click to expand...

Apple needs to replace that weak plastic case with metal so it will last longer.
 
For the short term ... I doubt it. I think longer term they will transition the MacBook to aluminum but only after they have made sure to "separate" the MacBook Pro even further to ensure the perception that the Pro models are a premium with respect to looks.
 
This is why I'm buying my MacBook in October with Leopard even if they don't change the MacBook. I really like the white on the MacBooks and i hate the aluminum on the MacBook Pro.:apple::apple::apple::apple:
 
applefb00 said:
This is why I'm buying my MacBook in October with Leopard even if they don't change the MacBook. I really like the white on the MacBooks and i hate the aluminum on the MacBook Pro.:apple::apple::apple::apple:
Click to expand...

:eek: HERESY! My Macbook Pro demands an immediate apology! Written on official letterhead of course. :p Just kidding.
 
applefb00 said:
This is why I'm buying my MacBook in October with Leopard even if they don't change the MacBook. I really like the white on the MacBooks and i hate the aluminum on the MacBook Pro.:apple::apple::apple::apple:
Click to expand...
You aren't the only one who feels this way.

I have much respect for the MacBook Pro specs and the users that own them. But in all honesty I have to say that the aluminum case looks really cheap.

I hate that case just as much as you do, and I too plan to buy a standard MacBook. At this time I'm trying to decide whether to get the white or black model. I have owned several iBooks, which influences me to buy a white MacBook. The black case looks quite nice, though.
 
MK2007 said:
You aren't the only one who feels this way.

I have much respect for the MacBook Pro specs and the users that own them. But in all honesty I have to say that the aluminum case looks really cheap.

I hate that case just as much as you do, and I too plan to buy a standard MacBook. At this time I'm trying to decide whether to get the white or black model. I have owned several iBooks, which influences me to buy a white MacBook. The black case looks quite nice, though.
Click to expand...
it comes down 2 if u want the black so much you pay more $$$$$:apple:
 
i hope they stick with the white plastic design for a little while, as i just got my macbook a couple months ago....it's strange that, while i was using my aluminum powerbook for the last 4 years, i always wanted one of those cute white plastic laptop to match my iPod....and now that i have one, they are switching the iPod to aluminum!

also, once the novelty has worn off, i do think that the black macbook looks a little more professional than the white one....and black aluminum seems way more plausible than the white version now that they have got rid of all models white in color (iMac and iPod):eek:
 
Apple seems more committed than ever to make their computers more recyclable. So it's definitely possible, but don't expect anything before Macworld '08 at the earliest.

An issue from a marketing/design standpoint would be to make the two lines more distinguishable from each other. I wouldn't be surprised if they shift one line to black metal. I'd be more surprised if they colorize Macbooks, though - there's still a lot of hate from the original kiddie iBooks from years past, and I'm skeptical that the bright colors of iPods past and present would look good on a laptop.
 
This might not be fair to Apple, but eying the Macbook Pros from Colorware makes me really wary of rainbow colors on Apple laptops.

Then again, Dell can't keep up with orders on funky-colored laptops, so what do I know?
 
MK2007 said:
I have much respect for the MacBook Pro specs and the users that own them. But in all honesty I have to say that the aluminum case looks really cheap.
Click to expand...

Isn't that funny. To me, the mbp casing looks better, but feels weaker. Conversely, the macbook's casing looks like a child's toy(white only, black looks good), but feels sturdy. It's like you can't win.
 
From my experience with my old powerbook, the aluminum surface scratches way way way too easily....my only quib really for its design
 
You'll have to pry my plastic Macbook out of my cold, dead hands

Since the Macbook's WiFi reception blows the doors off the Macbook Pro
(try 'em side by side if you don't believe it), I'll gladly "settle" for the plastic
case of the Macbook, as it does not interfere with radio waves. Heck, even the (plastic)
G3 powerbooks have better reception than the Ti and Al Powerbooks - as well as the MBP...
 
I've always had envy of the aluminium macbook pro machines and will probably get a refurb or something when the design totally changes. The current MBP would last me for years. Even my MacBook is going strong after a year of constant use.
 
I read somewhere that they're trying to eliminate all PVC and other non-green materials from their product lineup by 2009
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back