MacBook and MacBook Pro Port Speculation

[137489]

It was mentioned somewhere in a different thread, though they just assumed the top would be black plastic as coming in iPod nano colors would mean that Apple stores would have to carry at least one of every color or would possibly lose some sales due to them not having the specific color the customer wanted at the time.

Nope, go the way of dell, interchangable tops. snap it off, snap a new one one. even the Dell Hybrid Studio have interchangable sleeves (for $20 each).

Macbooks in store would have no top plastic on them, and they would snap on the desired color at time of purchase. now that would be lame....

 

[WardC]

I have been following all these "case design leak" news reports since they first started coming in. You think if somebody actually had access to such materials they would at least have access to a fully operational pre-production unit and would have already leaked full photos showing the whole unit.

Somebody with good metalworking skills could just have easily make these cut-outs themselves by hand and be posting them as fake spoiler material. I am still not 100% sure these are real and I wouldn't depend on them.

Likely: FW Support adjustment (possibility)

Unlikely: Drop of full-size universal DVI-I dual-link support on the MacBook Pro

(I just don't think Apple would do something like this...take a unit that can drive any 30" display and introduce a successor that uses a proprietary port -- which I might add adapts to a DVI-D and requires ANOTHER 3rd party adapter for DVI-I support, and the adapter is hard to find) -- and allow it to only support single-link 1920x1200 resolution. Doesn't make a damn bit of sense.

The Existing MacBook Pro keyboards are really great, some of the best I think, I much prefer them to the thintype style Apple is touting as so great now. We shall likely continue to see the illuminated keyboard as this is a great feature on the MacBook Pro.

It's likely that Apple will be going for a more sturdy, svelt, expensive look on the MacBook (consumer) line versus the plastic black/white style before. Maybe something that Apple can produce one configuration and keep the price ultra low, it was hinted $800 may be the going price mark for the new MB. I see something with a slightly larger, higher res HD screen, an aluminum casing, and a black illuminated keyboard. somewhere 2.4-2.5GHz with 2MB RAM standard, upgradable to 4GB. Better graphics (nVidia) but still integrated, not on seperate chip (MacBook Pro will be a dedicated graphics card). When I mentioned HD, I am referring to a possible aspect ratio change from 16:10 to 16:9, maybe an increase in horizontal pixels from 1280 to 1440. It essentially will look like a small MacBook Pro, it will be much faster, better graphics, and cheaper. I don't think Blu-Ray will come standard with the MacBook consumer models.

On the Pro (higher end) side, I think we will see much of the same but with a few changes. A speed bump to introduce a 2.83 and possibly a 3.0GHz model to the line. Screen size likely to stay the same but the aspect ratio may change to 16:9. I predict Apple will keep dual-link support alive for support to drive 30" monitors. Blu-Ray support will be an option on the higher end models, some models shipping with Blu-Ray drives. Multi-touch large trackpads will be on Pro models now. Hard Drive 500GB and up to 750GB optional. SSD is available as BTO option at up to 128GB but with a hefty pricetag. Also updated video cards, LED-lit displays on all units, Matte displays still an option. Units will be thinner and cases will integrate several materials, possibly combining elements of aluminum + black (likely keyboards will be black)

So, those are my predictions. Don't be surprised if Apple makes "nano-chromatic" a 9-color choice option on the MacBook like. That would be cool. 1999 all over again!

 

[Bengt77]

The recently leaked MacBook and MacBook Pro case images have spawned a 1400+ post discussion thread.

With all due respect Arn, a large number of those 1400 posts go something like this:

omg this is sweet, i cant wait!!!​

;-)

ibjosuha

You all think 1400 posts is long? Get real, it's nothing. There's a thread over at ateaseweb.com that's nearly 3600 pages long and counts over 70.000 posts. Now that is a huge thread!

I'm not saying which thread, though, or I'll have lost my own 'private'... er... musical inspiration source.

 

[Aperture]

<snip>
Mysterius.......

Good thinking. The only thing is that wouldn't it mean that was no video out on the Macbook since the presumed DisplayPort/HDMI is only on the Pro?

 

[TheSVD]

Since I'm one of those who really don't like the fact that apple might drop there...

...Since no photos that we have seen so far have shown the back or the front, could there be more to this story than we already know...??

Mysterius.......

//Johan - Sweden

Nice work there my friend, some very good points!
Also, i do like the look of that bit ta the back of the case.. perhaps another port? or just som weird shadow?
All will be revealed

 

[aleksandra.]

In other words, when I get a new MB in 3 or so years (when hopefully has come down off of their MBA-type fetish, I will happily be basking in the glory of FW3200 or so, USB 3.0, and crazy @$$ fast everything else. Hurray for the rapid evolution of technology

You mean, in 3 years when they finally perfect wireless charging and get rid of all the ports?

Makes sense though when the "enclosure bottom" temperature sensor on my MB is usually hovering close to 100 F...

100 F = 37.8 C - barely warmer than human body..?

(...)

Fine, so where is the display port in MacBook?

 

[hazeryl]

long time lurker first time poster here.

i dont know if anyone has seen this yet but this was on the wiki for displayport

"Supporters

There are several companies stated to support DisplayPort: AMD, Analogix, Apple[citation needed], ASRock, ASUSTeK,Dell, Genesis Microchip, Hewlett-Packard, Hosiden Corporation, Intel, Integrated Device Technology, JAE, Lenovo, Luxtera, Molex, NVIDIA, NXP Semiconductors, Palit Microsystems Palit, Parade Technologies, Philips, Quantum Data, Samsung, Sparkle, Texas Instruments, and Tyco Electronics."

and it really does look like a displayport.

 

[pjarvi]

Where's the security slot? Are they leaving it off, like they did with the Air?

 

[davidee]

After that i just took the ports and placed them over the holes in the MBP-photo .... and then ..... LOOK!!

The FW400 4-pin fits perfectly in the small hole!!!
(I've attached two pictures with different opacity setting in photoshop to make it easier to see how good it fits!)
//Johan - Sweden

Question for you and others out there....

why so opposed to an 800 port if there are adapters?

also while I do use both the 4 and 800 on my MBP, most devices have a bridge (I said most, not all one of my drives does not), and even if they gave us 2 800s anyone care to theorize on what the bus can actually support (in terms of sustained throughput)? after all they give you 2 usb ports now (because I think most usb devices do not bridge) and if you try and use both for data (disk to disk xfer) its more than the bus can handle (in terms of max speed)

and for those that use ExpressCard for firewire the limit for a 34 is 60 MB/sec (pls correct me if I am wrong), so that could be a usable option (yes for MBP users only) Oddly though and I could be totally off (but if I am please post something specific saying so, not just "you are nuts" I thought express card was another interface into the same bus that USB uses....

dunno, anyway carry on

 

[fleshman03]

Ok, I have read _all_ the rumor threads and told myself I was not going to post, but this one just needed to be pointed out ....

Seriously, you are going to SELL her the MBP? You just don't want any love from her do ya ;-)

for the rest of the points:

oh yea loosing firewire would suck, but it would be another reason (besides the crappy glossy screen and non-backlit keyboard) to buy the MBP (as I have the done the last 3 revs), and loosing eth would be a detractor as the cpu would have to do the work to go over a usb dongle, and in the mainstream wireless is not _everywhere_ (especially in secured areas, but then again the mb* would generally not be allowed in as it has a camera)

I feel for those out there that want the new MB, but if it doesn't have FW save for the MBP, the impulse buy ... resist it until you can get what you want. Isn't that how we get into problems w/our economy (over simplification yes yes)? Save for another 3 months and buy the pro, you'll never look back and you'll be happy you did.

its kinda like saving for a ring, well not for fleshman03, he's not going to need to worry about that since he is selling her the MBP ;-)

just chill and we'll see what comes tomorrow. after that vote with your $ that is the only true leverage anyone has.

LOL! I do love her and hopefully she loves me.

I got a bunch of money for a laptop for grad school and so will she in a year. I was going to sell her my current macboook pro for the money she would have bought a Macbook for. I was going to pony up some other cash and buy the newest and greatest. She's not really that into tech and loves this macbook pro. It's just finical aid cash.

And besides, I pay the rent, food, insurance... everything.

 

[fleshman03]

Between the USB ports and the jacks, it even has the little "display port" icon apple has been using since before the powerbooks, so it's not that hard to see if you pay attention.

It's completely possible, but mistery port is not a display port (displayport or otherwise), apple's notebooks get a single display port, and it's already accounted for.

Ok, I'm blind. That and I don't know what the display port icon looks like.


Looks more and more like a dock thing. Why have two display ports? Maybe an HDMI and a display port? Seems like too much for Apple.

 

[pointycollars]

Where's the security slot? Are they leaving it off, like they did with the Air?

It's on the side opposite the ports, next to the optical drive slot.

 

[namethisfile]

its kinda like saving for a ring, well not for fleshman03, he's not going to need to worry about that since he is selling her the MBP ;-)

just chill and we'll see what comes tomorrow. after that vote with your $ that is the only true leverage anyone has.

WHAT? sorry. buying a computer should not be like buying for a ring. granted, the objects in question are both metallic - one is only jewelry while the other has things like slot-loading superdrives (that is very noisy, btw) and once had a port called firewire. as a tech person, i value the latter metal object more, but at least, jewelries don't change with the times, like, somethings in life. *sigh

anyways, i totally agree with you in the value of being able to save for something. but, i also value in being able to save for something and have a CHOICE. even though, one can eventually save 2 grand, 2 grand is not the goal if one is saving for a MBP. it's more like 3-4 grand. a person saving 2 grand is prob looking for a MB. if this person bought a MBP, then this person would have zero dollars left. it's ridiculous to have to save for that much money to have firewire. so, it is not firewire that people will eventually use the MBP for. and if this is so, then why is apple axing FW?

 

[Piplodocus]

The big square one it's not a port but and ashtray holder.
The small round one a pencil sharpener.

Ah, splendid! Glad someone finally sussed it.

I was feeling really pi**ed that I wouldn't get a firewire port on the new macbook, so I couldn't use my new expensive firewire interface to do recording. Now I figure I can lounge back, write stuff on an acoustic guitar instead, have a fat spliff (using the new ashtray connector), and write lyrics and notes with a pencil (sharpened by the built in sharpener) where I can scribble out and write anywhere on the page to help my thought processes.

Funnily enough this was my old method and I think I actually might have been more creative overall! Mind you, I could do this with my old IBM XT w/dual 5 1/4" drives & CGA though, and not blow £1k.

 

[JG271]

If they have gotten rid of Firewire on the MacBook, how do they suppose people transfer their files? I've got a lot of things to transfer from my MacMini to the macbook i'll hopefully have in a week or so!

Hope this isn't true, not everyone has high-speed wireless!

 

[davidee]

LOL! I do love her and hopefully she loves me.

I got a bunch of money for a laptop for grad school and so will she in a year. I was going to sell her my current macboook pro for the money she would have bought a Macbook for. I was going to pony up some other cash and buy the newest and greatest. She's not really that into tech and loves this macbook pro. It's just finical aid cash.

And besides, I pay the rent, food, insurance... everything.

Heh, its alllll good man, I secretly was just jealous that you figured out how to get some cash from her, I kinda felt stupid for a split second because I bought mine a MB when the black ones came out, you on the otherhand get <ahem> and $1500

/me sighs ;-)

 

[aleksandra.]

long time lurker first time poster here.

i dont know if anyone has seen this yet but this was on the wiki for displayport

"Supporters

There are several companies stated to support DisplayPort: AMD, Analogix, Apple[citation needed], ASRock, ASUSTeK,Dell, Genesis Microchip, Hewlett-Packard, Hosiden Corporation, Intel, Integrated Device Technology, JAE, Lenovo, Luxtera, Molex, NVIDIA, NXP Semiconductors, Palit Microsystems Palit, Parade Technologies, Philips, Quantum Data, Samsung, Sparkle, Texas Instruments, and Tyco Electronics."

and it really does look like a displayport.

I'm not 100% sure about it, but I think someone quoted the same wikipedia article yesterday and Apple wasn't listed as supporting DisplayPort.

 

[fleshman03]

Heh, its alllll good man, I secretly was just jealous that you figured out how to get some cash from her, I kinda felt stupid for a split second because I bought mine a MB when the black ones came out, you on the otherhand get <ahem> and $1500

/me sighs ;-)

I doubt it'll be that much. More like $1k. She is my GF after all.

 

[MasterNile]

Hard Drive 500GB and up to 750GB optional.

They do not have a 750 GB 2.5" HD

 

[kolax]

They do not have a 750 GB 2.5" HD

They could offer dual 500GB drive though.

 

[Minimoose 360]

I'm seriously doubting that SSDs are going to be in these new Macbooks/Pros even as an option.

 

[MasterNile]

They could offer dual 500GB drive though.

Although that would be great I doubt it, but I'd love 1TB of HD space in a notebook, I've even considered replacing my combo drive with an SATA Optibay HD and using a 2.5" 500GB HD

 

[Halldorf]

Good thinking. The only thing is that wouldn't it mean that was no video out on the Macbook since the presumed DisplayPort/HDMI is only on the Pro?

Fine, so where is the display port in MacBook?

Good points!
..but i have a theory for that as well..

When you look at the pictures from the left side of both MB and MBP (the side with all connectionsas it seams so far) there is this "mysterious port" visible on the MBP, and for me the most logical for it wold be HDMI or DisplayPort (e-sata is almost out of the question)

In that case (if the small port beside the USB is infact a FW400 4-pin) you do have external display option.

..and since this "mysterious port doesn't show on the left-side pictures of the MB this would mean that there is no external video option for MB..right??!

There is however speculations that this mysterious port exist EVEN on the MB, and is visible on another picture!

When the cases are upside down you can clearly see that on the MB there is, at the exact same place as on the MBP, something that could be a similar "mysterious port" (looks like a full-sized dvi with a screw on each side of it).

You can see it from the inside (case upside down) but not from the outside (the picture of the left side) because it might just not have been carved out!
(Just as the powerbutton is carved out on the MB and not on the MBP!)

There is however something there on the MB!

So if this is true, BOTH MB and MBP WILL HAVE (atleast) FW400 AND DISPLAYPORT/HDMI.

...and the world would be a much better and happier place!

Attaching two pictures to explain what i mean..

//Johan - Sweden

 

[Bregalad]

What happens to Target disk mode???

If Apple really does remove FireWire they will be giving up two major advantages of the platform: target disk mode and migration manager.

As some have already mentioned there are some pieces of hardware that don't work through FireWire bridges, they must be connected directly to the computer. If the MBP has only a single FW port some serious content creators are going to be screwed.

As realistic as those case parts look I really hope they're not the real thing.

 

[Aperture]

Good points!
..but i have a theory for that as well..

Again, good points. Assuming the mystery port is indeed on both models I am betting that we will see a 4 pin Firewire + DisplayPort combo on both. I've found 4 pin Firewire to be more mainstream and will welcome the change.