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Intel iBook (MacBook) Arriving in May? and 17'' MacBook Pro?

Random Passerby said:
But what I WANT is a 12" MBP!
It seems like such a bad move from apple to cut out the pros who want a portable machine. I hope it isn't true.
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I didn't realize the MacBook Pros weren't portable... ;)
 
dwsolberg said:
Appleinsider seems to think Apple can create a dual-core, brilliant 13.3 widescreen, and separate graphics card system for iBook prices. This doesn't make sense: The cheapest MacBook Pro is $1999, about twice as much with pretty similar specs. You can't find a notebook PC with those specs and a $999 price point, and Apples are rarely cheaper than PCs.
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Actually, AI makes no mention of graphics implementation. And they don't mention pricing either, so they're not saying to expect $999.

Some_Big_Spoon said:
Me too.. I've said a number of times here that I need a smaller power(mac)book, not a larger one. No attached optical drive please, thanks.
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They might do that, but it would be a third model of laptop (macbook mini), not a replacement for the ibook.
 
Gimme a 12" Pro!

Here's what I want:

12" to 13.3" form factor
Core Duo
128MB dedicated grahpixs
SuperDrive
High quality keyboard like in the powerbooks
Ability to drive a big screen via DVI
Decent case (not ugly plastic)


I need something small that I can toss in any backpack so people don't "woo, he's carrying a notebook". I would buy the MBP if it just were smaller.


Besides, most people that bought the 12" powerbook did care less about the price than about the size. But Apple's actual approach seems "small = consumer, big = professional". I don't care too much for the price (hey, I'm buying an apple product. hellloooo?), I just need a computer I can carry around all day.

PLEASE, APPLE, MAKE A 12" MACBOOK PRO!



Let's all send e-mails to Apple askinf for a 12" MBP.
 
That's too bad, I was hoping for a 12" Macbook

I was hoping to one day replace my 12" Powerbook with a 12" Macbook. I guess this won't happen if this rumor turns out to be true. I will probably keep the Powerbook and go for the G5 replacement when available.
 
MrCrowbar said:
Besides, most people that bought the 12" powerbook did care less about the price than about the size. But Apple's actual approach seems "small = consumer, big = professional". I don't care too much for the price (hey, I'm buying an apple product. hellloooo?), I just need a computer I can carry around all day.

PLEASE, APPLE, MAKE A 12" MACBOOK PRO!
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Sounds like the models they're predicting may have everything you want except for a graphics card. What pro apps are you running that need one?

plarusa said:
I was hoping to one day replace my 12" Powerbook with a 12" Macbook. I guess this won't happen if this rumor turns out to be true. I will probably keep the Powerbook and go for the G5 replacement when available.
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There will never be a G5 powerbook. Period. I doubt we'll see ANY upgrades to any of the PPC macs before they're discontinued.
 
I did not say G5 Powerbook

milo said:
Sounds like the models they're predicting may have everything you want except for a graphics card. What pro apps are you running that need one?



There will never be a G5 powerbook. Period. I doubt we'll see ANY upgrades to any of the PPC macs before they're discontinued.
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I was thinking of the next G5 desktop replacement (what ever that turns out to be).
 
plarusa said:
I was thinking of the next G5 desktop replacement (what ever that turns out to be).
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I'm in the same boat. From what I've heard the current MBP 2.0 and 2.16 are more than capable of replacing a desktop, though perhaps not on the level with the Quad G5 Powermac. Still, they are great machines.

I am excited for the Merom/Conroe unveiling which should happen in the next several months. While Yonah was a good processor for the transition to the x86 architecture, all reports are that Merom and Conroe are the stars in the making. A Merom Mac Mini (try saying that one 3x times fast) is something I'll take a long look at, and the MBP version will be that much better, I imagine.

The question in my mind is, with the quasi-merging of the notebook lines, will "Pro" denote Merom and the iBook replacement hold onto Yonah with only certain upgrades (speed bumps, etc.)?
 
I know one thing for certain, if a dedicated graphics chip is not included I wont buy a macbook. Is it really that unreasonable to expect a decent graphics card (not a top of the range one, just something with maybe 64 or 128 vram)?

All Id want along with many other consumers is to be able to handle the odd shooter or strategy games, not at maxed out settings but at something smooth. Thats not unreasonable at €1029-€1499.
 
what about sound?

everyones talking about graphics, which I care about, but can wait to find out integrated/not..........the speculation is getting old anyway. my REAL question is what about sound? I've used my buddy's iBook for garageband in corporation with some of my own equipment, and the sound quality, for a demo, was great. will the sound card in these new intel macs have the same qualities as previous macs? If not, well jeez, i'll buy an old one. help me out, this is really important!!!:eek: (not playback, but recording sound quality)
 
Intel are supposed to be reducing prices on the Core Duo chips next month... so maybe we will see them in the MacBook. However, I still think we will se a Core Solo/Combo Drive version at the low end to cover the iBook and Core Duo/Superdrive at the high end - effectively replacing the 12" Powerbook.
 
pavetheforest said:
everyones talking about graphics, which I care about, but can wait to find out integrated/not..........the speculation is getting old anyway. my REAL question is what about sound? I've used my buddy's iBook for garageband in corporation with some of my own equipment, and the sound quality, for a demo, was great. will the sound card in these new intel macs have the same qualities as previous macs? If not, well jeez, i'll buy an old one. help me out, this is really important!!!:eek:
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Well the new minis have optical in/out, so maybe this will become a standard feature of audio across all Apple lines. As for the quality of the soundcard, I've found that soundcard technology, unlike GFX cards, has pretty much hit a point of diminshing returns.
 
dr_lha said:
Well the new minis have optical in/out, so maybe this will become a standard feature of audio across all Apple lines. As for the quality of the soundcard, I've found that soundcard technology, unlike GFX cards, has pretty much hit a point of diminshing returns.
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so do you suggest i wait it out for the new higher-end macbook or jump on an older model ibook/powerbook?
 
Is there anything that discounts two models? 13" MB and MBP? One with a Solo and integrated graphics and the other with a Duo and dedicated graphics?

Is Apple concentrating on replacing the 12 PowerBook or the iBook. If the iBook, then hello GMA950. If the PowerBook, then probably a card to match the 15".

Regardless, I'd expect the iBook replacement to sell for 1099 minimum, - just based on what we've seen so far. A more PowerBook oriented replacement would probably go for closer to 1699 or 1799, though.

Of course, my speculation/suggestion is no more valid than anyone's, but I think it takes account of everyone's issues nicely.
 
nagromme said:
A decent GPU in a small Core Duo laptop would be especially welcome, though, along with lighted keys.
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I really like the backlit keyboard on my Powerbook, and I would not want a Mac without it ... because it looks so elegant and Macs and OS X are all about elegance.
But, beyond this, the backlit keyboard is of no practical use for me at all, it is about useful as the backlit Apple logo behind the screen. As a touch-typer who uses anyway a different layout than the one printed on my keys I look at the screen when typing not at the keyboard.

Learn touch-typing, you are going to enjoy using your computer much more.
 
dr_lha said:
Well the new minis have optical in/out, so maybe this will become a standard feature of audio across all Apple lines. As for the quality of the soundcard, I've found that soundcard technology, unlike GFX cards, has pretty much hit a point of diminshing returns.
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My understanding of GarageBand and other audio apps is that you typically use an external (USB or Firewire) soundcard to get good sound. For example something from M-Audio. Usually you don't just plug your guitar into the computer. I've yet to do it, so I might be wrong.
 
i hope i dont have to get an iBook G4....but then again i could get a brand new one for cheap....I dont know what I'm gonna do! Apple needs to release more info ASAP....like by next week (tomorrow preferably :p )
 
I really hope they plan to offer something in the new pro line that is as compact and portable as the 12" Powerbook. If they don't that would be a major disappointment.
 
Thanatoast said:
Is there anything that discounts two models? 13" MB and MBP? One with a Solo and integrated graphics and the other with a Duo and dedicated graphics?

Is Apple concentrating on replacing the 12 PowerBook or the iBook. If the iBook, then hello GMA950. If the PowerBook, then probably a card to match the 15".

Regardless, I'd expect the iBook replacement to sell for 1099 minimum, - just based on what we've seen so far. A more PowerBook oriented replacement would probably go for closer to 1699 or 1799, though.

Of course, my speculation/suggestion is no more valid than anyone's, but I think it takes account of everyone's issues nicely.
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There was far too much confusion about the two models. At times, nothing was even separating them except the aluminum! The 12-inch PowerBook is definitely gone... I would not expect a MBP version.
 
Key things for me will be -

Decent graphics card - why I wont buy a mini. A 128 would really make this machine attractive

Better battery life - lets hope they have some good news

Backlight keybiard - surely this will become standard for all Apple portable machines one day

Gigabit ethernet - loose firewire but get decent speeds for network HDD storage

Dedicated function keys - surely they can find the space (at least on the 17"?)

802.11N - When are Apple going to introduce this almost finalised standard - they led the way before so why not now (A pro thingy I know)

HMDI (HDCP) out? Maybe 2007 but it would really be nice to see them lead with this stuff. (A pro thingy again - maybe the 17" will get it)

Built in GPS - This has to happen one day (Pro feature again I guess *sigh*)
 
If the rumours are true.. my income tax return will be put to good use. If it's anything smaller then 1280x 720 I may just hold onto my PB though.
 
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