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A January MacBook Pro upgrade would make me a very happy guy.
I'm hoping for a speed boost, not essential but would be nice, updated iSight, maybe a change of form factor because it's 2 years old now, yes it's still nice but I've never been one for that keyboard.
Any other goodies Apple feel like throwing in would be much appreciated.

You mean 4 years old, because there's no big difference between the MacBook Pro's and Aluminium PowerBook's form factor.
 
Why not - £1100 laptops have them -why shouldn't a £1600 Apple laptop have one?

Actually it's even cheaper. At Best Buy, there's a Toshiba laptop that has a HD DVD rom drive in it, and that retails for $900 which is about 450 pounds to you over there (I think).
 
Actually it's even cheaper. At Best Buy, there's a Toshiba laptop that has a HD DVD rom drive in it, and that retails for $900 which is about 450 pounds to you over there (I think).

It may be only 450 pounds, but it probably feels like 450 pounds when you carry it too.

Apple laptops are that slim and sleek for a reason. Take your ugly removable/hot-swap HD-DVD drives, I would happily stick with my old tech $10 but sleek slot loading drives in my $2500 notebook.
 
I'd like to see these very much...

- Blu-Ray / HD-DVD
- HDMI out

These would be nice...

- new design
- option for a 320gb hard drive
- no more 128mb graphics

If Apple doesn't include some totally new elements to the MBP, I think they should lower the EU prices. They are overpriced now (because the dollar is cheap compared to Euro and other manufacturers have lowered their EU prices).
 
Word to the wise. Even though Apple in the blue-ray camp. They still use HD-DVD formats in their programs. That is to say that Apple is kind of hugging the fence. I think we will have to wait for an end to the format wars before Apple picks a format to stick in their pro-series notebooks. Toshiba and Sony have more invested in their seperate formats, hence their push to get them in notebooks as quickly as possible. So don't expect blue-ray or HD-DVD anytime soon. (probably next macworld, 2008 WWDC at the earliest)
 
Word to the wise. Even though Apple in the blue-ray camp. They still use HD-DVD formats in their programs. That is to say that Apple is kind of hugging the fence. I think we will have to wait for an end to the format wars before Apple picks a format to stick in their pro-series notebooks. Toshiba and Sony have more invested in their seperate formats, hence their push to get them in notebooks as quickly as possible. So don't expect blue-ray or HD-DVD anytime soon. (probably next macworld, 2008 WWDC at the earliest)

They could adoopt a combo drive and pass on the cost (like they would anyways). Also it would be cool to get a finger print reader. Tie that to keychain for the ultimate in password lazyness :D.
 
I just don't see apple doing a combo drive. Aren't combo drive pretty bulky these days compared to single-format drives (currently). I think it will still be a while till we see it. Why upgrade when superdrive is so...(well ok its not really super its just a fancy name for a DVD RW combo drive...but...) super!

I really really want a case update though in January 2008 (I don't think it will happen...but I really want it....::tear::)
 
I just don't see apple doing a combo drive. Aren't combo drive pretty bulky these days compared to single-format drives (currently). I think it will still be a while till we see it. Why upgrade when superdrive is so...(well ok its not really super its just a fancy name for a DVD RW combo drive...but...) super!

I really really want a case update though in January 2008 (I don't think it will happen...but I really want it....::tear::)

All Apple needs is the drive itself (kinda like the HD DVD standalone for the 360) the Computer would do all the heavy lifting. The only physical difference between the two formats really, is the focal point. I am not sure what is big and bulky about reading both formats (remember they are both blue lasered), reading CD and DVD's would be tricky, but I am pretty sure if you can read an HD DVD then you can also read a dvd.
 
Case update is just about the only thing I'm not bothered by. The design is 5 years old, but it's still unique and funky. Perhaps some internal tweaks to strengthen it a little and make a black anodized version available :)

Doug
 
I just don't see apple doing a combo drive. Aren't combo drive pretty bulky these days compared to single-format drives (currently). I think it will still be a while till we see it. Why upgrade when superdrive is so...(well ok its not really super its just a fancy name for a DVD RW combo drive...but...) super!

I really really want a case update though in January 2008 (I don't think it will happen...but I really want it....::tear::)

If :apple: would simply make their new line complatable with hd-dvd/blu-ray drives, then we could at least purchase and install 3rd party hardware...
 
Argument aside, Apple isn't one for external drives for their products. I think we will se an integrated solution from apple long before we see an external option (though i won't rule out 3rd party options). I wouldn't be suprised however if both formats aren't trying to woe Apple under the table because, arguably, if you win over Apple and it uses your format (at least in this day and age), you pretty much win over the creative art's industry which would give a huge boost to the side that wins.

My Vote: Blu-Ray (becuase apple is in it's camp, its has greater storager capacity, and it is currently winning in # of blu-ray players vs. # of HD-DVD players)
 
Argument aside, Apple isn't one for external drives for their products. I think we will se an integrated solution from apple long before we see an external option (though i won't rule out 3rd party options). I wouldn't be suprised however if both formats aren't trying to woe Apple under the table because, arguably, if you win over Apple and it uses your format (at least in this day and age), you pretty much win over the creative art's industry which would give a huge boost to the side that wins.

My Vote: Blu-Ray (becuase apple is in it's camp, its has greater storager capacity, and it is currently winning in # of blu-ray players vs. # of HD-DVD players)

I agree, and I also find it odd that so many here vote for BD to win when Apple already supports making HD DVD's in FCS now. Does Apple support making BD?

My Vote is any HDM, cause looking at DVD upscaled make baby Jesus cry.
 
Is a DVD drive on a MBP user replaceable? Let's say one were to buy a MBP today, and later next summer Apple announces Blu Ray or HD drives as standard or option on the new line of MBP. Could I buy that drive separately and swap it myself, like I could with a hard drive, or is that something that a tech at the Apple store would need to do (and if so how much does that usually cost?)
 
Is a DVD drive on a MBP user replaceable?

Here if it's between 1.83GHz and below 2.16GHz
And here if it's between 2.16 and 2.33

All courtesy of http://www.ifixit.com, a great site, you can order all the parts you need off of there, and I believe it could be replaced, although the physical dimensions would need to be equal and I'm sure there are other hitches which I haven't named.
 
Here if it's between 1.83GHz and below 2.16GHz
And here if it's between 2.16 and 2.33

All courtesy of http://www.ifixit.com, a great site, you can order all the parts you need off of there, and I believe it could be replaced, although the physical dimensions would need to be equal and I'm sure there are other hitches which I haven't named.

It is important to note that any user switching that you do on the macbook pro (outside of ram) voids Apple's Warranty. For the macbook, it is ay user switch outside of (Ram and Hard Drive)
FYI if you didn't know.
-Josh :apple:
 
All Apple needs is the drive itself (kinda like the HD DVD standalone for the 360) the Computer would do all the heavy lifting. The only physical difference between the two formats really, is the focal point. I am not sure what is big and bulky about reading both formats (remember they are both blue lasered), reading CD and DVD's would be tricky, but I am pretty sure if you can read an HD DVD then you can also read a dvd.

Honestly, the format war is getting so old that there may be Super HD drives coming in the next year or two. Currently, you can purchase a drive that reads both formats, and any other optical format on the market. I am sure that it won't be too far until many drives read and write both formats. That drive may cost a fortune, but I am sure that someone would love to pay a grand to cater to all varieties of optical discs.
 
Honestly, the format war is getting so old that there may be Super HD drives coming in the next year or two. Currently, you can purchase a drive that reads both formats, and any other optical format on the market. I am sure that it won't be too far until many drives read and write both formats. That drive may cost a fortune, but I am sure that someone would love to pay a grand to cater to all varieties of optical discs.

yeah but it is kinda fun to speculate;)
 
It is important to note that any user switching that you do on the macbook pro (outside of ram) voids Apple's Warranty. For the macbook, it is ay user switch outside of (Ram and Hard Drive)
FYI if you didn't know.
-Josh :apple:


That I knew about, so I guess the next question would be, how much does it cost to get it officially installed by an Apple tech or someone who's certified?
 
Hoping for the following:-
1. eSATA connector
2. enclosure redesign
3. 1680x1050 15" screen option
4. User replacable HDD (I will pop in a 320GB :p)
5. ExpressCard/54 slot
 
Hoping for the following:-
1. eSATA connector
2. enclosure redesign
3. 1680x1050 15" screen option
4. User replacable HDD (I will pop in a 320GB :p)
5. ExpressCard/54 slot

(1) Hell yes! I really hope for at least that option
(2) Maybe, at least the latching mechanism. Don't give me the keyboard from the MacBook give me the latch
(3) Yes. Even though I will be eye balling that 17", it would be nice to consider the 15" just to save $300.
(4) Yes, so I can pop in the next largest 7200 rpm drives. I hope that they offer the 320 as a BTO option.
(5) FORGET IT! I hated those cards because they were so freaking slow. I miss being able to shove a Compact Flash card directly into my machine, but moving backwards isn't going to solve that. Keep the Express Card 34 slots since they are faster, but can I stick my new Apple Remote 2.0 into the empty slot so I don't loose it and always have it around?

You forgot some things:
(6) Penryn up to 2.8 GHz BTO or standard on the high end. If BTO make the 2.6 standard on the high end.
(7) Enough with the 128MB GFX RAM. Give me 256 standard and 512 high end.
(8) Can we somehow get another drive in the 17" case? Maybe a small 32GB SSD so that I can boot off of that and put everything else on the HDD. I now that the machine isn't that much bigger than the 15" to begin with but can we squeeze some more features into the body? (I can dream.)
(9) Another FW400 slot if no eSATA.
(10) Mini DVI to replace that full sized one, or HDMI
(11)New Cinema Displays to accompany the new MBPs. :rolleyes:

That I knew about, so I guess the next question would be, how much does it cost to get it officially installed by an Apple tech or someone who's certified?

No one from Apple can do, or that's what every Apple store in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (Delmarva) area told me. They can only do part for part swaps and only when something is broken or wrong. You can get it done at CompUSA or any Apple Certified repair shop. I asked a store near me and they quoted me a price of about $125 --> $150 if I get the HDD myself.
 
(1)
You forgot some things:
(6) Penryn up to 2.8 GHz BTO or standard on the high end. If BTO make the 2.6 standard on the high end.
(7) Enough with the 128MB GFX RAM. Give me 256 standard and 512 high end.
(8) Can we somehow get another drive in the 17" case? Maybe a small 32GB SSD so that I can boot off of that and put everything else on the HDD. I now that the machine isn't that much bigger than the 15" to begin with but can we squeeze some more features into the body? (I can dream.)
(9) Another FW400 slot if no eSATA.
(10) Mini DVI to replace that full sized one, or HDMI
(11)New Cinema Displays to accompany the new MBPs. :rolleyes:

(6) I am 99% sure that the processors on the new MBP will at least be 2.5ghz and 2.6ghz Penryn's (Just looking at Intel's roadmap)
(7) God I would be so happy if they did that, and stop underclocking them!
(8) Mmmmmm...Faster boot times. That would quite handy especially in school. I swear I start and turn of my computer constantly
(9) I am starting to agree with you since (since our last spout about USB) that firewire is the way to go. but why stop with another FW400, give us another FW800 while they are at it just for kicks. :D
(10) Only if they still include the cable w/ proper adapter (or it is a mini to full size DVI)
(11) They should, boy they should...its been too long since an update.

Here is what I think. I have noticed that ALL apple updates recently have been to their Consumer Level products. The iPods, the iMac and the Macbook. So perhaps this year at Macworld, Steve Jobs will give Apple's Pro Line a whole new look. Updated Macbook Pro's, Updated Mac Pro's, and updated Cinema Displays. Banner Slogan?

"Dressed for Success"

"Welcome the new Pros to the Show"

"Pro Gets a whole new Look"

"Meet the new Family" (A play on a classic Apple slogan)

"Apple Goes to Work"

...Something witty that I will be proud to look at while they ring up my purchase and the Apple store. :D
 
MacBook Pro 2008 "What is next

Please forgive me if this has already been noted.

The changes in the MacBook Pro line, for the existing models, probably not a lot. Although there has been speculation about a "new look" Personally I think that's a nonstarter.

What's more likely is the introduction of a MacBook Pro ultralight portable.

In general thinking it will come in at about 3 pounds. It will not have the fastest processor, in lieu of a HDD, you'll see 64GB(?) of flash memory.

But the emphasis will be on losing weight, that can be done by clocking back, having flash memory, and not having an internal DVD.

Steve are you listening? I among many will not stop whining until a 3 ponder is released.
 
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