MacBook Pro Lineup Set For 'Most Significant Overhaul in Over 4 Years'

[brinary001]

When has Apple, or any other company that sells their own product EVER had an upgrade policy like that? How would they make money off of the ill-informed? Best Buy, maybe, but they're a 3rd party retailer...

Here ya go, sport: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/peeved-apple-will-exchange-your-3rd-gen-ipad-for-the-newer-model/

Still not satisfied? No problem! I gotchu: http://www.apple.com/hk/en/legal/sales_policies/retail.html

That last one is just the regular return policy but does highlight that Apple will have no problem swapping out your old model for the newly launched one.

 

[cube]

This rumor is disappointing in one way--I no longer expect an eGPU. If Apple releases even one rMBP with a dGPU, there will be no option for an eGPU which might just outperform the internal dGPU given the dGPUs thermal constraints.

Also, despite the possible utility of an OLED bar, I think it is a mistake to integrate the power button into its touch interface. How does one reset the rMBP if the touch bar stops responding due to hardware or software issues? I hope everyone who buys the next rMBP also buys AppleCare.

You can build an eGPU if you have Thunderbolt or ExpressCard.

 

[2IS]

Ugh... This can't come soon enough for me. I need this more then I need an iPhone 7.

 

[MH01]

Well given they have almost done nothing to the Macbook pro range since 2012....any update is a significant overhaul.

Its called a new model.

 

[flat five]

Well, the bar was really low the last 4 years, so that won't come as a surprise. Anything other than processor, GPU, RAM, disk size and battery upgrade, which, you know, has happened regularly the last 30 years, and the article will be correct.

the article is mainly about things other than those:

the article says the updated notebooks are thinner and will include a touchscreen strip along the top of the keyboard, which is expected to present functions on an as-needed basis that fit the current task or application, as well as integrate Touch ID to enable users to quickly log in using their fingerprint.
The new top-of-the-line MacBook Pros will be slightly thinner than the current models but are not tapered like the MacBook Air and latest 12-inch MacBook, one of the people said. The new MacBook Pros have a smaller footprint than current models and the casing has shallower curves around the edges. The pressure-sensitive trackpad is also slightly wider, the person added.
[...]
The new design will also include USB-C connectivity that can handle charging, data transfers, and display outputs, according to the source, corroborating earlier rumors. Apple is also reportedly considering whether to offer the notebooks in gray, gold, and silver, although it's unclear if colored MacBook Pros will be available on initial release.

so, there's:
• body redesign
• context aware touchscreen strip
• touch ID
• larger trackpad
• USB-C
• colors

all of those together result in a perspective of 'significant overhaul'.

just saying

 

[iMi]

You

The USB-C is what worries me about this otherwise great MacBook Pro update. If it only has USB-C, no less than five standards (MagSafe, USB-A, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 2, SD card slot) are being dropped all at once. Many people (myself included) who use these Macs aren't ready for that yet.

You've said it... I honestly miss having MagSafe with power indicator on my new MacBook. All other ports I'm okay with minus at least one USB port.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I can't wait for those groundbreaking "Our most powerful Macbook Pro ever" headlines. Those always throw me. I'm like all "Really? It's more powerful than the last one?"

Well, there are recent iMac and Mac mini updates that were slower than their older releases, so Apple can surprise!

 

[Sedulous]

It can't be beyond Apple's capacity to produce two lines of computers, can it? At this point they have a weird mishmash of stuff and none of it seems to have a clear purpose.

Pro= no compromise in performance, connectivity
Air= compromised performance, connectivity but ultra portable
Macbook/iMac= consumer product somewhere between "pro" and "air"

As for the gimmicky iStrip, at fist glance it seems "neat", but after any amount of consideration is like all gimmicks... something few will use and might actually be less useful than the feature it replaced. Touch screens are fine for mobile devices with limited space otherwise physical keys with consistent positioning is preferable. Likewise, the strip will be always using power and at an odd viewing angle. iStrip, no thanks.

 

[Saturn1217]

Does anyone see a possibility of apple coming out with a proper usb-c docking solution for the new MBPs? Dell sells this usb-c dock for their xps laptops that provides all the extra ports you could want plus power and all you have to do is plug in one usb-c cable from the dock to the laptop and you have a desktop set up. I would love to see Apple release a first party solution like that for the MBP. I'd even be willing to pay their exorbitant prices if it came with the ability to drive 2 displays.

Probably too utilitarian for Apple but it would go a long way towards making up for releasing a usb-c only computer. (Hopefully this hypothetical dock isn't integrated into a $1000 monitor).

 

[kildraik]

Here ya go, sport: http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/peeved-apple-will-exchange-your-3rd-gen-ipad-for-the-newer-model/

Still not satisfied? No problem! I gotchu: http://www.apple.com/hk/en/legal/sales_policies/retail.html

That last one is just the regular return policy but does highlight that Apple will have no problem swapping out your old model for the newly launched one.

Wow. Interesting. Good to know!

However,

The iPad was an outrage reaction, and you provided an Apple Asia link...

I don't really believe it.

 

[simon lefisch]

Thinner != better heat dissipation

 

[fastasleep]

As for the gimmicky iStrip, at fist glance it seems "neat", but after any amount of consideration is like all gimmicks... something few will use and might actually be less useful than the feature it replaced. Touch screens are fine for mobile devices with limited space otherwise physical keys with consistent positioning is preferable. Likewise, the strip will be always using power and at an odd viewing angle. iStrip, no thanks.

You don't know what it looks like or what it does.

 

[iLilana]

New MBP... better have more that 2 usb c ports. Connectivity is an issue for pro users. We have to buy enough docks and hubs as it is and wireless is still unreliable when performing. So other than that going to be an expensive 2 years. New roof, Behringer Deepmind 12, MBP, Analog mixer, new effects pedals, Mother 32, and luck willing a Model D.

 

[44267547]

Wow, You must be rich, considering you already have the latest iPhone, Macbook Pro and Apple Watch - as mentioned in your signature

That's a really pretentious thing to say to somebody on a tech forum. So, he has expendable income and that makes him rich? What about the rest of us? Because he listed his ownership of Apple Products makes him rich? Ok.

 

[Janichsan]

I can't wait for those groundbreaking "Our most powerful Macbook Pro ever" headlines. Those always throw me. I'm like all "Really? It's more powerful than the last one?"

Just wait until Apple switches to ARM CPUs (which I'm afraid is something they are going to do). "Remember how we claimed every time it we released the most powerful MacBook Pro ever? Well, no more!!"

No mention of Thunderbolt III in the rumor. Without TB3, I have zero interest as I want the capability of an external GPU/Hub so I can use ONE Mac for mobile and desktop.

Yeah, no Thunderbolt would be an absolute no-go for me.

 

[saggyhaggis]

Well, there are recent iMac and Mac mini updates that were slower than their older releases, so Apple can surprise!

Ha Ha.

Remember the days when Steve would describe a new iteration as a 'screamer' and they really were?

We need to go back to that.

 

[macmacgoose]

"expert users such as video gamers"

Ummm, no. These are not the experts.

The MBP should have the latest/greatest CPU and plenty of RAM, good GPU for multimedia developers and some decent base SSD capacity for a Pro model. Back in the day, my MBP was a very credible machine to do intensive computations (rather than bothering to connect to a PC cluster). My 2013 13' MBP is more than light/slim enough and I don't see why there is an even bigger push for a size decrease. Those who want portability and basic functions can go with 11' or 12' and minimal ports. The rest of us who use the MBP in an advanced manner would like speed and ports. I still lament the fact I have 2 USB ports rather than 3. HDMI and SD card slots are very useful. MagSafe is also very useful as I used to flip PC notebooks onto the floor like clockwork. One thing that has really pissed me off since getting my MBP (from my 2008 model) was the lack of an internal CD drive. While I'm not yet prepared to go back to a PC, if ports and battery life is reduced, this will mean I'll not buy an MBP until absolutely necessary (when it dies) rather than in the next 1-2 years for novelty. I'd love to shell out for a high-end 13' MBP with all the bells and whistles. Please give me a reason to throw money at you, Apple.

 

[Joe23]

Nice setup, I built this:

Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Arctic White w/ Window Side Panel - $145
CPU: Intel Core i7 4790k - $420
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK - $180
RAM: 32GB Kingston HyperX Fury White 1866mhz (4 sticks @ 8gb each) - $220
Power Supply: Seasonic X650 - $160
GPU: Asus Strix GTX 960 4GB - $305
Storage For Mac OS X: Intel 320 120gb SSD - $0 (taken from my old comp)
Storage For Windows: Western Digital Blue 1TB - $65
Cooler: Phanteks TC14PE - $105
Wifi: TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 - $45

Total Cost: $1,645 CAD / $1,299 USD

The Final Build:
(windowed side panel taken off for photo)

I also Hackintoshed it and I'm sort of pissed off that I didn't bother going this route years ago. Yeah sure, it's a big white box... but it's dead silent during regular usage and I don't even use the PSU's fanless mode when low powered AND I dont have the soundproof side panel (I like the window pane). Even at full load it's very quiet. The biggest bonus is that I have full control over all of my parts and can upgrade at will. Plus, I paid so little for it and I got SO MUCH value, it's incredible.

And I say this as someone who's gone from a PowerMac G4 MDD, 2006 Mac Pro, a 2008 Mac Pro, a 2009 iMac and numerous laptops. Each year Apple has released something it's been an even greater pleasure knowing that I got so much bang for the buck considering how piss poor Apple's offerings are especially for what they're charging.

Apple's products are a MAJOR rip off. Their only saving grace are the laptops and the only reason why I'd pay the money for one is not because I want to, but because I really DONT want to deal with Windows!

Anyone curious about my build can read all about it with a full and DETAILED review here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-hackintosh-thread.1900326/#post-21586131

That. Is. Gorgeous.

 

[emir]

I don't want to jynx it but although my 2010 MBP is still working like a champ, this update can't come sooner. (albeit with an SSD swapped in for a Superdrive back in '12)

I use it mostly for large spreadsheets, coding in VBA, occasional Photoshop and personal use (i.e. browsing, reading, listening to music etc.) However I will be in need of editing videos soon. I definitely could use a new MBP in 2017.

Ports I "definitely" need;
- Normal USB alongside USB-c. (give us some time Apple, not every industry works in latest tech)
- HDMI out. (Don't want to carry an Apple TV or Chromecast with me)
- AUX (obviously)
- MagSafe (Saves my Macbook's life at least once every week)

Sadly, I feel like I will only get AUX out of these. If I had to pick one, it would definitely be the MagSafe. I get the argument that the new Macbook is too light to even get the magnetic cable to come out in case of a pull on the cable, MBP should still be heavy enough. Please Apple. Don't make one of your best inventions ever obsolete.

 

[Luis Ortega]

What about tim cooks pc replacement comment

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?”

Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people
. -Tim Cook

That's the stupidest comment Cook has made so far.

 

[Sitti]

Have been waiting for redesigned or major overhauled MBP. My 4-year old original Retina MBP is showing sign of aging. Need a new one early next year at the latest.

 

[dilbert99]

What's with all the boners for touchscreen. It's so stupid on a laptop, especially a Mac where the trackpad is so freakin good already. But if you like getting smudges on your screen, go right ahead.

To use it like an iPad but with OSX so you can sketch etc.
Everything being touch screen is just a matter of when.
[doublepost=1470910325][/doublepost]

God I hope so. The bezels on the iMac are so bad, the MBP are pretty bad too, just make it edge to edge or closer. Would look so sleek. I understand why they are there, but do they have to be so ****ing big still.

Was sat next to a guy using a Dell on the train tonight and it had very small bezels - very useful.
[doublepost=1470910678][/doublepost]

Is it really though? Do you upgrade/change your ram every night you get home from work? It's not that big a deal. We have to sacrifice some things for Apple's "thinness boner".

Be happy we're getting a remotely powerful overhaul. They can stick the ram underneath the display if they want for all I care.

One issue is the memory can and does fail and unless OS can work around all issues, it renders the laptop useless. A few years down the line you also cannot expand the memory for extra life.
[doublepost=1470910818][/doublepost]

Apple is telling us that the iPad Pro can be a computer for some/most people. Heck, I'm what you would probably call a "power user" of computers and I'm using an iPad Pro as my main machine now. But what Apple has never said is that the iPad Pro is the only computer anyone needs. I still need a Mac/PC for some functions at work. The thing that's changed is that now that I have an iPad Pro, I really don't care what computer my company issues me to do those couple of tasks I need a computer for. There's literally only one thing left that I do with computers that can't be done on an iPad and that's because it's a Flash based task with no app or HTML 5 option.

I can think of one more - having a file system.
[doublepost=1470910895][/doublepost]

I don't need thinner, I need beefier. Make it bigger and give us more, not less. I'd really like to see a workstation class laptop, with features you just wouldn't find in a typical laptop.

I feel like they're trying to blur the line between the iPad Pro and Laptop line.

I want my laptop lighter.
[doublepost=1470911251][/doublepost]

I'll be dissapointed if they don't have a MagSafe charger, even if the MagSafe bit was on the actual charger. When I first moved to a Mac that was a big selling point amongst others.

Isn't there a 3rd party adaptor for magsafe usbc? But would be better built in...the number of times I've probably been saved having magsafe.
[doublepost=1470911456][/doublepost]

Hope it has more than that one USB-C port. Dropping them all would be a big step backwards.

Its going to have no ports, wireless everything

 

[maxsix]

About damn time.

I concur.

Apple's so powerful they can make their customers wait until they are so starved for a new updated product, they salivate like Pavlov Dogs...

 

[johnnyturbouk]

This looks like a tidy little monster. My predicament is that I have replaced my MBP with my iPad pro 9.7.
Whilst i love my pro, and have been using iPads since gen 1, and despite the pencil and zags keyboard both adding a new dimensions to functionality and productivity, the fact remains the IPP remains inferior to a MBP, and iOS can't really compare to OS X. Yes, for surfing the web, or simple emails its fine, anything more, ones productivity is simply not as efficient on the IPP. I currently have a late 2015 5k iMac and my ipp, which essentially covers most scenarios for me.

Take an example, i was constructing a tutorial for the new trainees, i had my emails, safari, excel, and evernote open, on OS X, i can rapidly swipe between the 4 screens, on the ipp, the split screen mode and jumping from one screen to another is simply not as efficient, and far more cumbersome. I ended up opening the rota on my iPhone.

I don't think apple's vision of having the iPads replace PCs is anywhere near fruition, except for the most basic needs. The iOS version of many productivity apps remain anaemic, and less intuitive than osx.

Nevertheless, the app is an amazing machine, and i love to read on my iPad, always have done, the zags slim book is perfect as the keyboard is superb, and i can detach it for reading on the fly, or have it in book case mode whilst reading on the tube or buses.

The app not only needs 4gb ram as standard, iOS should be tweaked to work with a trackpad, for those that want to use it, and especially if apple are touting it as a laptop replacement.

Finally, i may upgrade when apple finally move to old screens.

 

[brinary001]

Wow. Interesting. Good to know!

However,

The iPad was an outrage reaction, and you provided an Apple Asia link...

I don't really believe it.

What is there not to believe? I provided an official Apple document that backed up my argument. So what if it's their Asian site, it's in plain English and answered your question if Apple has ever done that. Well, they kinda have.