So, I know the buyer's guide says the MacBook is nearing the end of a cycle, but it also says it's usually updated in October or November. Does the release of the new MBA, without an announcement of an updated MacBook, mean the MacBook isn't going to be updated soon? Or are the two completely unrelated?
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MacBook - buy now or wait?
- Thread starter tlbwriter
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MBA update is not connected to MBP or MB. Next update for Macbooks is not likely until Feb or later.
4+ months?? Maybe, but unless you've got some inside info you can't say that with such confidence...especially for the lower MBP models, who will be beyond their average update cycle in a few weeks and have traditionally spared uber-long breaks between updates. Even the MBs have a decent shot at something before Christmas...
Still, you're right about the lack of connection with the MBA updates, and the high-end MBPs got a silent bump this week...if I'm the OP I'd go with the good 'ol logic of "buy it if you need it and don't look back, wait a few weeks/months if it's not crucial."
If you have a Microcenter sore nearby then consider a 13" MBP as they are selling them for the price of a regular MB, $999. This makes for a good investment over a MB as you get 2x the RAM. firewire, backlit keys and a more solid Al body.
They might do a spec bump before feb, but C2D are being discontinued soon and the next round is Sandy Bridge which isn't due till early 2011. Many posters on this forum are also saying no updates till 2011.
They won't bump the screen res until they do the next major upgrade to ix processors in Q1 2011. why would it need more pixels right now?
The new macbook would require a very different architecture because you can't have a core i3/i5/i7 and integrated Nvidia graphics, so you need a discrete Nvidia card or intel integrated graphics, which apple doesn't like. They need to make a good solution, which I don't think would hit until 2011 at the earliest (They won't make the processor and graphics better than the pro series, so it'll take awhile).
Keep it. Wait for the screen resolution bump on the next update. Macbooks haven't seen a significant upgrade worthy spec update since their release, IMO. Or at least not as significant as the iBook to MacBook update- (widescreen, glossy, windows capability, webcam)
Having an outdated and end-of-line processor has not stopped Apple from using them before. Actually, unless Apple has a custom designed processor, they are usually the last to adopt newer technology. Sandy Bridge is due early 2011, but who knows when Apple will use them. Probably 6 months later. Reason? They save a ton of money on buying end of line processors and the average consumer doesn't know the difference. Apple markets design and innovation, not speed and latest technology. For one example: USB 3.0.
Agreed: that would be more consistent than an early adoption of the latest (and most expensive) processor. I think we'll see some sort of minor spec bump or price drop before xmas, but I wouldn't be surprised if the new processors don't show up until spring or even summer...which would mean some sort of patch-y mini-update in February, just to keep it from looking too out-of-date.
In any case, the C2D is only "stale" because something new is on the way; the simple fact is that most buyers don't need anything better.