MacBook Pro 2011 predictions

[icebiker]

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In my modest opinion Blu-Ray is DOA as dime21 said.

Next year we will have the arrival of Sandy Bridge and we will finally not see an ODD anymore in most of the MBP line-up;

There have been many "signs"
1_ the itunes icon...there's no cd anymore...implicating that at cupertino they don't see it important anymore, and they consider it a dead technology
2_ Mac App Store...why on earth we would need one if we still have dvds?
Because without dvds everything gets much easier. No need to print a dvd which means apple saves money.
Everything will become similar to the iphone app store and so "hassle-free"
3_ A consumer want a easy way to to do things, with mac app store he will have only to push few buttons to install everything.
4_ 1/4 of the space inside a notebook is too much

I'd love to see a discrete gpu for the 13" but that 85% is not going to happen...

 

[doshirj]

Blu-Ray

I like Blu-Ray and am tired of Apple not supporting it. I enjoy the tactile experience of physical media and being able to loan/borrow discs and play them anywhere.

 

[bossmanjunior]

arent video games on blu-ray?

 

[aeboi]

arent video games on blu-ray?

only PS3 games

 

[the-ep]

In regards to video games, most platforms (except for PS3 and its Blu-Ray usage) utilize either downloads and/or double-layer DVDs.

Blu-Ray indeed does look nice, but it's already a bit late to implement it into the MBPs. The format seems to have only (barely) conquered the living room and not everywhere else.

On the topic of removing the ODD, I'm all for it (already took mine out over the summer for a 2nd SSD). Only used it once a month at best, mostly due to the shoddy USB boot support Apple puts in its EFI.
Though it would be nice for them to pack an external ODD if they do end up taking the internal one out....

 

[skiltrip]

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.. and we will finally not see an ODD anymore in most of the MBP line-up;

There have been many "signs"
1_ the itunes icon...there's no cd anymore...implicating that at cupertino they don't see it important anymore, and they consider it a dead technology
2_ Mac App Store...why on earth we would need one if we still have dvds?
Because without dvds everything gets much easier. No need to print a dvd which means apple saves money.
Everything will become similar to the iphone app store and so "hassle-free"
3_ A consumer want a easy way to to do things, with mac app store he will have only to push few buttons to install everything.
4_ 1/4 of the space inside a notebook is too much

I'd love to see a discrete gpu for the 13" but that 85% is not going to happen...

1.) I think the iTunes icon has nothing to do with whether or not the 2011 MBP will retain the optical drive. The iTunes icon change simply reflects people are buying more and more music in digital file formats and less and less on CD. This is a music thing, and has nothing to do with software distributiom.

2.) Why would we still need DVDs? Anyone using their Mac for video or audio production... is the app store going to carry multiple gig sound libraries in app form? I think not. I have a stack of current audio software, and over 50% of it requires me to install at least the library/content portions via DVD. For the consumer using a Mac version of Angry Birds or whatever, the appstore will be very cool. But not for major multimedia software distribution. Also, we audio and video folks need to burn off master CDs and DVDs for clients all the time. I use the drive in my 13" MBP daily. If I'm not using it for me work, I might be watching a DVD movie (like I did today while my daughter napped next to me in the studio).

3.) Same thing as two really. I agree people want easy. I want easy. And if the software I'm downloading is appropriate to be featured in a Mac app store, I'm all for it. But most of what I use is not.

4.) 1/4 of the space inside a laptop IS a lot. it's a shame that it can't be smaller. But it is what it is.

I realize I'm arguing FOR the optical drive in a way, because I want/need it. But I just don't think any of your points are any indicator of what Apple plans to do.

 

[Cathode]

Bluray is DOA.

I wouldn't say this is entirely true. Bluray will most likely be the last mass produced physical media but it has some potential. One reason it still hasn't caught on is because many people are still heavily invested in DVDs and up until the past two years bluray devices were expensive.

Broadband internet across the entire United States is still spotty and unreliable. In most major areas it's fine to rely solely on streaming and high bandwidth downloads, but physical media is preferred for some families. Not everyone uses iTunes and Netflix. Redbox has become crazy popular, yet they only cater to people who use physical media such as DVDs and Blurays.

Until iTunes offers 1080p I refuse to consider purchasing movies from them. Further, the most popular Bluray movies come with extra perks. Take "Inception" for instance, which came with the Bluray, DVD and Digital Copy (via iTunes code) all for $17 on release day.

I'd also like to mention that some people just prefer to have something physical. There is something special about being able to hold something in your hand rather than having only a completely virtual library.

 

[miata]

I wouldn't say this is entirely true. Bluray will most likely be the last mass produced physical media but it has some potential. One reason it still hasn't caught on is because many people are still heavily invested in DVDs and up until the past two years bluray devices were expensive.

Broadband internet across the entire United States is still spotty and unreliable. In most major areas it's fine to rely solely on streaming and high bandwidth downloads, but physical media is preferred for some families. Not everyone uses iTunes and Netflix. Redbox has become crazy popular, yet they only cater to people who use physical media such as DVDs and Blurays.

Until iTunes offers 1080p I refuse to consider purchasing movies from them. Further, the most popular Bluray movies come with extra perks. Take "Inception" for instance, which came with the Bluray, DVD and Digital Copy (via iTunes code) all for $17 on release day.

I'd also like to mention that some people just prefer to have something physical. There is something special about being able to hold something in your hand rather than having only a completely virtual library.

Blu-ray is perfect if you want to own your movies and also get the highest quality video, audio and things like subtitles.

I've gotten to the point where I "rent" from NetFlix (Blu-ray and streaming) or buy the Blu-ray if a movie is good enough to own.

I just bought an LG Blu-ray player with NetFlix, YouTube, Vudu, Pandora, and more -- for $95.

 

[shyam09]

1.) I think the iTunes icon has nothing to do with whether or not the 2011 MBP will retain the optical drive. The iTunes icon change simply reflects people are buying more and more music in digital file formats and less and less on CD. This is a music thing, and has nothing to do with software distributiom.

2.) Why would we still need DVDs? Anyone using their Mac for video or audio production... is the app store going to carry multiple gig sound libraries in app form? I think not. I have a stack of current audio software, and over 50% of it requires me to install at least the library/content portions via DVD. For the consumer using a Mac version of Angry Birds or whatever, the appstore will be very cool. But not for major multimedia software distribution. Also, we audio and video folks need to burn off master CDs and DVDs for clients all the time. I use the drive in my 13" MBP daily. If I'm not using it for me work, I might be watching a DVD movie (like I did today while my daughter napped next to me in the studio).

3.) Same thing as two really. I agree people want easy. I want easy. And if the software I'm downloading is appropriate to be featured in a Mac app store, I'm all for it. But most of what I use is not.

4.) 1/4 of the space inside a laptop IS a lot. it's a shame that it can't be smaller. But it is what it is.

I realize I'm arguing FOR the optical drive in a way, because I want/need it. But I just don't think any of your points are any indicator of what Apple plans to do.

true but there is one flaw that i have caught in your argument (although countering it may help you strengthen your argument )
Why dont you just use a portable Superdrive ~ like the ones for the air? sure its bulky and extra weight, but we could end up getting something much more efficient and worthwhile than a technology that is soon to be out of date. apple has not said -no to producing the USB super drives (although it would be cool if that comes out in Light Peak, but thats beside the point)- we still would have that resource in our hands (and only for $50 bucks or so..that too on apple.com.. im sure amazon offers something beautifuler)

why should the rest of Apple consumers sacrifice what they think is better and necessary for the wants and needs of a couple hundred Super Drive users (lol! and im going going to be using the super drive too, haha thats why im buying current gen MBP!)

once again this is to strengthen your argument, no hurtful things in mind ;p -- a combination of the winking tongue stick out thingy!

 

[fyrefly]

Regardless of the specs, it looks like the first release of 2011 will be the iPad 2.

CNET is reporting that Sandy Bridge is launching at CES with only Quad-Core Processors. Which won't happen in the MBP models (the i7 Quads are all 45W TDP - MBPs only hold [at least currently] 35W processors).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20025830-64.html

According to CNET: "OEMs [original equipment manufacturers--PC makers] are going to be going public with their quad-core laptops [at CES], but they can't go public with their dual-core laptops until mid-February."

Which means probably no Sandy Bridge MBPs until April-June timeframe. (Apple never likes to be first out of the gate with these things... especially if the current lineup is still selling).

 

[twilightrose]

Regardless of the specs, it looks like the first release of 2011 will be the iPad 2.

CNET is reporting that Sandy Bridge is launching at CES with only Quad-Core Processors. Which won't happen in the MBP models (the i7 Quads are all 45W TDP - MBPs only hold [at least currently] 35W processors).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20025830-64.html

According to CNET: "OEMs [original equipment manufacturers--PC makers] are going to be going public with their quad-core laptops [at CES], but they can't go public with their dual-core laptops until mid-February."

Which means probably no Sandy Bridge MBPs until April-June timeframe. (Apple never likes to be first out of the gate with these things... especially if the current lineup is still selling).

Well, the longer they are held back the more chance of it coming with a light peak port I'd say...and if it is held back until summer, at least we can look forward to Lion coming pre-installed most likely. Both of which are welcome in my book.

 

[cool11]

http://www.appleinsider.com/article..._pro_imac_may_come_in_first_half_of_2011.html

New design for 2011 mbp. Possibly.

 

[bensnowden]

Seems like a good omen and partially confirms the wishes of a fair few on here to get a redesign, don't know why people keep saying that the design is still fresh and new when it's been out for nearly 3 years.

 

[Aamir]

Actually, we have precedent which shows that your position here is more than a little shaky; maybe you weren't up-to-speed way back then (and thus don't remember) but the 3.5" 1.4 MB double-sided 'floppy' disk(ette) was FAR from "dead" when those drives disappeared from Macintosh. In fact, taking it out was a trend-setting decision, back when Apple was rather bolder than today. I think removing the ODD would be very similar. A few people would be seriously inconvenienced. A few more would grumble and then get on with their lives. And the vast majority wouldn't be especially bothered. It would certainly free up space inside the unit -- whether for an SSD + HDD combination, improved graphics card, or whatever -- and how could that not be a Good Thing?

cheers,

Henry

I never particularly said that the removal of the ODD is a bad thing, actually, I rather much like it. But Apple may not, due to the fact alot of professionals use the MacBook Pro. Maybe they'll remove it completely from the 13", a BTO on the 15" and leave it on the 17"?

 

[jacksonstewart]

Blu-Ray is good but am tired of Apple not supporting it.so,give me the proper solution for it to use.

 

[Erasmus]

The last time delta between MBP refreshes was 10 months. The average is 12 months, and we're already up to 7 months since the last refresh. June would be 13 months. There is no way that Apple Insider report is accurate, unless Apple has begun a suicidal marketing strategy.

Even the April rumours seem too far away. I still think Jan/Feb is the most likely time frame to expect new MBPs. Which means no Lion on them. But that doesn't matter. It's like 100 bucks.

The iMacs are more likely to be left until June/July.

 

[croooow]

I have used my internal OD on the go.

But if you didn't have one you'd make provisions to do without it.

It's really that simple.

Maybe they should not come with a screen. If you didn't get one with your MacBook you will just make provisions to work around that. Just get an external monitor, it's really that simple!

Think outside of this forum. Most users find it even more simple to just put the disc they want to use in their computer. Most people in the world are not annoyed that they still have an optical drive. And a lot of Mac users still use the drive!

Sure, if I had to I would "make provision to do without it" but if I'm not trying to get the lightest computer possible (by buying a MacBook Air) then why should I have to jump through hoops to use the optical discs I want to use? Lots of people still have them, Apple still sells them, people are still buying them! If I buy a MacBook Air I understand the OD had to go to make it so light and thin. But I didn't want light and thin, I wanted power and something that will do what I need. I wanted something that will work with the files and media I use, so I got a 15" MBP and all my files and media just work with it! It's really simple!

You have used it? As in once or twice in the past year? Or you use it daily on the go? I've used mine on the go before too.... probably twice in the four years I've owned it.

I've used it a handful of times in the past week, which is how long I've owned the computer. Only once to install software (Office 2011, which the Apple store does not sell as a download, they sell it as an Optical Disc!)

I am sure I will use it at least a handful of times a month in the future. For some people the optical drive is "dead" but a lot of people still use it and I will keep saying it: Apple sells more notebook computers than desktop ones, if they are going to stop putting optical drives inside their most popular computers they need to stop selling optical discs, or at least make all the software they sell available as a download. When we don't need an optical drive, then it's dead!

If Apple does want to eliminate the built-in optical drive they need to stop selling discs or simply include the external drive as a free accessory (not charge extra for something that will be needed, at least from time to time) If they stop selling discs, and move to download only (with the Mac-App store, but have everything they make available, Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio, etc. Not just games and iWork) and get rid of the OD then other companies (Microsoft, Adobe, etc) will follow and make their software available download if they do not already.

 

[chocolate632]

If Apple does want to eliminate the built-in optical drive they need to stop selling discs or simply include the external drive as a free accessory (not charge extra for something that will be needed, at least from time to time) If they stop selling discs, and move to download only (with the Mac-App store, but have everything they make available, Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio, etc. Not just games and iWork) and get rid of the OD then other companies (Microsoft, Adobe, etc) will follow and make their software available download if they do not already.

I see them including an external optical drive for the next generation or two, then they'll probably sell it as an add on, just like they did with the Apple Remote.

 

[Richard1028]

CNET is reporting that Sandy Bridge is launching at CES with only Quad-Core Processors. Which won't happen in the MBP models (the i7 Quads are all 45W TDP - MBPs only hold [at least currently] 35W processors).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20025830-64.html

From the CNET article:

Nvidia's graphics chips are expected to be used in a number of Sandy Bridge laptops. Most of those systems will use Nvidia's Optimus technology,

Now Nvidia is involved with Sandy Bridge? Hope so (in the 13" MBP) but I think these tech writers are just throwing darts and haven't a clue.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article..._pro_imac_may_come_in_first_half_of_2011.html

New design for 2011 mbp. Possibly.

From the AI Article:

The Mac maker reportedly plans to launch "at least four upgraded MacBook Pros" with a "slight change" in chassis design

Four MBP's? What's the 4th one going to be... 11.6"? Or, is Apple Insider just lumping the plain old Macbook in with the "Pro" line?

 

[croooow]

I see them including an external optical drive for the next generation or two, then they'll probably sell it as an add on, just like they did with the Apple Remote.

That would make sense. Give Apple some time to convert to a non-OD environment, stop selling discs, and get 3rd parties (MS, Adobe) on board.

But right now, if I want to use Final Cut Studio ($1000) on my MacBook Pro (Yes, on a notebook That is why Apple makes "Pro" level laptops!) I should not have to spend an additional $80 just to load it. If it's a download, no problem.

Ethernet != Internet. This year I have not encountered any hotel or conference centre that did not have WiFi.

There are many places where you have to use Ethernet for security reasons. Most of these places are businesses or government locations that are dominated by Windows, but there are Macs there.

I have worked on some Federal Government contracts and have seen Macs at some agencies (USDA, U.S. Marshals, DOD where I work now) and they cannot use wireless.

Sure, when you are out in public or at a hotel, Wireless is King. But there is a reason to keep that Ethernet port!

 

[Richard1028]

If Apple does want to eliminate the built-in optical drive they need to stop selling discs or simply include the external drive as a free accessory (not charge extra for something that will be needed, at least from time to time)

Why? Because you say so?

Seriously... what are mac fanboys going to do if they eliminate the ODD... switch to Dell? I'm counting on the fact that if the drive disappears, whatever goes in its place will most likely make up for the slight "inconvenience". Such is progress.

I also have a hard time believing that the removal of the SuperDrive is enough to piss off the Apple user market especially when a cheap remedy exists to ease this transition from Disks to other forms of "transfer".

 

[croooow]

Why? Because you say so?

No, would you be happier if I said "could they please stop selling discs?" or "I would really like it if they would stop selling discs"?

I'm thinking about the "not so technical" people who make up much of the ~1 Million/month Mac sales that Apple enjoys. If someone walks into a store and wants to buy a MacBook and some off the shelf (literally) software for their new Mac they can be told that they will need to buy a $80 device to load it or just sign into the MacApp store and buy the same software and have it installed with just a few easy clicks. That $80 "slight inconvenience" may be harmful to sales.

Apple is a company, they are here to make money. They want to make computer that people (not just the people on this forum, but all kinds of people in the "real world") can easily use and make part of their lives. It doesn't make sense to sell software that you can't use without an extra peripheral on your computer. The Air is a different machine. No OD makes sense for the Air (But it still has iDVD on it)

 

[Richard1028]

If someone walks into a store and wants to buy a MacBook and some off the shelf (literally) software for their new Mac they can be told that they will need to buy a $80 device to load it or just sign into the MacApp store and buy the same software and have it installed with just a few easy clicks. That $80 "slight inconvenience" may be harmful to sales.

See the bolded text in your response. You remedied your own dilemma and at the same time provided Apple's rationale for removing the ODD. (i.e., 30% off the top by far makes up for pissing off a few folks).

It doesn't make sense to sell software that you can't use without an extra peripheral on your computer.

Using that logic, every mac should come with a printer.

 

[croooow]

See the bolded text in your response. You remedied your own dilemma and at the same time provided Apple's rationale for removing the ODD. (i.e., 30% off the top by far makes up for pissing off a few folks).

That was my original point. If they make all their software available at the MacApp store (or some other location for download) then I can see removing the ODD. If they still sell software that is available only on disc, the computers they sell should be able to load the software without an additional cost.

It doesn't make sense to sell software that you can't use without an extra peripheral on your computer.

Using that logic, every mac should come with a printer.

That was my mistake, I meant to say "It doesn't make sense to sell software that you can't load without an extra peripheral on your computer." Software may require other devices to use (a Video Camera, Printer, Microphone, musical instruments, etc) so yes, you can't include everything that anyone would use with any software. I just meant I shouldn't need to buy an extra peripheral (or find a 2nd computer) to load software onto your computer (and the Air is an exception because of its nature.)

Actually, sometimes Macs do come with free (after rebate) printers from Apple

 

[Hellhammer]

That was my original point. If they make all their software available at the MacApp store (or some other location for download) then I can see removing the ODD. If they still sell software that is available only on disc, the computers they sell should be able to load the software without an additional cost.

Final Cut Suite may be a bit too much as it's like 40GB. Other apps such as iLife, iWork, Aperture etc would be easy. Some of them are already available.

However, Apple could switch to flash media like they did with MBA's install media. All Macs have a USB port so that's not an issue. It costs a bit more but in e.g. Final Cut, it wouldn't matter as the whole suite is quite expensive.