I would also like to see the 1680X1050 option on the 15.4, I just don't know if Apple is going to do it. I also hope they don't do the black around the screen. An aluminum and pure black aluminum macbook pro would be nice. That way people have the option. As for the user replaceable drive, we can only hope. It is all just up in the air right now. I am still trying to decide if I should purchase current gen. or just wait. We will have to see.
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MacBook Pro 2008 "What is next?"
- Thread starter MikeZMacGeek
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I would also like to see the 1680X1050 option on the 15.4, I just don't know if Apple is going to do it. I also hope they don't do the black around the screen. An aluminum and pure black aluminum macbook pro would be nice. That way people have the option. As for the user replaceable drive, we can only hope. It is all just up in the air right now. I am still trying to decide if I should purchase current gen. or just wait. We will have to see.
I hear you. I'm about 4 weeks away from having the moola for a MBP to replace my PB. Current get? Wait for Jan? I'll be waiting - it's not too much time for me. And if the new ones don't grab me, I'll nap a refurb of the current and be done.
If they do offer the hi-res 15", I'd be all over that. Not that I need it today, but since I'll probably keep my MBP for 4 years, I'll want the latest and greatest of the moment when I buy.
You know, with the MB going to SR, the MB and MBP are so close in performance (ignoring the GPU of course) and the obvious ports and 2" of screen, it would seem to me that the MBP really needs some new breakaway features very soon.
I totally agree with you. I really feel only moving to penryn without some case redesign or other feature would be really foolish. Apple has let the MBP sit (aesthetically wise) for 2 years. It is time they really revamp it. Give it something that makes people go "wow" like they did at the iPhone. We will have to wait and see though until that glasses carryin, turtleneck sportin, jean wearin guy we all love walks onto the stage and says "Today, we do something really big."
Any evidence? From my intensive research (here especially) , Intel has not even completed the design yet...
Definitely!
...whenver the next case-mod / redesign happens this will definitely be one of the chages that they make. And highly likely, one of the most provocative. Some people will love it, others will detest it. After nearly 18 months of use I would say that the MacBook keyboard is one of the fastest I have ever used and surprisingly comfortable over extended periods.
I'm sniffing about for a second Mac at the moment (partner is going to inherit the MacBook in my sig.), monitoring product cycles and rumors, picking my moment as I'm in no major rush. At the present time, and with the near parity in terms of spec (I'm not concerned about the GFX Card doing mainly audio work), the keyboard is one of the reasons I will not be considering a MacBook Pro.
Soft, squishy weirdness, says I!
...whenver the next case-mod / redesign happens this will definitely be one of the chages that they make. And highly likely, one of the most provocative. Some people will love it, others will detest it. After nearly 18 months of use I would say that the MacBook keyboard is one of the fastest I have ever used and surprisingly comfortable over extended periods.
I'm sniffing about for a second Mac at the moment (partner is going to inherit the MacBook in my sig.), monitoring product cycles and rumors, picking my moment as I'm in no major rush. At the present time, and with the near parity in terms of spec (I'm not concerned about the GFX Card doing mainly audio work), the keyboard is one of the reasons I will not be considering a MacBook Pro.
Soft, squishy weirdness, says I!
Yep - exactly! And that is my PowerBook! I love it to be sure. But I'd like to see it with a fresh approach soon. OK, worst case, (no pun in tended), I'll upgrade to a MBP and love it too.
Here's what I think...
As far as case design goes, the only thing I might expect to be upgraded is an offering of a black aluminum case due to the success of the blackbook. As far as HD drive options, maybe, but only as BTO.
For processors:
I'd expect the low end MBP to get the 2.3 Ghz or the 2.5 Ghz. The problem with giving it the 2.5 is that the high end MBP will only be 0.1 Ghz faster at 2.6 Ghz (the 2.8 is too expensive to offer stock, if offered, it will be BTO like the current 2.6). So, I hope we get the 2.5 on the lower, but we may get the 2.3, which is still faster than the current offering. If we do get 2.5, as I said, Apple will have to strive to differentiate the offerings a little more. This may mean a beefier hard drive by comparison or 512 vs. 256 of vram.
For graphics:
It's likely it will stay the 8600m GT, but maybe with 256mb and 512mb variants (gosh I hope). The forthcoming 8800m is said to be TDP of 35W, which is just too much for a 15.4" notebook. Unless Nvidia releases a variant that fits in the 25W TDP category, or one of ATI's upcoming 55nm mobile parts fits in that category, you'll see the 8600m hold strong.
Hard drives:
Maybe a modest bump (160 and 200), but I don't expect 7200 as standard. That assumes a need for that kind of performance on every owner's part, plus it adds extra base cost to the MBP. Perhaps we will see the 320GB capacity show up in the 5400rpm version as well.
Edit: And maybe if we're lucky they will let us change our own hard drives without voiding the warranty with an internals redesign.
Memory:
They will stick with the DDR2-667. The FSB of the penryn is 800Mhz, but I think the memory will still stay at its current point. There's no way you're going to see DDR3 any time soon. Just as when DDR2 first came out, it's worthless. For DDR3 to be of any value, FSB's need to reach speeds that DDR2 can't achieve and then DDR3 will make sense. If you go onto Tom's Hardware you can see that they overclocked the FSB up to 1600 Mhz on a new quad-core Penryn test system and it had no benefits over the stock FSB. This is because Intel has moved to techniques that try to be as memory frugal as possible (the 6 MB of cache will help that).
For any other goodies (like WiMax), just look at what the upcoming Intel Platforms support.
I can't wait for the January update to hit, but I just wish it was Nehalem and not Penryn coming (those integrated memory controllers are going to be a huge step for Intel).
As far as case design goes, the only thing I might expect to be upgraded is an offering of a black aluminum case due to the success of the blackbook. As far as HD drive options, maybe, but only as BTO.
For processors:
I'd expect the low end MBP to get the 2.3 Ghz or the 2.5 Ghz. The problem with giving it the 2.5 is that the high end MBP will only be 0.1 Ghz faster at 2.6 Ghz (the 2.8 is too expensive to offer stock, if offered, it will be BTO like the current 2.6). So, I hope we get the 2.5 on the lower, but we may get the 2.3, which is still faster than the current offering. If we do get 2.5, as I said, Apple will have to strive to differentiate the offerings a little more. This may mean a beefier hard drive by comparison or 512 vs. 256 of vram.
For graphics:
It's likely it will stay the 8600m GT, but maybe with 256mb and 512mb variants (gosh I hope). The forthcoming 8800m is said to be TDP of 35W, which is just too much for a 15.4" notebook. Unless Nvidia releases a variant that fits in the 25W TDP category, or one of ATI's upcoming 55nm mobile parts fits in that category, you'll see the 8600m hold strong.
Hard drives:
Maybe a modest bump (160 and 200), but I don't expect 7200 as standard. That assumes a need for that kind of performance on every owner's part, plus it adds extra base cost to the MBP. Perhaps we will see the 320GB capacity show up in the 5400rpm version as well.
Edit: And maybe if we're lucky they will let us change our own hard drives without voiding the warranty with an internals redesign.
Memory:
They will stick with the DDR2-667. The FSB of the penryn is 800Mhz, but I think the memory will still stay at its current point. There's no way you're going to see DDR3 any time soon. Just as when DDR2 first came out, it's worthless. For DDR3 to be of any value, FSB's need to reach speeds that DDR2 can't achieve and then DDR3 will make sense. If you go onto Tom's Hardware you can see that they overclocked the FSB up to 1600 Mhz on a new quad-core Penryn test system and it had no benefits over the stock FSB. This is because Intel has moved to techniques that try to be as memory frugal as possible (the 6 MB of cache will help that).
For any other goodies (like WiMax), just look at what the upcoming Intel Platforms support.
I can't wait for the January update to hit, but I just wish it was Nehalem and not Penryn coming (those integrated memory controllers are going to be a huge step for Intel).
Next gen mbp will probably be released when the next gen gpus and next gen (or updated) cpus have been out on the market for a while. Quad core and geforce 8800 is dreaming, they're too power consuming.
you sir are the winner. finally somebody actually did research.
btw, as far as ram goes, I belive the Montevina platform will support 800mhz ram. it's coming out in the summer sometime.
Quad core
The bether performance in quad core are hugely exaggerated??if you think about the programs who can take the usage to the fullest..false ore true?
Spit it out...(i have some info but i like to hear it from you
(clues anybody?)
i dont think we see the quadcore in the near future mbp for a while(2009)
There exist "bether graphic option" for MBP then the current 8600 gt leaving out 8800(19 november) - GeForce 8700M GT(clocked out 8600++)
The bether performance in quad core are hugely exaggerated??if you think about the programs who can take the usage to the fullest..false ore true?
Spit it out...(i have some info but i like to hear it from you
(clues anybody?)
i dont think we see the quadcore in the near future mbp for a while(2009)
There exist "bether graphic option" for MBP then the current 8600 gt leaving out 8800(19 november) - GeForce 8700M GT(clocked out 8600++)
Apple's not going to change the graphics card. Here's why.
The 8800M generates almost twice as much heat and uses more power than the 8600M. Too much for the Macbook Pro.
The 8700M is just a higher clocked version of the 8600M. However, Apple's current 8600M is underclocked. So if they wanted to offer a tad bit more graphics power, they'd just clock the 8600M a little bit higher.
The only they might do would be up the amount of graphics ram. 256 on the low end, 512 on the high end.
yeah i just wroted that it is a clocked out 8600 lol..
"Note that the GeForce 8700M GT is simply a higher clocked version of the GeForce 8600M GT, except that it also comes with "dual-ranked" memory architecture"....
edit:i know that its higly unlikely with 8800.that discussion are over(diden't have to tell me that)But the increase in v-ram.overclocking.and the 8700 gt are the best bet yet of a graphic card improvment..
I'd really like to see these features which would make the MBP more PRO
a Thinkpad style battery so you could have larger batteries when needed,guys who need to take thei laptop to the field would really like this
(and you prosumer guys who have their MBP always at home on an altar need to **** right now about aesthetics etc.)
Good quality sounchip, AES/EBU cabable digital in / out up to 192Kkhz
It would awesome if the soundchip was like a MBOX mini or M-Audio so that you could run Pro Tools on a MBP without Digidesign's hardware. This eould make every Pro Tools user want to buy MBP. Sadly this is just a utopistic dream...
A FireWire that can operate S400 and S800 speeds AT THE SAME TIME!
eSata port
More robust & scratch tolerant exterior (and black colour)
...or maybe Apple should build a whole new, a real pro use targetted laptop which would have the funtionality and realiability put first and forget the excessive tech spec geekery.
-Tomi
a Thinkpad style battery so you could have larger batteries when needed,guys who need to take thei laptop to the field would really like this
(and you prosumer guys who have their MBP always at home on an altar need to **** right now about aesthetics etc.)
Good quality sounchip, AES/EBU cabable digital in / out up to 192Kkhz
It would awesome if the soundchip was like a MBOX mini or M-Audio so that you could run Pro Tools on a MBP without Digidesign's hardware. This eould make every Pro Tools user want to buy MBP. Sadly this is just a utopistic dream...
A FireWire that can operate S400 and S800 speeds AT THE SAME TIME!
eSata port
More robust & scratch tolerant exterior (and black colour)
...or maybe Apple should build a whole new, a real pro use targetted laptop which would have the funtionality and realiability put first and forget the excessive tech spec geekery.
-Tomi
Graphics
Like I said, there is a slight possibility we could see something pop up from ATI since their new 55nm cards are coming, but I doubt it. Specs of a Fujitsu laptop have leaked with a mobility hd 2700, but it's a 17" laptop, which means it likely wouldn't work in a 15.4" notebook. If ATI has something else, they are staying very mum about it, and it's likely it won't arrive in time for a January update, or even be much more powerful, unfortunately. We'll have to wait for the Montevina (sp?) refresh to get something new in the graphics department. Hopefully, by then, we'll have some 65 or 55nm technology and a 256-bit memory interface, but we'll see.
Like I said, there is a slight possibility we could see something pop up from ATI since their new 55nm cards are coming, but I doubt it. Specs of a Fujitsu laptop have leaked with a mobility hd 2700, but it's a 17" laptop, which means it likely wouldn't work in a 15.4" notebook. If ATI has something else, they are staying very mum about it, and it's likely it won't arrive in time for a January update, or even be much more powerful, unfortunately. We'll have to wait for the Montevina (sp?) refresh to get something new in the graphics department. Hopefully, by then, we'll have some 65 or 55nm technology and a 256-bit memory interface, but we'll see.
Ok. So now that we have all thrown in what we think will be the next update. The question now is, how long after Jobs gets on stage will the Apple Stores around the U.S. have them in and how long will the wait times on the Apple.com?
Ok. So now that we have all thrown in what we think will be the next update. The question now is, how long after Jobs gets on stage will the Apple Stores around the U.S. have them in and how long will the wait times on the Apple.com?
My windows powered crystal ball is down with a virus today, so I don't know. It's anyone's guess. Lately, Apple has been announcing products once they have some inventory all set to sell... So hopefully we'll be able to get them from day one!
Is there any rock solid news that there is a new macbook pro or a MBP update coming in early 2008? specifically at macworld?? I have been waiting on purchase one since leopard and am really getting anxious. Will the change to the MBP be purely internal or will there be any revamped looks, such as what apple did to the iMacs? Thanks in advance
I would like to see
a bump in CPU i would love 2.8 (Very doubtful)
Geforce 8800 (very doubtful) lol
Hope you guys get what you want in the new one.
a bump in CPU i would love 2.8 (Very doubtful)
Geforce 8800 (very doubtful) lol
Hope you guys get what you want in the new one.
ATI Graphics?
hmm...I think theres no possibilty with cards from ATI.
Once Apple makes the change from nvidia to ATI.They don't just "turn on them"...It must be a reason why they switched in the past.And it's not all about the graphics it could be the problem of those two companies working togheter etc,etc.And ATI is now owned by AMD and apple made the switch from AMD to Intel..hmmm(probably means nothing)..And i think nividia is the current bether option(i know there are people thinking otherwise...
My dime..
If we have to wait for a graphic upgrade until montevina? it sucks...
hmm...I think theres no possibilty with cards from ATI.
Once Apple makes the change from nvidia to ATI.They don't just "turn on them"...It must be a reason why they switched in the past.And it's not all about the graphics it could be the problem of those two companies working togheter etc,etc.And ATI is now owned by AMD and apple made the switch from AMD to Intel..hmmm(probably means nothing
)..And i think nividia is the current bether option(i know there are people thinking otherwise...My dime..
If we have to wait for a graphic upgrade until montevina? it sucks...
I'm in the exact same boat as you. I really want a MBP for leopard. I really want it to last for at least 3 years so I want it to brand new when I get it. I've been looking around and from what I've seen there is no hard evidence they will be upgraded at macworld.
I've got two lists - things that I think Apple SHOULD make the next MBP...
Things I worry that Apple will do
Doug
- Silver/Black case (option)
- 2.6 Ghz Penryn
- 2Gb ram with 4 Gb as a SENSIBLE price upgrade (i.e. £130, not £450)
- BluRay drive ( many >£1k laptops have this )
- 1680 x 1050 LED backlit screen
- MB like HDD swop out
Things I worry that Apple will do
- Just a speed bump.
Doug
Black/Silver would be great
.rather 2.8 penryn then 2.6 penryn
yupp.Never understand why apple couldent make more sensible pricing on the ram upgrade.
Blueray drive would be nice.they must think about the future
The graphic upgrade are the most unpredictable thing..hard to say which way they choose...
nahh..they just had a "speed bump"..why would it be another one?
that would certainly make people think less of apple.so uncool...
Futureproof = HD proof
chrmjenkins pretty much nailed it down. Based on past experience, the MBP updates will most likely follow the Intel roadmap. But If AAPL really intend to lead the market, they'll need to do more than bump the speed in January.
I'm in the market for a brand new 15.4" MBP that will have the capacity to edit HD video also two to three years down the line. Given that Leopard demands more of the graphic card, 256mb vram would indeed be a minimum for HD editing, but I'm not comfortable dishing out $500 for 128mb of vram and very slightly improved processor performance at current prices (the current differentiation is a joke) So I wait & hope 
gets it right this time.
I wanna see:
Good ol' Steve is really in a good position now with Leopard out to attract more switchers but the current hardware offering (cf. MP) leaves Apple trailing if nothing radical is done soon
chrmjenkins pretty much nailed it down. Based on past experience, the MBP updates will most likely follow the Intel roadmap. But If AAPL really intend to lead the market, they'll need to do more than bump the speed in January.
I'm in the market for a brand new 15.4" MBP that will have the capacity to edit HD video also two to three years down the line. Given that Leopard demands more of the graphic card, 256mb vram would indeed be a minimum for HD editing, but I'm not comfortable dishing out $500 for 128mb of vram and very slightly improved processor performance at current prices (the current differentiation is a joke
) So I wait & hope gets it right this time. I wanna see:
- Penryn 2.5/2.6 with 2.8 BTO
- GeForce 8700M GT 256/512 WITH BETTER nVIDIA DRIVERS
- 2/4 gb ram
- new BluRay capable Superdrive as standard
- 200gb 5400rpm/250gb 7200rpm hard drives
- design evolution with keyboard update (media keys as seen in the MB) and Integrated fingerprint reader but no freakin' glass!
Good ol' Steve is really in a good position now with Leopard out to attract more switchers but the current hardware offering (cf. MP) leaves Apple trailing if nothing radical is done soon