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i think apple is definitely prepping the removal of superdrive in the upcoming revisions with the launch of the new AppStore. Think about it: one can now download and install any mac softwares on the go...

Not really. One program upon which I rely, Accordance, can only install certain program modules through CDs/DVDs. They are only now finally updating via the internet instead of only through optical discs, but this has posed problems because their servers have difficulty handling large files and so I often have to attempt an update several times before I receive the whole file.


The world is slowly moving away from CD and DVD technology. Some use it now. Less will use it in the future. We can agree on this, right?

Maybe it would help if we posted how many times in the last month we used a DVD drive.

I'll start.

Truthfully: Zero.

I don't agree. Too many people around me still live in the last mile district where internet service is unavailable. I probably average using my optical drive at least once a week.


Yes! Out with SuperDrive and give us a Super BluRay Drive! What's the point of having these HD displays if we can't watch BluRay and enjoy true HD? Don't anyone even bother saying HD iTunes content because thats SUB HD rubbish and cannot hold a candle to Blu Ray.

I am all for Blu Ray, but we still need OS support for it.


Already doable with Optibay. Has been that way for several years.


Why do you assume Apple will incorporate a better GPU/CPU instead of something else like additional ports on the opposite side of the machine.


Why do you assume they'll add in a bigger battery rather than remove the ODD and hard drive then instead add a 256 Gb flash module, shave off a few millimeters and call it a night?

All those who want the SSD + HDD combo should be glad the ODD is still there because they can do exactly this, today, right now in 2011.
Everything else is assumption. There are gonna be a lot of angry folks on the scene when Apple removes the ODD but doesn't 'swap in' whatever else they want.

Ditto here. I also agree that the removal of the ODD does not guarantee better CPU/GPU specs. It only guarantees Apple more profit when they sell the consumer a DVD drive at twice the price of other comparable drives.


The only reason I would accept for there NOT to be an opti drive....is if there is a harddrive in its place and an SSD drive (by default) in the harddrives place. Just sayin'

Then you'll all post another 1000 threads about Apple raising the price of the MBP $200-300 because you all want an SSD. Heres a thought, optibay and ssd.

Agreed. Right now, the consumer has the choice of the SSD installed. If Apple chooses, get ready for value (SSD) drives and a price hike.


At the end of the day, Apple will do what it believes will best accomplish its goals. I suspect that catering to the needs of every single user is not necessarily it. If they keep an ODD on all models, that will disappoint/anger some users. If they eliminate the ODD from some or all models, that will disappoint/anger some users.

Fact is some people make extensive use of an ODD, some people have no need for it. There's not a solution that will make everyone happy.

Apple will do what it thinks is best for Apple's goals, and I would be surprised if they didn't make a choice based on extensive market research involving all levels of users.

I like the solution Lenovo/IBM has had for quite a while in the Thinkpad line -- the ODD is removable and replaceable with a SATA drive bay or 2nd battery.

I didn't know about Lenovo/IBM's solution. It would be impressive to have this on a Mac, but I don't think SJ believes in consumer choice.


The classic powerbooks were also modular. I think at this point in time, S. J. would take a kick to the face rather than retrofit a modular design on the unibody enclosure they worked hard to develop. Just look at the MBP's lack of docking port. Thinkpads will always have high honors from me for durability and accessability but they won't win any beauty contest; a stark contrast from Apple's philosophy.

Yep. Lenovo/IBM laptops are my choice for PC notebooks.
 
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