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Thunderbolt

I have to bring this one back up since I didn't have time to post when I first read it.

I think people that are "pissed off" about where Apple computers are heading are missing a huge new feature that many people have discounted already: Thunderbolt.

I think Thunderbolt, in more mature iterations, is going to be the thing that makes MacBook Air form factor computers the only computer Apple sells in the future. Yes, the ONLY. No Mac Pros, no MB Pros, just MB Airs. I can even see iMacs going to the wayside with it since they are simply laptops with huge screens.

So you will have your MacBook Air: Need more storage? Plug in a huge external RAID array. Need more screen? Plug it in. Need more speed? Well, I think that is going to be coming via Thunderbolt accessories and you will simply be able to plug it in.

Look at the current Thunderbolt display. It is basically a processor, RAM and HDD away from being a full on computer. So buy a Thunderbolt display that has all the processing power you need and then when you are at your "pro" job, plug in your MBA and have all your documents/data right there plus multiple cores of processing and/or graphics power. Then you can go home or to a job site or whatever and bring everything with you in a more portable form factor that gets 8+ hours of battery life but still has decent processing power what with Intel's strong looking roadmap for processors.

This may sound outlandish or stupid to some but I believe this is the future of the Apple computer line up.
 
Certainly, the future will see Apple cut out lagging or relatively unpopular branches of its product line.

Hell, anyone remember the Hi-Fi music system? Perhaps the Hi-Fi is an extreme example, maybe think back to the Cube. Regardless, there were and will be products which just don't "cut-it". The reach of this phrase will begin to expand as Apple grows larger, and there may be some seemingly severe cuts in previously successful or adored product lines. I'm "worried" about the iPod myself. Integration may be the death of it.

They've got quite a tight line-up today when compared to the past, and it will only get tighter.
 
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I think it is funny that folks are getting bent out of shape based on rumors. I doubt the MBP is going away. It may be getting slimmer, but with new chips coming out that have better performance along without heat issues they can afford to have a smaller form factor. Why not? Who doesn't want a smaller laptop? The whole point is to be mobile. If they can get the same performance with a thinner design, that is the best of both worlds.

I hope the Mac Pro doesn't go away, however, I don't know how much they make with them. Though, I thought there are rumors of a new design coming out, so maybe just wait until we actually know before we light the torches.

I also don't think they will go all in on external thunderbolt devices. That kind of defeats the purpose of a laptop. Sure there is a huge realm of possibilities with it and can't wait to see what they come out with other than storage and monitors.

I also am on the side that doesn't think the extra $$ for the MAC is as outrageous and a ripoff as some say. Sure I wish it was lower and closer to PCs but if I build out a HP laptop it is nowhere close to half the price of a 17" MBP.
In fact HP charges more for an SSD drive than Apple does. That surprised me.

A 17" MBP is about $2500.
A similar 17" HP DV7TE with 1920x1080 screen is $1750. It does have 8GB of RAM and a Blue Ray. However, it has a 5400 rpm drive, 2.3Ghz i7 instead of 2.4Ghz (not a big deal yes I know) and no software comparable to iLife.

Also, if you build a PC with similar components as an iMAC it isn't half or even close to half the price. Sure it will have better desktop components. Compare the iMac to the PC All-In-Ones and see how things shape up.

Personally I value the OSX, iLife as well as how every Apple device we have integrates seamlessly with each other. It is a joy, IMHO and worth a good chunk of $$.

Yes I wish Apple had a midrange desktop. Yes I wish they had a Blue Ray drive. Yes I wish they were cheaper. Yes they could do things better. But what company couldn't? Apple gets closer to what I want, so that is where I put my business.
 
most of the people who are bitching at me are probably just apple fan boys.

Before the return of Jobs, Apple seemed to be trying to listen to your type of complaints. They created all sorts of machines, right up until they almost went bankrupt. Fortunately, Jobs returned and saved Apple from both a bankruptcy and from a future of only making commodity PC boxes all sporting the best specs. I am able to appreciate all that Apple is doing to make a future when we don't need or judge our tools based on ports or specs, but instead on rethinking entire systems of tools and methodologies to solve our basic problems.
 
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