MacBook Anticipation

[sam10685]

I'm inclined to think the following:
$999: Core Solo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1299: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1499: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 80GB HD, 13.3", X1300 Radeon Mobile, DVD Burner, misc other stuff ** (this model not shipping immediately)

$999: Core Solo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1299: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 80GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1599: Core Duo 2.0Ghz, 768MB DDR2, 100GB HD, 13.3", X1300 Radeon Mobile, DVD Burner, misc other stuff

 

[milo]

I'm just saying offer choices. People like choices, believe it or not.

Of course people like choices. If offering choices had no downside, I'd say offer every imaginable choice.

Sure, fewer options is simpler and cheaper. So why not just offer one laptop and one desktop? Because although simplicity is nice, people have different wants and requirements.

Yep. There's a happy medium somewhere between no choice and infinite choice, and people will always disagree where that is.

I really think you're not getting this. I'm not suggesting that apple makes a dozen different models in every possible configuration. I'm saying offer *some* range of options. You honestly think having 2 sizes of pro laptop, none smaller than 15", and 1 size of consumer laptop, 13", is smart?? I see people using 15" consumer PC laptops all day long; there's definitely a demand for something reasonably cheap but bigger than 13".

You're pulling a straw man on me. I've never accused you of saying they should offer a ton of models. I haven't said that your request is unreasonable. I've only said that fewer choices may make it easier for them to keep costs down.

And I think you're having a bit of trouble understanding my posts. I've said multiple times that I think they will have three sizes of the pro model, the smallest will likely be a macbook mini ultraslim model. The only real change that's happening is going from 12/14/15/17 to 13/15/17 (assuming the fourth size doesn't reappear later). That's dropping one size, one that was within an inch of one of another size. Not to mention that apple can make as many options available as they want with features, there's room for both a budget and pro config of the 13. We could also see more stripped down configurations of the 15 for the low end as well, that would probably make more sense than having a second completely different model with the same size screen.

 

[aswitcher]

$999: Core Solo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1299: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 80GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1599: Core Duo 2.0Ghz, 768MB DDR2, 100GB HD, 13.3", X1300 Radeon Mobile, DVD Burner, misc other stuff

To keep inventory channels flowing well and reduce wastage, the Superdrive thing should really be standard across the range. Same with graphics card. But Apple will almost cerntainly have a budget end one I guess, so there goes my theory.

 

[moesker007]

Yay

I am bored of hurrying up and waiting lol i really hope tomorrow is the day i'm macless untell they come out! Well ya i really want them to come out and i hope they aren't too spendy seeing as they are the "consumer" laptop

 

[iSee]

This isn't even a rumor! What this is saying is: "People speculate that an intel-based ibook replacement could be released tomorrow. Or maybe next week. Or the week after that. Or the week after that..."

I wish the Macbook (Not-Pro) would come out so I can be spared more of these not-a-rumors!

 

[Moshiiii]

$999: Core Solo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1299: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 80GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1599: Core Duo 2.0Ghz, 768MB DDR2, 100GB HD, 13.3", X1300 Radeon Mobile, DVD Burner, misc other stuff

How are these prices meant to be acurate? The 1599 one you mention has better specs than a Macbook Pro.

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

Let's hope they make the standard hard drives larger then 40GB. 60 should be the baseline thesedays.

 

[moesker007]

Let's hope they make the standard hard drives larger then 40GB. 60 should be the baseline thesedays.

Ya...I agree with this...with everythign getting bigger (filesizes liek pictures music and videos) it's too easy to fill a 40 GB drive.

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

I'm not in the market for a MacBook but even i'm obssessing over the damn thing!

Speculations are fun, but always end in dissapointment.

Come on Apple!

Rich.

 

[KindredMAC]

Last rumor that came out from Apple Insider said that there wouldn't be a Core Solo chip in the MacBooks... only Duo's.
Hope that is true. I don't like the benchmarks on the Mac mini with a solo.

SuperDrives across the board would be the best option but unlikely for a $999 model

My optimal choices:

13.3" Widescreen MacBook
1.66GHz Core Duo Intel
40GB Hard Drive
512MB Ram
SuperDrive (but Combo Drive more like it)
AE & BT2.0
2-USB 2.0
1-FireWire 400
1- 10/100 Ethernet port
DVI-Out
$1099

13.3" Widescreen MacBook
1.83GHz Core Duo Intel
80GB Hard Drive
512MB Ram
SuperDrive
AE & BT2.0
2-USB 2.0
1-FireWire 400
1- 10/100 Ethernet port
DVI-Out
$1499

Unfortunately, I believe we will not see the $999 model until Rev B...

 

[Whistleway]

Apple is ahead of its intel transition deadlines. I won't expect these to available until end of may or so.. I guess everyone on MR knows that too

 

[Shaddow825]

What about backlit keyboard? Will we ever see one even as an *option* in anything less than 15"??

 

[shawnce]

$999: Core Solo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 60GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1299: Core Duo 1.66Ghz, 512MB DDR2, 80GB HD, 13.3", Integrated graphics, CDRW/DVD
$1599: Core Duo 2.0Ghz, 768MB DDR2, 100GB HD, 13.3", X1300 Radeon Mobile, DVD Burner, misc other stuff

Personally I doubt we will see a core duo in Apple's consumer laptop line except for possible as a BTO. I also I would expect integrated graphics only (doubt a BTO would exist).

...but depending on price drops on the core duo side who really knows...

 

[Bern]

My bet is what ever revision is out by April next year (when I'm in the market to upgrade) will be far better than what is released soon

 

[MacRumorsReader]

The question becomes "Can Apple take the $599 Mini and turn it into a Portable for an extra $400?"

What would it look like?
And would they actually do it?

 

[milo]

The question becomes "Can Apple take the $599 Mini and turn it into a Portable for an extra $400?"

What would it look like?
And would they actually do it?

I think that's probably the best guess for two configurations of macbook. Just take the two minis and add a screen. Seems like it should be possible for an extra $400.

 

[Multimedia]

NEVER Backlit MacBook Keys

What about backlit keyboard? Will we ever see one even as an *option* in anything less than 15"??

No.

 

[Multimedia]

Bern Is A Rocket Scientist

My bet is what ever revision is out by April next year (when I'm in the market to upgrade) will be far better than what is released soon

Duh.

 

[DimFlicker]

I still don't know about the specs.. and am also beginning to doubt the idea of Core Duo in any of the macbooks... honestly, I am ok with that and would rather have the DVD burner...

There is just no way they can have a $1499 core duo 512 ram, combo dr, and expect people to pay another 500 for a bigger screen and better graphics...

that said Apple needs to get competive laptop out there... I mean a price difference is one things but when its 400 dollars and the specs on the dell is still better.. sheesh. I mean, i'm buying one, no doubt but I don't want the guy with 700 dollar dell to outshow me in my college cafeteria, know what i mean?

 

[moesker007]

No.

It's always kinda of been one of those things that seperated the pro and consumer lines of laptops even thought i would really like it in the Macbooks aka iBooks lol

 

[QCassidy352]

I've said multiple times that I think they will have three sizes of the pro model, the smallest will likely be a macbook mini ultraslim model.

But you base that on what? No rumor has pointed to a small MBP; every rumor has been that the 12" ibook, 14" ibook, and 12" PB will all collapse in to the 13.3" MB. I hope you're right, but there's no reason to think you are.

The only real change that's happening is going from 12/14/15/17 to 13/15/17

That's over simplifying it. There were 2 choices of size for ibooks, and 3 choices for powerbooks. Assuming you're wrong about the small MBP (and I have no reason to think you're right, except for your own speculation, contrary to the rumors), those size choices get reduced from 2 and 3 to 1 and 2. And I think that's a foolish move on apple's part because there is demand for both a larger consumer notebook and a smaller pro notebook.

We could also see more stripped down configurations of the 15 for the low end as well, that would probably make more sense than having a second completely different model with the same size screen.

Ok, first, 12" ibook and 12" PB coexisted for years, and all PC makers have the same size screen on both pro and consumer models, so I really don't see how that's a problem.

Second, why on earth would apple ever "strip down" a "pro" notebook, yet leave it in the "pro" line, instead of having something like that in the consumer line?? Apple has never done that in the past, and it would be totally illogical to start. If they're going to have a "stripped down" 15" laptop there's absolutely no chance they would keep it in the Aluminum enclosure with the "pro" name... Talk about causing confusion...

 

[Joe2000]

I went ot the Apple store in Bluewater on Saturday and I dont think I saw any ibooks on display. I remember seeing macbook pro and imacs and mini and i only saw the 2 powermacs they usually have on display. There was a table and I cant remebr what was on it but i think it was either macbook pros or powerbooks not ibooks. I also went to John Lewis and they had no new 60gb only customer returns... No new powermacs only ex-demos and they ibooks all had big reductions.

This seems like a promising week.

Hey man, thats my regular store!
I'm a 20minuite drive from BlueWater and I go there every Wednesday night with my Dad. And yeah again to the iBook thing - theres only 1 on display! A

 

[milo]

There is just no way they can have a $1499 core duo 512 ram, combo dr, and expect people to pay another 500 for a bigger screen and better graphics...

You never know, apple could bump specs on MBP or drop prices a little when they release the macbook.

 

[QCassidy352]

No.

I don't see why not. Like all "pro" features, backlit keys can eventually migrate from "pro" to "standard." Bluetooth, scrolling trackpads, DVD burners (just to give a few examples) used to be only for the "pro" laptops, but have come to be standard. It will happen with the backlit keys too; there is nothing magical about them.

The backlit keys help distinguish the lines; that's the only reason they've only been on powerbooks. As long as other things clearly distinguish the lines, there's no reason that one particular feature has to stay "pro." It's not even something designed for pro use... it's a gimmicky little feature that college kids would love.

 

[Joe2000]

I went ot the Apple store in Bluewater on Saturday and I dont think I saw any ibooks on display. I remember seeing macbook pro and imacs and mini and i only saw the 2 powermacs they usually have on display. There was a table and I cant remebr what was on it but i think it was either macbook pros or powerbooks not ibooks. I also went to John Lewis and they had no new 60gb only customer returns... No new powermacs only ex-demos and they ibooks all had big reductions.

This seems like a promising week.

Hey man, thats my regular store!
I'm a 20minuite drive from BlueWater and I go there every Wednesday night with my Dad. And yeah again to the iBook thing - theres only 1 on display! A 12"'er right in the corner!

FROM HERE ON THIS POST IS HIGHLY EXPLICIT!

I think we'l see new iBook's this week. Specs as follows:

- 12" Screen, 1024x768 res.

- 1.42GHz G4 Processor

- 512MB Ram

- 60GB Hard Drive

- ATI Radeon 9550 W/32MB VRam

- Combo Drive

- White Enclosure, BlueTooth, NO FRONTROW, NO ISIGHT.

Steve would say:
"So yeah, heres your new friggin iBooks and I think your gonna love em', we thought about 13.3" WS's and Core Duo's but then i thought about india, and how i'd much rather be there. Were not going to bother with a 14" iBook or 12" PowerBook replacement, new PowerMacs and iPods as those people dont exist and I quite frankly can't be bothered with all the hassle. Anyway i've gotta go now as one of my new Buddies at Disney has just had a **** and he needs his ass wiping, with my tounge. Oh yeah we were 30 a little while ago, thanks Woz. Anyway Cya!"

Imagine the crounds reaction!

- Joe.