MacBook Pro 2011 predictions

[w00t951]

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Most retarded thing I've ever read. Screw thinner. It's already stupid thin. You want thin, go buy the MBA. This is the macbook PRO. It's supposed to have top-end specs. It's supposed to have robust construction and cooling to run 100% CPU for hours on end. I want a *thicker* chassis, so that we can actually have a decent GPU fitted for once, instead of the boring midrange GPU's that the past few MBP's have received.

lol you think that's the most retarded thing you've ever heard? get real and think about the direction tech and especially apple is going. its not at all silly to think the mbp is gonna get thinner. to think otherwise is the most retarded thing I've ever heard

You clearly don't know what you are talking about. If you have ever disassembled a MBP 15, you know that the ODD, HDD, and battery are clearly restricting the size of the computer.

 

[Erasmus]

You clearly don't know what you are talking about. If you have ever disassembled a MBP 15, you know that the ODD, HDD, and battery are clearly restricting the size of the computer.

You clearly don't know what you are talking about. ODD can be removed, HDD can be replaced with thinner/smaller versions (alongside the introduction of blade SSDs) and batteries can be reshaped. Although I guess I shouldn't pan the panner of Mr Troll. Yup, I've now confused myself. I'll settle with believing I'm the only one here who knows anything, and see how far that gets me.

Although I don't think Apple will make the MBPs much/any thinner. 1" is fine.

 

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

460 is unlikely, as it has a very high power draw.

Likely decent GPUs are mostly from AMD:
The freely available 5830M

From a performance/power standpoint, seems perfect. People complain about ATI/AMD drivers, but, it seems to me that Apple might be able to fix that.

The newly announced 6550M
Or some presently unanounced 6600M or 6700M, ie. evolution of the 5830M: Twice as many cores as a 6500M, but clocked low for a TDP < 25W.

If the ODD drive goes, GPU TDP allocation might increase, but I expect Apple will got quad-core CPU first (+10 W) before maxing out the GPU to fill new cooling system capabilities.

 

[Oetam]

I suspect there is going to be an update to the 13" MB and MBP. The 15" and 17" got some kind of update in October but the 13" didn't. The MB is normally updated in May (which happened) and in October/November (which didn't). I also read somewhere that NVIDIA would stop providing chips for Apple's lower end laptops by the end of this year and here in The Netherlands there is currently a huge sale of the 13" MBP going on, it is actually supported by Apple and all Premium Resellers are participating. It it priced at 999 euros instead of 1149... all this makes me suspect there is going to be an update very soon. Does this all make sense? Because I'm looking into buying the 13" MBP but I'm not sure if I should get it now on sale or wait for the new one but I obviously don't want to wait too long either... Can anyone help?

 

[SilverOnemi]

Apple computers are often very price competitive when new models are released. It's just that 3 months later, all the competitors have dropped their price, and upped the specs, and Apple hasn't. 8 months later, we have the situation like we do now, where Apple computers don't compete on a pure hardware standpoint.



460 is unlikely, as it has a very high power draw.

Likely decent GPUs are mostly from AMD:
The freely available 5830M
The newly announced 6550M
Or some presently unanounced 6600M or 6700M, ie. evolution of the 5830M: Twice as many cores as a 6500M, but clocked low for a TDP < 25W.

If the ODD drive goes, GPU TDP allocation might increase, but I expect Apple will got quad-core CPU first (+10 W) before maxing out the GPU to fill new cooling system capabilities.

460m is wishfull thinking... but it would be a hell of a machine wouldn't it? that 5830 you mentioned would be fabulous.

I'm just hoping for something i can max starcraft 2 out of it.

Best Regards
SilverOne

 

[63dot]

The next version of MBP, whenever that is in 2011, could be:

13" inch with Core i3 and i5 processors
15" inch with Core i5 thru Core i7 extreme lines of processors
17" inch with only Core i7 extreme processor

This would amount to speed bumps in every line, plus larger hard drives, and MAYBE more RAM with prices staying relatively the same as they are now with a small reduction in price on the upper end. I think the lower end won't go down in price.

I also expect the Macbook to go with the Core i3 and drop the Core 2 Duo processor.

 

[Nirim]

The next version of MBP, whenever that is in 2011, could be:

13" inch with Core i3 and i5 processors
15" inch with Core i5 thru Core i7 extreme lines of processors
17" inch with only Core i7 extreme processor

This would amount to speed bumps in every line, plus larger hard drives, and MAYBE more RAM with prices staying relatively the same as they are now with a small reduction in price on the upper end. I think the lower end won't go down in price.

I also expect the Macbook to go with the Core i3 and drop the Core 2 Duo processor.

Does the average user really need more than 4 GB RAM atm.? Hmm, I'm not too sure. At least I don't, and yes, I know that doesn't mean that everyone else doesn't either. But I don't think that 8GB will before standard in MBPs (15+) until 4-6 months.

I'm stuck with a ****** PC laptop myself which is almost 4 years old and VERY noisy, so I'm afraid that I'll buy a 15" MPB after the next update no matter what happens. (Hope Apple doesn't see this)

My predictions/hopes:

• New and much better GPU. Those 330M are seriously too rubbish for the MBP imo.
• SB processors
• Removal of the ODD. Let's instead have room for both SSD + an ordinary harddisk and that better graphic card I've mentioned
• A slight redesign because of above.

I'm not very specific when it comes to naming actual products 'cause I simply ain't that much into the whole hardware world atm., but do you guys think that I'm being realistic? I could definitely live with an upgrade like this, that's for sure.

 

[rust.puppet]

I wish, I'm praying for i5's and i7's for the 15". school starts back up in 2-3 weeks and it would be nice to get my hands on one by the first week of february. I'm hoping for 4-6g ram to come stock and max out a little higher. Also, if they were going to do away with the optical drive they would be hurting bad. as much as we know the future is in the cloud based system and streaming over wifi there is just so many uses for a cd/dvd drive at least right now. I (personally) spend a lot of time at our local college and while there arent a lot of people using macbooks in general - NOONE uses the air. since all schools aren't mac yet (mine included) alot of homework and studying is dvd based including but not limited to anatomy.

just some hopes, i wouldnt mind a usb port on the right hand side of the mbp either, maybe a noise canceling mic built in because when you try to voice chat without a headset or external mic you get a hell of a lot of clicking feedback especially the glass trackpad.

 

[macnerd123]

honestly I really just want to know about it before the return period for my new macbook air is up.

 

[Richard1028]

here in The Netherlands there is currently a huge sale of the 13" MBP going on, it is actually supported by Apple and all Premium Resellers are participating. It it priced at 999 euros instead of 1149


... all this makes me suspect there is going to be an update very soon.?

Or... this has all the earmarks of a product being discontinued.

I hope not.

 

[mickey23]

Or... this has all the earmarks of a product being discontinued.

I hope not.

yeh they're going to discontinue their most popular line...

i have a feeling you were being sarcastic ?

 

[Erasmus]

The next version of MBP, whenever that is in 2011, could be:

13" inch with Core i3 and i5 processors
15" inch with Core i5 thru Core i7 extreme lines of processors
17" inch with only Core i7 extreme processor

This would amount to speed bumps in every line, plus larger hard drives, and MAYBE more RAM with prices staying relatively the same as they are now with a small reduction in price on the upper end. I think the lower end won't go down in price.

I also expect the Macbook to go with the Core i3 and drop the Core 2 Duo processor.

Pretty sure the "extreme" i7's are 55W, ie. an extra 10W over the normal quads. I therefore don't expect Apple will offer them. They will more likely offer a faster top upgrade in 6 months or so, when non-extreme versions of these faster chips are released.

 

[Richard1028]

yeh they're going to discontinue their most popular line...

i have a feeling you were being sarcastic ?

Not the entire "line". Just the 13" MBP. Others share that "opinion".

And no sarcasm. The 13" offerings are so congested at this point nothing would surprise me.

 

[redkamel]

MBP 13,15, and 17 will get sandy bridge, and hopefully a drop in the SSD price as Apple moves towards their new proprietary and cheaper flash modules. Maybe the regular graphics card upgrade. Essentially, nothing new or amazing in the MBPs.

Maybe they'll add 1-2 light peak ports. The problem with adding LP is that they would have to cut other ports, and seeing as I haven't seen a single device or ad for lightpeak, people might get a little pissed when they get a port that nothing uses. So I think it will be 1 port. Hell, I know what LP is and i dont even want it. I have no use for it right now.

Apple seems to be moving toward their MBA style: no moving parts, no disc drive. I think this is a great move, but if they take it away on their staple lines, there will be hell to pay. Imagine if Apple essentially only sold Macbook Airs!

I imagine a new, 4th MBP, 15 inch (most popular size), with no disc drive. It will have option of 2 hard drives, 2 flash drives, or a mix. It will use SB processors and a better discrete graphics than the regular MBPs. Essentially a souped up MBP, and likely expensive.

Using what they learn from this experimental MBP (engineering wise, popular feedback, critically, sales numbers) they can trickle down changes to the MBP line.

There is not enough flash to switch all the MBP to flash only. All the college kids/parents buying MBPs would freak if they had no internal disc drives options. So an "experimental model" would still let them sell the "next gen" MBP while letting people get used to the idea. In a year or two, they can phase out disc drives. While optical media is dead, and I fully agree, it is still a primary method to store and read data for much of the public who is not comfortable with using .dmg etc etc. Relegating all of mom and dads disc software, photos, and CD ripping to an essentially mandatory $99 external drive before it is TRULY optional is dangerous. Its better a year late than a year early. When is the right time? I am not sure, but I don't think it is 2011.

its analogous to how when the Air first came out, people thought it was the stupidest idea. Now people ask me about mine everyday, and they sell well.

 

[freekyzee]

Real power

Blu-Ray,

HDMI out put,

Super Audio CDplayback,

Full 1080p,

improved proceesers-hard drive-RAM,

Interchangable Desktop pages,

Set priority on Applications in activity monitor/
Better website loading (on ALL my macs I have had problems loading web, this is partly because flash uses so much CPU hence why there not in iPhones).

Better connections to Wi-fi (For some reason my mac loses connection regularly when connected to a Wi-fi wether at home or in a cafe).

APP Uninstall,

THATS WHAT APPLE SHOULD REALLY BE ADDING IM TIRED AND TIRED OF THE GIMMICKS.

 

[Richard1028]

I imagine a new, 4th MBP, 15 inch (most popular size),

Everybody keeps saying the 15" MBP outsells the 13" model. Why?

Seriously, are there any stats on this?

 

[shazzam]

With the Mac App Store and flash drives the ODD in a laptop becomes less relevant. Irrelevant though, don't know.

 

[mwhq]

Black Unibody - not going to happen but I would be all over it. Blackbook IMHO was the best looking notebook Apple have done, If they brought out a annodised black uni shell I think I would wet my pants a little

 

[rust.puppet]

Black Unibody - not going to happen but I would be all over it. Blackbook IMHO was the best looking notebook Apple have done, If they brought out a annodised black uni shell I think I would wet my pants a little

Its not expected, but I would be so happy if they decided to do this. Sounds slick. They're always out for surprising us, honestly, it would be the equivalent of dodge bringing back the challenger after all these years. it wouldnt of been as big of a shock but a limited release of black aluminum unibodies would be a high selling point and honestly the unibodys and the aluminum look of macs is getting a little tiresome. the people who updated recently will be jealous and want to buy it wether they need it or not and so will the people already buying and it may just bring a whole new generation that buys it for the "cool" factor. i.e. the black U2 ipod.

 

[kamil.amersi]

My prognostication is that intel will release Sandy Bridge late January or early February.

Apple will wait 2 to 3 months before embracing the chipsets, meaning a potential May release date for an updated MBP.

During the time between intel releasing the chipset, and apple updating their line, tons of threads will be posted asking/complaining/whining about apple's next refresh. Those that complain will threaten to buy a Dell/HP/Asus if apple doesn't get its act toghether.

When they finally do update the MBP line, many people will complain about the update, or some minor facet stating that apple blew it and they're going to buy a Dell/HP/Asus laptop.

I agree with this timeframe - there will need some testing to be undergone regarding the final value proposition with new chip in relation to any other upgrades which it might be considering. i think that a jan-feb release, assuming intel release on schedule, is extremely unlikely and would not make business sense.

in addion, apple's Q4 earnings release has either met or exceeded analysts estimates so they are under no pressure to bolster earnings for the 2011 fiscal year. it is more likely that they release in the latter half of their financial year - april - sept.

 

[Yin]

I agree with this timeframe - there will need some testing to be undergone regarding the final value proposition with new chip in relation to any other upgrades which it might be considering. i think that a jan-feb release, assuming intel release on schedule, is extremely unlikely and would not make business sense.

in addion, apple's Q4 earnings release has either met or exceeded analysts estimates so they are under no pressure to bolster earnings for the 2011 fiscal year. it is more likely that they release in the latter half of their financial year - april - sept.

like we have enough money so we can stop earning?
Q4 was great for apple. but that does not mean that Q1 is not important. april sounds reasonable, but not any longer. the new mbp will be released between februrary and april. anything else would make no sense.

 

[Richard1028]

in addion, apple's Q4 earnings release has either met or exceeded analysts estimates so they are under no pressure to bolster earnings for the 2011 fiscal year. it

LOL!

You obviously don't own stock and think shareholders throw money at Apple only to expect mediocre earnings in ANY quarter. If Apple doesn't trounce previous estimates there will be hell to pay. (Which means more resources get thrown into iProducts and the mac line takes it up the wazoo for awhile - again)

 

[Oetam]

Or... this has all the earmarks of a product being discontinued.

I hope not.

I have 10 minutes before 00:00 which means I can get the 13" MBP with a 150 euros discount. Do you think it is worth waiting for the next version and pay the full price or will the current version be ok? I will mostly use it for video editing and I don't think I'll buy a new computer for at least 3-4 years.

 

[MattZani]

I just want it to be powerful enough to be a real upgrade from my 08 MBP in sig.

 

[63dot]

I was also thinking if Intel retracts their proposed intro of next gen. 22 nanometer chips and actually gets them out mid-2011 instead of likelier early 2012 release, then the 13" inch MBP if it comes out after that could have the Core i5 with turbo boost (since no next gen i3 has been announced yet),

the 15" inch could have start with the regular i7 and higher end i7s for better models,

and the 17" inch could have either i7 quad and i7 extreme, or just the i7 extreme.

With the 22 nanometer process and a more efficient processor, maybe battery time could be kept at a decent range with the extreme i7. For the price of the 17" inch MBP, I would want nothing less than i7 extreme.

Also this could leave the Core i3 for the Macbooks and the MBAs and Apple could move completely beyond the Core 2 Duo in 2011. That's not to say there's anything wrong with Core 2 Duo, but when 22 nanometer hits with "Ivy Bridge", things are going to change very fast.