MacBook Anticipation

[milo]

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.

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.

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...

A future mini macbook is just my own personal opinion. 2+3 is really just 4 since two of those are the same size. And I do think it would be a nicer option to make more features a la carte instead of having a stock "low end" 15 and "pro" 15. (seems like a bit of an artificial distinction anyway) I'd much rather have more BTO options, roll your eyes all you want.

 

[bankshot]

My iBook G3 800 just died last week - logic board.
Suddenly, I am very interested in the MacBook!!

Same here. About 2 weeks ago for my G3 600 iBook. And of course it's outside the 3-year window for the logic board replacement program. I may still try to talk Apple into fixing or replacing it anyway (this is my 3rd failure). That would be the best scenario -- keep this iBook for another year or two, and then get a rev B or rev C MacBook. Unfortunately I wouldn't bet on it happening. I'm just not one of those people who can rant and rave to customer service in just the right way to bend them to my will...

Assuming it doesn't happen that way, then we'll be very interested in a new Intel machine. You don't realize how convenient a laptop truly is, even just around the house, until suddenly you're chained to a desk for anything on the computer. The thing that bugs me most is that I wouldn't even consider spending that money yet if the iBook hadn't failed again. Apple may make more money by selling me an inferior product!

Oh well. Sounds like May/June (I highly doubt tomorrow)... maybe by then we'll have a few options for Windows virtualization. It'll be very nice to have the few Windows things I need side by side with Mac stuff on the same machine.

 

[rhsgolfer33]

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

Not to mention that for only $200 more than the mid end Macbook, youre getting a DVD burner, more ram, a bigger hard drive and a 340mhz faster processor, aint gonna happen. The core duo 2ghz itself is $182 more expensive than the 1.66ghz core duo(according to intels price listing.

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

This is more so what Id like to see, prolly wont though. If they can get me a core duo, a dedicated graphics card, frontrow, and iSight all in a 13.3" $1599 package, I'm all over it(especially since the top of the line would be $1499 with a $100 education discount).

 

[themacman]

Not to mention that for only $200 more than the mid end Macbook, youre getting a DVD burner, more ram, a bigger hard drive and a 340mhz faster processor, aint gonna happen. The core duo 2ghz itself is $182 more expensive than the 1.66ghz core duo(according to intels price listing.

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

This is more so what Id like to see, prolly wont though. If they can get me a core duo, a dedicated graphics card, frontrow, and iSight all in a 13.3" $1599 package, I'm all over it(especially since the top of the line would be $1499 with a $100 education discount).

dont you think the top end is a little close in specs to the macbook pro, i think if that would come out it would be a 13'' macbook pro, it is way to small of a gap for $400 dollars.

 

[ArthurS]

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

$300 more only for a SuperDrive?

...and a Core Duo instead of solo. Thanks for pointing that out, rhsgolfer

 

[rhsgolfer33]

dont you think the top end is a little close in specs to the macbook pro, i think if that would come out it would be a 13'' macbook pro, it is way to small of a gap for $400 dollars.

Yeah I totally do, but I cant figure out what specs theyd release the upper end macbook with. I suppose $1599 for a 1.66ghz core duo, X1300, 60gb, 512mb is possible, but I think alot of people will see that as over priced, although Id pay it.

 

[Phobophobia]

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...

And a pro design, and a lighted keyboard, and the fastest processor, and bigger HD BTO options...

 

[rhsgolfer33]

$300 more only for a SuperDrive?

And a core duo.

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

but I do agree that even a duo and a superdrive seems like a small difference when you look at what you get for $300 between the high end a low end. I dont know, maybe the higher end will keep 512mb ram or a 60gb hard drive standard, who knows, all we can do is speculate, haha.

 

[50548]

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.

No, it's not foolish, it would be a great move to streamline Apple's inventory...nobody needs more than 3 sizes...13, 15 and 17 would be ideal...just add to that lots of BTO options and you are set to go...no need for 2 extra MBPs or 2 extra MBs...all would be available in 3 sizes and 1/2 models (1 MB with a high-end model that equates the PB 12", plus 2 MBPs with all whistles as usual)...simple and cost-effective for Apple and its factory lines.

Just to add the lines as they will happen by the end of April:

1 MB 13.3" WS
Core Solo A
Core Solo B
Core Duo C (PB 12" replacement with backlit keyboard and better GPU)

1 MBP 15"

as of now

1 MBP 17"

as of MBP 15", plus bigger screen/HD/RAM/fastest Core Duo/bad-ass GPU

Just wait and see...

 

[itcheroni]

Not to mention that for only $200 more than the mid end Macbook, youre getting a DVD burner, more ram, a bigger hard drive and a 340mhz faster processor, aint gonna happen. The core duo 2ghz itself is $182 more expensive than the 1.66ghz core duo(according to intels price listing.

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

This is more so what Id like to see, prolly wont though. If they can get me a core duo, a dedicated graphics card, frontrow, and iSight all in a 13.3" $1599 package, I'm all over it(especially since the top of the line would be $1499 with a $100 education discount).

Since everyone is making their own predictions...

$999: 1.66 core duo, IIG, 512 mb, 60 gb, combo (BTO to SD), no iSight/Frontrow
$1499: 1.83 core duo, a graphics card, 512 mb, 80 gb, SD, iSight + Frontrow

And there will be COLORS!

This will come out right after the price drops by Intel. So not tomorrow. Sorry. The pro line will move to 2.0/2.16/2.33 chips.

 

[j26]

Merom chips NEXT TUESDAY!!!

 

[justflie]

My thought is, if they held a special event for the Mini & iPod Boombox, they'll have one for the MacBooks.

a good point, but a lot of people took that presentation as a real dud. Not too much excitement on anyone's part, including steve's since there was nothing amazing and new that was being presented. i'm just hoping they don't make the same mistake of presenting the macbook in such a fashion (assuming that there's no new amazing feature(s)).

 

[sixsept]

The price diference between a ppc mac mini and ibook is $500. With that in mind, I don't think we can see a 1.66GHz Core Duo Macbook below $1299, and that will definitely be with intergrated graphics. $999 will belong to the G4 ibook, which will continue to exist if the rumor is right. The price difference between a 1.67 Core Duo and 1.83 Core Duo is $170 at the moment according to Dell, so I would expect to see a 1.83 Core Duo, integrated graphics with slightly larger capacity hard drive selling at $1599, and I think everything will be coming with 512 MB ram.
I would certainly like to see Apple do better than this, but I seriously doubt it. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised to see 1.66GHz Core Duo Macbook start at $1399 instead of $1299.
Just my $0.02.

 

[iEdd]

And a core duo.

$999: 1.66ghz core solo IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, combo
$1299: 1.66ghz core duo, IIG, 60gb hd, 512mb ram, superdrive
$1599: 1.83ghz core duo, X1300 128mb, 80gb hd, 1gb ram, superdrive

I may be asking for too much, but two models sounds good:
$999: 1.66GHz core solo, IIG 32MB, 60GB HDD, combo
$1200-$1400 1.66GHz core duo, X**** 64MB, 80GB HDD, super

EDIT: Actually, better yet, it's time to dump the combo drive. Everything should have a superdrive now. Make them $1000 and $1200 respectively... please?

 

[tny]

Since everyone is making their own predictions...

$999: 1.66 core duo, IIG, 512 mb, 60 gb, combo (BTO to SD), no iSight/Frontrow
$1499: 1.83 core duo, a graphics card, 512 mb, 80 gb, SD, iSight + Frontrow

Sorry, not going to happen.

$999: 1.5 core solo, IIG, 512 mb, 60 gb, combo, iSight & FrontRow
$1299: 1.66 core duo, IIG, 512 mb, 80 gb, superdrive (no dl, I guess), iSight & FrontRow

Just like the minis. Maybe the processor speeds will be bumped, but otherwise, I'd expect them to round out exactly as the minis do now.

 

[em500]

5 year anniversary

Maybe Apple will introduce the new Book on May 1st, then the current form factor will have lasted exactly 5 years. The current G4 iBook has essentially the same case design (apart from the slot loading drive) as the May 2001 model. This is by far the longest lasting Apple laptop design, heck probably any laptop design period. It has proven even longer lasting than the iconic G3 iMac design.

I think a little farewell for the current iBook is in order. It has certainly served Apple well; every time that I looked at the Amazon computer top-seller list in the past years it has been in the top 5.

BTW, a very cool overview of Mac models can be found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Apple_Macintosh_models

 

[count chocula]

what are the chances of seeing a new macbook with a 13.3 inch widescreen, 1.67 ghz core duo, 512 mb ram, 60gb hard drive, isight, front row, super drive, and a backlit keyboard for around $999? i want that really bad!

 

[direzz]

what are the chances of seeing a new macbook with a 13.3 inch widescreen, 1.67 ghz core duo, 512 mb ram, 60gb hard drive, isight, front row, super drive, and a backlit keyboard for around $999? i want that really bad!

NOT happeneing. i expect it to go up at minimum 100 dollars, max 200. sorry.

 

[Legacy]

what are the chances of seeing a new macbook with a 13.3 inch widescreen, 1.67 ghz core duo, 512 mb ram, 60gb hard drive, isight, front row, super drive, and a backlit keyboard for around $999? i want that really bad!

Really doubt it. I think theyre gonna use integrated graphics on both models.
So the closest would be:

MacBook

13.3"/Duo 1.66/512MB/40GB/Combo/GMA950/iSight/FrontRow $999
13.3"/Duo 1.83/512MB/60GB/SuperDrive/GMA950/iSight/FrontRow $1299

(Cheaper design, no backlit, crapper tinny speakers etc)

MacBook Pro

15.4"/Duo 2.0/512MB/80GB/SuperDrive/X1600 128MB/iSight/FrontRow $1999
15.4"/Duo 2.16/1GB/100GB/SuperDrive/X1600 256MB/iSight/FrontRow $2499
17"/Duo 2.33/1GB/120GB/SuperDrive/X1800 256MB/iSight/FrontRow $2999

I'm worried we wont see a dedicated GPU at all guys...sorry

 

[QCassidy352]

I'd much rather have more BTO options, roll your eyes all you want.

You can prefer whatever you want, but it's never going to happen.

No, it's not foolish, it would be a great move to streamline Apple's inventory...nobody needs more than 3 sizes...13, 15 and 17 would be ideal...just add to that lots of BTO options and you are set to go...no need for 2 extra MBPs or 2 extra MBs...all would be available in 3 sizes and 1/2 models (1 MB with a high-end model that equates the PB 12", plus 2 MBPs with all whistles as usual)...simple and cost-effective for Apple and its factory lines.

No, nobody needs things that streamlined. 2 sizes of ibook and 3 of powerbook was quite streamlined enough. It's not about having more than 3 sizes. I agree that 3 sizes is all we need. But there should be both pro and consumer versions of the 13" and 15".

There should be a small laptop that both *looks* and *performs* as professionals demand.
There also should be a larger consumer laptop for $1500 or less.
You're not going to get either of those things with BTO options.

 

[bigandy]

all i have to say is "oh i bloody well hope so", because it'll stop all the complaining

 

[sam10685]

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

true. but take the iPod line; a 1 gb Shuffle is $99 a gigabyte. HOWEVER, a 60 gig 5th generation iPod is $6.65 a gigabyte.

 

[iPC]

Same here. About 2 weeks ago for my G3 600 iBook. And of course it's outside the 3-year window for the logic board replacement program. I may still try to talk Apple into fixing or replacing it anyway (this is my 3rd failure). That would be the best scenario -- keep this iBook for another year or two, and then get a rev B or rev C MacBook. Unfortunately I wouldn't bet on it happening. I'm just not one of those people who can rant and rave to customer service in just the right way to bend them to my will...

Assuming it doesn't happen that way, then we'll be very interested in a new Intel machine. You don't realize how convenient a laptop truly is, even just around the house, until suddenly you're chained to a desk for anything on the computer. The thing that bugs me most is that I wouldn't even consider spending that money yet if the iBook hadn't failed again. Apple may make more money by selling me an inferior product!

Oh well. Sounds like May/June (I highly doubt tomorrow)... maybe by then we'll have a few options for Windows virtualization. It'll be very nice to have the few Windows things I need side by side with Mac stuff on the same machine.

my g3 800 just crapped out on me too... stupid logic board. problem is i worked on it before so i can not send it in (not original hdd).

 

[count chocula]

Really doubt it. I think theyre gonna use integrated graphics on both models.
So the closest would be:

MacBook

13.3"/Duo 1.66/512MB/40GB/Combo/GMA950/iSight/FrontRow $999

i could go for that... upgrade the ram to 1 gb and hard drive to 80 gb and i'm one happy camper

 

[sam10685]

i think they should ALSO roll out a 10.7" laptop. they are feakin' sweet! (sony has them and i was this close to getting one but then i stopped and realized only windowz comes on Sonys and what a horrible OS windowz is.)