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Macbook Pro 13 to be discontinued

will the mbp 13 be killed off

  • yes

    Votes: 45 16.2%

  • no

    Votes: 233 83.8%
  • Total voters
    278
No

The 13" MBP will be getting the i5 processor and discrete graphics in the next update to further differentiate it from the air. The white mb will likely be discontinued.

MBP 13" 2011:
1440x900 resolution
i5 cpu
discrete gpu
256 gb flash storage w/ 512 gb option
ditch the optical drive
12+ hours of battery life

Just my guess..;)
 
I don't think the 13inch will go anywhere for a while, but it will be interesting to see what Apple does with the next upgrade. I can't see them wanting to use Intel's next integrated graphics chip (as it would be a backwards step from the current Nvidia chip, even if the cpu is faster). Which means they will ether need to use ATI/AMD chips in the next one or force Intel to let Nvidia make chipsets for the i series cpus.
 
josh2012 said:
The 13" MBP will be getting the i5 processor and discrete graphics in the next update to further differentiate it from the air. The white mb will likely be discontinued.

MBP 13" 2011:
1440x900 resolution
i5 cpu
discrete gpu
256 gb flash storage w/ 512 gb option
ditch the optical drive
12+ hours of battery life

Just my guess..;)
Click to expand...

256GB? You dream :) Those things are like 500$
 
The 13" MBP is an excellent machine. The C2D is perfectly adequate for most people. Only spec-crazy nerds think MBP 13" is crap because it doesn't have ix processors. Just because it doesn't have ix processors doesn't mean they will discontinue it. It will most certainly get ix processors at the next revision.
 
Alvi said:
The Air is a good Laptop for those who also have a Desktop, but the 13" Pro can make it as a Main computer easily, you can upgrade the HD to 1TB, The Ram to 8GB
So I guess that It would eat a market that the iPad already ate, the market for the people who want to drop 1000$ for a Lighter computer than a MacBook Pro, and a 999$ Netbook is doomed in this Post-Netbook time where the Tablets are selling
Click to expand...


Pretty much. I would not replace my desktop with an Air, but I would with a Macbook Pro (which is pretty much what I've done since the 2007 Macbook). Yes, I do want three ports, that extra port does make a huge difference (I really don't want to have to decide to switch between my time machine hard drive and my iphone/ipod anytime I need to connect those last two). I have actually found use for the ethernet port (Though honestly only once but I had to eat my words about who needs it), and 128 GBs is far too little for my *main* computer.

So yeah, if you are buying it as a second travel computer I could see you going for the Air over the Pro. But there are plenty of us who just want a laptop as our main computer. And sorry, the Air really doesn't cut it for that with the compromises it had to take. Plus I can always add a SDD to my computer (and a bigger one than the Air comes with) if I want to get that advantage the Air has. And I can add more RAM (which really does make a huge difference in performance. My 2007 MB has a faster processor than the Air, 2 GB, but only one gig of RAM adn the 4 GB my MBP has makes a huge difference in not frustrating the crap out of me with tons of beachballs of death).

And, one more thing, I think you people who think who'd get a 13" MBP over a 13" MBA forget that the 13" MBA is really not that much smaller than the 13" MBP. So you really aren't getting that much advantage for the many compromises in performance/spec and the *higher* price. Honestly, if were to get an MBA as a second computer, I'd go for the 11.6" cause that one is the one that truly has a size advantage over the 13" MBP. And because it's not that much bigger than an iPad, I do think it will pull some people away from iPad sales. I know if I were considering an iPad for more portability over my 13" MBP I'd much prefer the 11.6" MBA.

(though I wouldn't put it past Apple to discontinue the 13" MBP. When I picked the Macbook back in 2007, it was cause it was the only 13", the 12" powerbook didn't exist and people were lamenting it. I probably would have highly considered paying more if they had a 13" pro at the time with some of the same advantages as the Pro. But size does matter to me and 15" was the smallest Pro).
 
After looking at teardown photos of the new Airs, I think we're likely to see a design refresh of the Pro pretty soon. The display on the Air is nearly half the thickness of the current MBP display assembly, and they've probably figured out how to shrink down the optical drive even further.

So if anything, we might see a discrete GPU on the 13" and a further shaving of thickness, in the range of 5-10mm. Or they might keep them the same thickness and add more battery, but I doubt it.
 
Brien said:
After looking at teardown photos of the new Airs, I think we're likely to see a design refresh of the Pro pretty soon. The display on the Air is nearly half the thickness of the current MBP display assembly, and they've probably figured out how to shrink down the optical drive even further.

So if anything, we might see a discrete GPU on the 13" and a further shaving of thickness, in the range of 5-10mm. Or they might keep them the same thickness and add more battery, but I doubt it.
Click to expand...

I think in some years there will be "The MacBook" which will be the White MacBook, the 13MBP and the Air all together, which would be basically a MacBook Air with a 256GB SSD, No CD Drive and some decent power for 999-1199 and then just the other two bigger Pros with BlueRay Drives until they die, there is no need to have 3 Different 13" Models TBH
 
Resist said:
What Apple needs to do is get rid of the "Pro" title and just call them "Macbook".
Click to expand...

They already did that in 2008. The white MacBook and the Aluminum Macbook (no pro) shared the same name. Then in 2009, they dropped the price and added the 'Pro'.
 
Brien said:
After looking at teardown photos of the new Airs, I think we're likely to see a design refresh of the Pro pretty soon. The display on the Air is nearly half the thickness of the current MBP display assembly, and they've probably figured out how to shrink down the optical drive even further.

So if anything, we might see a discrete GPU on the 13" and a further shaving of thickness, in the range of 5-10mm. Or they might keep them the same thickness and add more battery, but I doubt it.
Click to expand...

That would be pretty awesome. I do think that some one's post (as well as yours) had a point that what they would take from the Airs for the future of computing was stuff like that thinner screen you mention (and I'd hope for the bigger battery over thinner computer honestly). Hopefully even the flash memory (once they get the ability to put a lot more than just 128 GB. Preferably in a way you can increase the "hard drive" if you want more space).

I have to say, I went and looked at the airs in person, pretty impressive (particularly the 11" one). They sure look thinner than even the previous Air. Weight wise they didn't seem to be that feather light compared to mine (but mine's only really 2.5 lbs heavier and cause of dimension the weight looks more proper for the weight).

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see these succesful. I'd like to see some of the innovation used in the MBP. I just don't want to see the 13" MBP replaced by them. They aren't really a good desktop replacement where as the MBP is. And I like having all my stuff on one computer, I don't really want to have a home computer and a travel computer.

My ideal computer (which will probably never happen ;) ) is one that is portable like my 13", has good battery, can be set up as a desktop when I'm at home (connected to monitor, external keyboard, external hard drive for time machine, a port free for my iphone/ipod, and audio out) and is reasonabley good at gaming (this is probably why it would never happen two of those wishes usually don't go together well, battery life and gaming). Honestly, my 13" mostly fits that bill (sure does games better than my 2007 Macbook which couldn't even do games that were out at the time well. SimCity ran horrid on it once the city got to a big size for example).
 
SidBala said:
The MBP 13 is "economical workhorse" platform that everyone can use.
Click to expand...

not just economical, it's the best balance between performance, features, size, and weight. I use my MBP 13 for work everyday and carry the thing back and forth everyday between work and home. I initially was going to buy 15" but that didn't fit in my bag and was too heavy to lug around. I also thought about getting a MB but for a $150 price diff (educational price), the aluminum unibody, 3 fewer ounces, SD slot, and FW800, it was well worth the jump.

Maybe in the future, I'll differentiate work and home by getting a MBA 13" and a MBP 17" and plug them both into 27" ACDs :D
 
josh2012 said:
The 13" MBP will be getting the i5 processor and discrete graphics in the next update to further differentiate it from the air. The white mb will likely be discontinued.

MBP 13" 2011:
1440x900 resolution
i5 cpu
discrete gpu
256 gb flash storage w/ 512 gb option
ditch the optical drive
12+ hours of battery life

Just my guess..;)
Click to expand...

they would have to keep the price point or make it even more affordable wouldn't they? it would be awesome if what you just mentioned were to be true and came at $1100 but I don't see that happening... :(
 
josh2012 said:
MBP 13" 2011:
1440x900 resolution
i5 cpu
discrete gpu
256 gb flash storage w/ 512 gb option
ditch the optical drive
12+ hours of battery life

Just my guess..;)
Click to expand...

And, whilst we're dreaming, throw in some crack laced girl scout thin mint cookies.
 
Eddyisgreat said:
And, whilst we're dreaming, throw in some crack laced girl scout thin mint cookies.
Click to expand...

I don't think he's too far off the mark. I'd be happy to ditch my DVD drive and HDD in favour of flash storage, a larger battery, and a current gen CPU/GPU combo. I can also see ditching DVD/HDD drives would allow for a thinner/lighter machine which is always welcome.

I think the DVD drive will only be kept on 15" and above models. I can't remember the last time I burnt a disc or even used it for software installations.
 
josh2012 said:
The 13" MBP will be getting the i5 processor and discrete graphics in the next update to further differentiate it from the air. The white mb will likely be discontinued.

MBP 13" 2011:
1440x900 resolution
i5 cpu
discrete gpu
256 gb flash storage w/ 512 gb option
ditch the optical drive
12+ hours of battery life

Just my guess..;)
Click to expand...


Finally someone in here who makes sense. i3 processors are available in fully configured laptops from Sony, Dell and HP for $650 right now. Totally unacceptable in a $1,200 "pro" laptop.

The 13" needs a better screen too for a "pro" machine and Apple is big on SSD storage now.


Alvi said:
256GB? You dream :) Those things are like 500$
Click to expand...


Apple buys in bulk, so they can afford a 128GB drive and by ditching the optical drive they can install a 500GB standard drive for storage only, and boot from and install programs on the SSD.

That would actually be a $1,200 value.

Just don't forget the backlit keyboard.
--
 
kkapoor said:
I don't think he's too far off the mark. I'd be happy to ditch my DVD drive and HDD in favour of flash storage, a larger battery, and a current gen CPU/GPU combo. I can also see ditching DVD/HDD drives would allow for a thinner/lighter machine which is always welcome.

I think the DVD drive will only be kept on 15" and above models. I can't remember the last time I burnt a disc or even used it for software installations.
Click to expand...

yes, but not in 2011.

Don't get me wrong, I'm fully prepared for a diskless future and all the headaches that it will bring. I have nearly 6 TB of storage online which i'm actually finding myself running out of space so it'll bring some more online soon. I also have several USB keys designated with snow leopard and windows 7 installs. When Apple starts to sell those little white USB drives that they have with the MBA, i'll buy one of those too.

-anyway-

I hate to quell all the grandios fantasies individuals are having about the next MBP, but to blindly look towards the future with complete disregard for the past is being disingenuous to one's self. The progression of the MBPs have always been more or less evolutionary, not revolutionary (which may/may not be a good thing).

It happens every time. Expectations are sky high. What's the next MBP gunna have? Oh, it'll be slimmer, cheaper, i7 quad, two graphics cards in SLI, USB 3.0, lightpeak, water cooling, 1 TB Twin SSD Raid 0, 8 Gb ram, and your choice of pink and yellow, money green, or silver, and that's just the BASE model. Then when it doesn't happen, everyone's sad :(.
I'd just like to be a little more realistic in my arguments. There will probably be some neat stuff in the next MBP. But Apple has never thrown everything including the kitchen sink into their products. Considering they recently had their best quarter ever, it's a strategy that's working for them. Why change now?
 
There is no room for a dedicated GPU in the 13 inch model, especially if you want core i processors.

The only hope for that is AMD.
 
The only things preventing me from jumping ship:

1. Backlight keyboard
2. Non expandable RAM
3. Untested battery (Is it comparable to the MBP13's '10 hour'?)
4. Glass bezel
 
Come WWDC next year I can see Apple launching Lion alongside and brand new generation of MacBooks.
MacBook will now be 11" to differentiate from Pros and be super cheap
MacBook Pros will have new design, new screen resolutions, no disc drive and I am not sure whether they will have just flash or flash + HD hybrid concept.

My 2008 Alum MacBook (Pro) is struggling to cope with Aperture and I think I will definately go for a very high spec one.
 
I don't really think 13" will be discontinued..
OMG, I REALLY HOPE THAT NEVER HAPPENS!
 
Won't happen Sorry. The 13" MBP as others have said is the perfect 'mobile' laptop, when considering features, form-factor, size and price. I don't think buyers buy the 13" MBP because of price, I know I could easily afford a 15" or 17" MBP at any time, but selected the 13" for portability reasons.
 
jimmer-uk said:
Who are these most?
Click to expand...

Most as in the vast majority of Apple consumers. It might come as a surprise to you, but the vast majority of people aren't going to lose sleep about 1.86 GHz vs 2.4 GHz.
jimmer-uk said:
no backlit keyboard = backlit keyboards are annoying. i don't need to look at the keyboard to know where the keys are. That's good for you but don't make a generalisation about everyone else
Click to expand...

I didn't make a generalization; I said I don't need it. I don't remember saying 100% of people don't need it. Don't know what you are talking about.

jimmer-uk said:
Again, so are we all ment to be able to use an 80gb hdd?! No so why is this relevant in this discussion? Go use your computer
Click to expand...

Uh huh, the 64GB Air seems to be the most popular Air model right now, so obviously everybody needs a 1TB HDD.

jimmer-uk said:
Well not in yours as with no music on your 80gb laptop as that's not what there for. Perhaps if you buy it for a a paperweight all your expressed views may be valid
Click to expand...
Good thinking, because having a 80GB HDD means it can't hold music. You know, because most music files are over 80GB each. And you know, because Apple makes that 250GB iPhone so you can carry your music. uh huh.
 
The 11" 64gb can only be the most popular for two reasons

1 - This model had the least stock
2 - With the recession people are thinking hard and going for cheaper options
 
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