Higher Quality MacBook Pro Case Photos

[samh004]

Its difficult to tell, but from what I can see from those pics, the optical drive is on the right side on both the 13" and 15" instead of being up front on the 15".

I will be EXTREMELY displeased if that turns out to be the case.

I find having the optical drive on one side and ports on the other better. Plus at least they'll be having the same thing across their entire line-up.

Looking good. Now come on Apple, make the whole case out of Al!

There goes airport performance.

the idea of a half plastic Macbook makes me nervous..

The iPhone has a plastic back.

kind of sucks for my 1G and 2G ipods then

I didn't realise they were still supported by the iTunes store anyway, do they support protected songs? There is an answer to this issue below though, and if you're going to buy a new laptop, you'd think an iPod wouldn't break the bank, especially if you're a student (back to school promotions).

What specifically aggravates me about this should it be true is that they are willing to compromise on details like this just for an extra .1" reduction in thickness. I sometimes think apple puts far too much emphasis on thinness at the expense of functionality.

What it says to me is they are unifying their line-up so everything is similar. I do think they put too much emphasis on thin though, it's getting silly now.

Does this mean all hope is lost on the optical-drive-less MacBook?

Look at a MacBook Air.

Whatever Apple releases, I will likely buy a MBP. My Alu Powerbook has served me well for well over 4 years now, and considering my usage of it, I will need FW ports, the 800 AND the 400, unless they provide an adapter with the machine to turn the FW 800 into two 400's, but 2 800 would be better, I have a FW800 external HD, and a FW400 audio interface, that both need to be connected at the same time...

Chances are it'll have an ExpressCard/34 slot, and I know you can buy firewire adapters for them. I know it's an additional expense, but it can be done.

Both Back-Lit Chicklet Keyboard

I don't think they would include the backlit keyboard as standard across the line, when it's so easy to exclude it and make you want to spend more, just for 'it'.

I think they leave the 13 for the more portable Air and the Macbook goes 14 and the pro 16-18...

we will see...

We've had a mac laptop at 14" before, it didn't sell particularly well compared to it's 12" brother.

a MB or MBP without Firewire 400? don't believe that!
without Firewire 800 is possible, cause that will go out of the market.
but a F400 is in!

Actually, just because FW400 is in more devices, it's more likely that the slower standard will leave first. According to wikipedia, the FW800 port can be used for FW1600/3200 speeds.

I expect the first MBP's to come with an adapter to go from FW800 to FW400, and the next revision to cut costs and leave that as something you have to buy yourself.

Besides, the ExpressCard slot should allow you to add FW400 ports, should you need more.

I'm a bit afraid they made it even thinner, it can only mean: less powerful than it could have been or even hotter.

I'm sure it'll be even hotter, but that's to be expected as chips get faster anyway.

Anyone remember this patent?

All the port are now on the left side of the MacBook's according to this article...

It's funny you should bring that up. I reckon that small pencil shaped slot could be the proprietary connector that this system uses. Haven't seen any other ideas for what it could be.

Dunno about Pandas but those shots are what I'm expecting:

Try Colorware if you want something that hideous.

yes you are right!!!!!!
BUT...
do you think that we are going to see a macbook pro without a usb on the right side?

From the photos is certainly looks so, only a lock slot will be on the right. In an odd spot too.

In this image of the inside of the case you see what looks to me to be a different piece of tape in the same spot, as iEdd said, I don't know if it is a port or what kind but I'm pretty sure there's a hole there

I reckon that's a connector for a display. It's likely to be Display Port, or DVI. HDMI is a lot smaller.

indeed a strange connection (5th from left)

At first I thought it must be a Micro-DVI, as it's clearly not the shape of Mini-DVI. However, having never owned a MBA I didn't realise Micro-DVI looks like a USB port, it's not that. If it is a display port, it also needs to be able to support a 30-inch display.

It also looked like a Mini-USB, but it's not.

Someone mentioned it could be Mini-HDMI, but it doesn't look like that either:

could it be a sata?/esata port this could connect hard drives and raids etc...looks the same size and shape.

This is relating to the covered port, I don't think it's likely to be eSATA as that's something you can easily add on with the ExpressCard. Rather, I think it's likely to be a large display connector, as mentioned above.

nobody answers me!!!!

if the big case is a MBP then we have a MBP with no ports ,USB or other,on the right side...

do you like this decision?

I am happy with this, and there is one port on the right side, it's a lock slot.

anyone betting that the keyboard will be white?
i hope so... i dont like black/silver

White would pick up fingerprints and dirt much easier. I'd rather black. Looks pro too.

Now for my own rumour. Assuming I haven't missed my chances by taking so long reading this thread, I did a search for mini-displayport and came up with a PDF from a Chinese company about their operation for 2008.

On page 43 they mention that from January to March this year they did the following:

1/1/2008 ～ 3/31/2008
1.Batch production for Sony HDMI Cable 3M.
2.Development to Apple’s mouse cable and keyboard cable.
3.Development to Apple’s Mini Displayport.
4.Development to Displayport products.
5.Development to halogen-free signal cable.

As nice as they were to print this information, they don't provide a photo of the port.

PDF link

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

I am predicting:

At the notebook event, we will see/hear emphasis on "a price point for everybody" or something of that ilk. The missing sentence will be: "choose carefully though, as the new features that convince you buy will likely drive you to the top of the price range."

Apple is not ever competitive in their market. Not ever. Nor will they start now, despite economic hyper-stagflation.

Sure they'll "keep the economy in mind" by releasing the cheapest MacBook ever sold. That doesn't mean it will be cheap, and it CERTAINLY doesn't mean it will have value.

I'm sure we'll be dazzled by an $800, gorgeous aluminum MacBook, that has less features (and ports) than a $400 sony.

 

[The Man]

With the rumor of multiple price points, in theory the entry level MB could have no FireWire (cheaper) and the mid-level and up could have FireWire. The photos could only be showing the casing for the entry level. Wishful thinking.

This would not be logical, because multiple case designs would drive cost up. And they have to reshuffle the ports to make place for the FireWire in the higher-end model. This would mean the inside circuity and board will have to be different. This will drive costs up for Apple, and what they're constantly trying to do is making things cheaper.

 

[Mackan]

Don't know if this was said already, cause I skipped to the end...
With that other rumor of 12 price points it would be hard not to go up to more models, plus a 3100 price point? Sounds like a better high end pro, not a compromise.

Apple probably just divided it up in 12 price points for milking money. For example, I am sure I would like the model at price point 3, but it misses the critical feature like 512 MB VRAM or anything... so it forces me to by the model at price point 4 or above... In the end, some people end up buying the machine at price point 12, paying also for other upgraded things you don't really need... Typical Applish buisness (greed) in a nutshell.

 

[MrHatken]

Mystery Side Holes

I think that mystery larger hole on the front of the left-hand side of the MacBook (probably not a Pro) could be:

1. A connector for the slot loading mechanism that pulls the MacBook into the iMac-like display dock, also makes sense to have optical on right,

2. A HDMI port, although that is a strange place to put it, or

3. A button/latch for a battery and/or drive door on the bottom of the case (see picture elsewhere of the long battery/drive door).

Admittedly the long battery/drive door picture had the button/latch on the bottom of the machine and towards the back (IIRC)

Also, that circular hole could be for the IR receiver - it looks about the right size, and it would have looked odd on the front on it's own. This may enable people to use the IR when they are in front of and behind the laptop as long as they are on the appropriate side. I've always found the remote hard use when presenting if I walk around in front of the machine.

BTW, I think these are both MacBooks (13" and 15").

Cheers,
Ashley.

 

[todhunter]

Notebooks?

One thing I haven't seen being discussed is the text on the invitation to the event. I think it is more significant than the size of the Apple logo. Why use the term "Notebooks"? Apple has a very good brand name for its portables. They are ALL called "Macbooks" (Macbook, Macbook pro, Macbook Air). Why abandon it now, and use such a generic term? My guess is they will be introducing a new product on Tuesday that will be more of a notebook than a Macbook. What do you think?

 

[drachir24]

i dont understand.nvidia chipset has eSata display port a PCI express 2.0.Why not in MAcBook.What is difference between nvidia chipset a nvidia chipset in MacBook.

 

[Scott6666]

Too thin to cool?

With it being that thin I hope it does not turn out to be a noise disaster like the Air. The Air did not have have room for fins and a decent heat sink so the fan does all the work. Hope this is not the case for the MB/MBP.

 

[Masklinn]

There goes airport performance.

Has there been an airport perf outcry re Macbook Pro and Macbook Air?

The iPhone has a plastic back.

3G.

According to wikipedia, the FW800 port can be used for FW1600/3200 speeds.

yep, FW1600 and FW3200 reuse the FW800 port as-is

I'm sure it'll be even hotter, but that's to be expected as chips get faster anyway.

They're removing one of the chips inside though (the MCP is a unified chip versus north/south design on Intel platforms)

 

[corinhorn]

This would not be logical, because multiple case designs would drive cost up. And they have to reshuffle the ports to make place for the FireWire in the higher-end model. This would mean the inside circuity and board will have to be different. This will drive costs up for Apple, and what they're constantly trying to do is making things cheaper.

Which is why I said it was just wishful thinking. I will miss FireWire.

 

[thefunkymunky]

One thing I haven't seen being discussed is the text on the invitation to the event. I think it is more significant than the size of the Apple logo. Why use the term "Notebooks"? Apple has a very good brand name for its portables. They are ALL called "Macbooks" (Macbook, Macbook pro, Macbook Air). Why abandon it now, and use such a generic term? My guess is they will be introducing a new product on Tuesday that will be more of a notebook than a Macbook. What do you think?

Apple has always used the term 'notebook' for it's notebooks. They don't use 'laptop' because they get so damn hot you can't use them on your lap.

 

[Scott6666]

Sell lots, move the stock

Precisely my concern. I have already booked a personal shopper on wednesday for this. I hope there is enough stock..although I don't think they will be queuing out the door for these though.

Just in case they are...hands off my MBP!! My nearest store is in Sheffield, what about you?

I can never resist a little detour into the store when I am nearby...drives my GF crazy. I mean...it's not like she drags me round loads of shoe shops is it

I hope it sells well enough that the stock starts to go back up.

Everyone OK with money to buy since the stock market debacle? We're sitting tight on expenses around here for the moment. Of course, that prohibition may not include new Macs!

 

[Tallest Skil]

i dont understand.nvidia chipset has eSata display port a PCI express 2.0.Why not in MAcBook.What is difference between nvidia chipset a nvidia chipset in MacBook.

One exists and the other is made up.

And Apple always gets their way on ports.

 

[M!K]

yay more spy pics! and good quality ones too. now the question is… white or black chicklet keys for the MacBook? if it has black keys well know it has backlighting too.

Yeah I think ur right!! We will have the choose b/w white or black keyboard!!! But I think that the white chicklet keys could be backlit too. Why do you say if they're white, they won't be backlit.

Anyway I need to buy a smaller laptop for school ( i have a MBP)... so i wanna buy the new MacBook... if and only if, it has a backlit keyboard. It is one of my favorite feature of the MBP and I wouldn't tolerate to go back to a normal keyboard with no light!!. But I think I'm goona wait till January. Because if Apple releases a new, let's say MacBook Touch this January and I will have spent my money on the MacBook... I wouldn't be happy. January always sees the arrival of a new product.

So it kills me but I have to wait! It's gonna be so tempting Tuesday!!

 

[corinhorn]

One thing I haven't seen being discussed is the text on the invitation to the event. I think it is more significant than the size of the Apple logo. Why use the term "Notebooks"? Apple has a very good brand name for its portables. They are ALL called "Macbooks" (Macbook, Macbook pro, Macbook Air). Why abandon it now, and use such a generic term? My guess is they will be introducing a new product on Tuesday that will be more of a notebook than a Macbook. What do you think?

I doubt it. I think we are reading too much into the invitation.

 

[hqsbud]

I'm in agreement with those who say the strange-shaped port is just a regular Mini-DVI port. It does look strange, but i think it's just a trick of reflected light. Look at the reflected light on the lower left corners of the audio-in and headphone jacks. Now look at the video port and imagine reflected light at the same angle. If you look really closely, you can even see a slight dark line to complete the shape of a normal Mini-DVI port, and the reflected light just makes it look like an indent in that corner.

 

[Wierd Fishes]

Apple probably just divided it up in 12 price points for milking money. For example, I am sure I would like the model at price point 3, but it misses the critical feature like 512 MB VRAM or anything... so it forces me to by the model at price point 4 or above... In the end, some people end up buying the machine at price point 12, paying also for other upgraded things you don't really need... Typical Applish buisness (greed) in a nutshell.

So buy it from the site and 'customize' it.

 

[hobbbz]

No you don't, you lose audio dude. Which makes it completely useless because all TV's when set to receiving HDMI input cannot simultaneously use another input such as a composite in which would be needed to input analog audio by using the output from the Mac. DVI is not a solution for TV connectivity. The best way is DisplayPort. It's the native interface internally, it outputs high bandwidth audio/video and also does the HDCP stuff so its HDMI capable as well. Besides that the future of external LCD's for computers will be DisplayPort not HDMI nor DVI.

not true at all. My samsung tv has hdmi in and I use it with my PowerBook and a dvi>hdmi cable. Now since dvi has no audio I hook up a 3.5 mm>RCA from my headphone jack to my Tvs audio in. Works likes a charm.

 

[Wierd Fishes]

One thing I haven't seen being discussed is the text on the invitation to the event. I think it is more significant than the size of the Apple logo. Why use the term "Notebooks"? Apple has a very good brand name for its portables. They are ALL called "Macbooks" (Macbook, Macbook pro, Macbook Air). Why abandon it now, and use such a generic term? My guess is they will be introducing a new product on Tuesday that will be more of a notebook than a Macbook. What do you think?

Allow me to use some synonyms:
My guess is they will be introducing a new product on Tuesday that will be more of a laptop than a laptop. What do you think?

 

[Masklinn]

I'm in agreement with those who say the strange-shaped port is just a regular Mini-DVI port.

That's also what I think, but the size of the port is noticeably smaller than the mini-dvi port on my own macbook, be it compared to the USB ports next to it (mini-dvi is 8mm high, USB ports are 6mm, so mini-dvi is 30% higher) or compared to the jacks (4mm diameter, so half the mini-dvi height). On this pic, the port is at best the height of the USB ports, so much smaller than the existing mini-dvi

 

[aswitcher]

Could the mystery hole be a SIM slot!?

 

[Mackan]

So buy it from the site and 'customize' it.

Uhm, Apple has used the scenario I wrote a long time already. Example, you have to buy the middle priced MacBook to get the superdrive. The base model cannot be customized on their website to include a superdrive. And this is how they will continue.

 

[iGary]

I'm gonna be pissed if there's no FireWire on the MB.

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

I hope it sells well enough that the stock starts to go back up.

Everyone OK with money to buy since the stock market debacle? We're sitting tight on expenses around here for the moment. Of course, that prohibition may not include new Macs!

Yikes, you think new notebooks selling well is going to positively affect Apple's stock? No sir, not anymore. It will put some much-needed cash into their accounts, but thats it.

Thats like expecting everything to be ok if you go out and expertly mow, shape, and care for your lawn, while the house is burning down behind you.

 

[DonSqueak]

The iPhone has a plastic back.

Ahh, finally the MBP will feel more pleasing in my hand when I hold it to the ear, ringing people. Not to mention the far better MBP 3G reception...