MacBook Pro Specs Leaked? SSD, Better Battery, New Technology?

[regandarcy]

How is it somehow easier to just put your dvd/blu-ray drive and "just works" verus downloading a few hours just to watch a movie, and for streaming, what happens if you are in a places without internet connection?

I think that the SD cards will replace the CDs and DVDs. The new ones can hold alot more info. They are smaller and more portable, won't scratch etc.

In fact I think some movie rental kiosks are already employing this technology. Instead of renting a DVD, you just insert a SD card and load the movie onto it which expires in a set time. But even that is going to be replaced in time by downloaded and streaming movies. People will have movies stored on their computers/tvs in the future and not on bookshelves in endless DVD cases. Plus if you travel and can't stream movies....you can just load your computer with the movies you want to watch before you go. I mean, who wants to carry a bunch of DVDs with them when they travel when they can just store em on their HD?

I remember how I used to bring a notebook full of audio CDs with me when I went on a long trip. Then the iPod came along, and NOBODY carries their entire CD collection with them anymore. Doesn't make sense.

Now the same thing is happening with video. I know it hurts people who spent insane amounts of money on a huge DVD collection...but that's progress for ya. I think it's a good thing. I was getting so sick of the studios forcing people to constantly replace their DVD libraries with DVD, then Blue Ray. What was next? Super Blue Ray? Digital libraries are soooo much easier. Not to mention more environmentally friendly.

More and more software is being downloaded too. And I think really large programs will make the shift from CDs to SD cards as well.

 

[adnoh]

its 3.31 AM in the UK and i cant sleep cos im so excited....actually its insomnia but thats besides the point.

So my 2010 whitebook was the last one?! sweet! anyone wana buy a piece of history of me?

Also haven't apple tried phasing out the whitebook before only to bring it back? what happened there?

 

[smulji]

I'm saying it now. This has been one of the best mac rumors days ever.

LOL, days? Feels like it been weeks. I've never seen so many Apple rumors in such a period of time since just before Apple introduced the first iPhone in 2007. But I have to say it's been fun.

But no matter what happens come Thursday people will find something to bitch about the new MB Pros.

 

[charlituna]

So do you guys think i can walk into my local apple store at 10 AM and buy one one thursday? How has this worked in the past?

It never seems to work the same. But the best I can tell it is in two basic flavors

1. Announced with a date given a week/month in the future to get the whatever
2. Announced, ready to order on line about an hour after the event (the store will be offline from like midnight before to the end of the event), leaving the warehouse that afternoon for the stores.

Despite the rumors, there's been nothing more about the mystery shipments so it is possible they are merely going (if at all) to the really big stores where folks will be lining up even before any announcement starts to get their new thing. So your own store might not have them for a day or two.

here is my thought someone should call up the apple store and be like hi so im on the website and i see that the macbook pros take 3-5 does that mean that i will see it in 3-5 days or it will ship then..because that might tell us when theyre coming..

IF it says Ship that means days before it leaves the warehouse,

Deliver is days until you get it. ANd remember they are business days (so M-F)

They almost never have any upgraded computers in store. They'll install extra ram for you (because it's easy and takes about 5min, but they can charge you obscence amounts for it), but if you want a better resolution screen or faster processor, I doubt they'll have it in store

Not true. They have the high res anti glare 15 and 17 in right now (or did if they are not sold out) and the Highest MBAs.

I bought just 13in Macbook Pro along with Applecare and Office 2011 at the nearby Apple store on Feb 3 (needed it pretty bad for school). I know its pass the 14 day return period but would there be anyway for me to head to the store on release and some how exchange it for one of the new ones?

If new ones are announced this weekend or next week, gather up the computer with the cords, disks etc into the box, find your receipt and go ask. Be polite and nice about it with no whining, cussing, entitlement etc. You might get turned down, you might not. Especially if you are looking to upgrade and pay a little more.

My aunt is a manager at my local Apple Store, and while they don't receive information before any of us do, I might give her a call tonight/tomorrow and see if she's received any shipments that she wasn't expecting.

If she tells you that information she will deserve it if she gets caught and fired. As a manager keeping her mouth shut is a major part of her job. Even if it is 'just my nephew'

If the update is on thursday and there is no event what time does apple normally update their store to show new products. I know events normally start at 1 pm EST, so are site upgrades the same? Thanks.

Often the site goes down around Midnight Eastern US time. if there is an event it will stay down until the end. If not, around 10am Eastern it will likely be back up

It blows my mind that such a major product can be so close to release yet not be officially known about. Is this par for the course?

Yes. Of course Apple has actually said nothing to prove that there's anything going on. But the massive rumors are also par for the course.

 

[Mr. Gates]

The hype is on !

Now the true Apple Fans will have a moment of truth.

This is what they expect now.

Will Steve deliver ?

We shall see.

I doubt it

 

[Crossfire945]

I'm Happy

I'm happy with these specs in general. I currently have a Dell Studio 15 Z, and I actually like it. It has an Intel Core i5 2.63ghz, 6 gb ram, NVIDIA graphics card (forgot the model), 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD, 5.5 pounds, 1 inch thick, and i get 6 hours battery. My brother got a 13" MacBook Air a few weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. I was immediately going to get a Pro, but was advised to check the Buyers' Guide this website, which I'm glad I did. We have the external Super Drive, so I will probably replace the ODD with an SSD. I am a little skeptical about having 3 Storage Drives, but I am sure Apple will make it work. Hopefully there is a good Graphics Card and not some Intel HD nonsense. I got one in my $1000 Dell, I should get one in a $2000 MacBook, although I understand that Macs are more expensive for a reason (build quality, reliability, etc.) and I am in no way complaining about price, but it is no excuse either way.

 

[applefanDrew]

how bout if i bought it jan 20?

Still to late. Sell it and buy a new one. You can get a lot back for it. Especially people on craigslist.

 

[ECUpirate44]

I can see you loving the extra cost and the inconvenience to bring an extra drive outside.

For the amount of times I use it I wouldn't mind. I would get much more out of having another drive in there instead.

And I can handle the extra $29

 

[StoneyG]

For those who say optical drives should be eliminated because the average costumer doesn't use it...think about it!..A Macbook Pro is not marketed for an average person it's intended for a professional or at least someone who demands these pro features..that doesn't sound average to me. I think average as the basic user who needs a computer for entertainment and not for some sort of production...with that being said MacBOOK air should be as it is and Macbook Pro should remain a PRO...

I can't believe this is even up for debate.

Whatever you feel the entire product line - which DOES cover quite a spectrum - is completely meant for "professionals", I'm sorry to say, doesn't really matter. The fact is, all kinds of people by the 13" MBPs, and even the 15" models, who don't really need a lot of the features. Some just want larger screens, some prefer the look of the Al casings, and so on. Presently, for two hundred bucks, over the white MacBook, with a base model 13", you're getting:

-Double the RAM
-It's lighter/is Al rather than polycarbonate
-backlit keyboard
-FW 800
-SD card slot
-Did I mention double the RAM?

So, with many students, or small business people, and so on, whether it's called a Pro or not, or whether or not is had an optical drive, isn't necessarily a key driving factor in the purchase. I know this, because I work in store that exclusively sells Macs, and talk to people on a daily basis about this stuff. Doesn't mean that you're wrong, or that your point isn't totally valid. Fact is, optical media IS losing it's relavance. And it's not because Jobs has brainwashed people (although, that may have played in a roll), it's because he - and others - see further ahead than some individuals, that's all.

 

[Mattsasa]

Maybe when bandwidth is free like the library. Otherwise I will keep using those coasters for my disposable media consumption.

hmm, by the time I am out of college (2015) I want optical disks gone!
I will do everything in my power to do this, not that I have any sort of power

 

[Eidorian]

I can see you loving the extra cost and the inconvenience to bring an extra drive outside.

I have considered replacing the optical drive in my tower to shave some weight. A network optical drive would be much less annoying than attaching a USB powered external.

wow! thanks! did the Arrandale i3 have hyperthreading? for some reason, I was thinking i3s didn't have it. I feel much better about getting one now!

Hyperthreading is the factor to differentiate Core i3 from the Celeron and Pentium lineup.

hmm, by the time I am out of college (2015) I want optical disks gone!
I will do everything in my power to do this, not that I have any sort of power

I wish you luck. Maybe you can lift all those without computers or internet access up by their bootstraps as well to spend their money on streaming media. Oh wait...

 

[GrahamMonty]

Why not sell on eBay or CL and get 70-80% of your investment back to use towards a new MBP?

My interest in a new one only stretches as far as the price already laid out 2 months ago, don't want to spend any more considering I know so little about computers that I probably wouldn't even be able to tell the difference.

 

[ciTiger]

Wanna form a club together? I'm sure were not the only ones.

Lol sure! I bet we'll find many members here AHAH

 

[CompLuter]

ODD MUST DIE!!!

Ok I understand people till use it.

But Jeez!!! It is so inefficient! Optical Discs are like Bottled Water. ODDs take a so much space inside laptops. Discs get used like once then thrown away. read/write speeds are slow.

For the people who do really need one, not the people who think they need one, but the people who actually do need one for whatever. should get an external ans suffer their inconvenience for the good of the world

i love the idea of having an external ODD for random things..but not having to carry it around with me! i don't use it enough to merit needing it in there all the time. no need to have it taking up space and weighing more.

 

[applefanDrew]

I have considered replacing the optical drive in my tower to shave some weight. A network optical drive would be much less annoying that attaching a USB powered external.

Hyperthreading is the factor to differentiate Core i3 from the Celeron and Pentium lineup.

I wish you luck. Maybe you can lift all those without computers or internet access up by their bootstraps as well to spend the money on streaming. Oh wait...

cool....my mistake. I would like the i5 in the 13...but if I am going to pay 1500 for it I'd rather have all SSD.

 

[Cheerwino]

hmm, by the time I am out of college (2015) I want optical disks gone!
I will do everything in my power to do this, not that I have any sort of power

You can vote with your wallet!

 

[JJC80]

What is this update going to allow you to do that 2010 models can't? Wake me up after the next few updates or a case redesign. A matte screen would be nice though. I doubt the case will be changed this soon in it's life cycle, the last PowerBook/MacBook pro basically looked the same for over 5 years. Apple likes iconic and recognizable designs, you can't get that with constant changes like PC manufacturers do. Besides in my opinion the current design is still slick enough to remain relevant and not dated, heck for that matter the Titanium G4 still looks pretty boss.

 

[ldellx3]

It never seems to work the same. But the best I can tell it is in two basic flavors

1. Announced with a date given a week/month in the future to get the whatever
2. Announced, ready to order on line about an hour after the event (the store will be offline from like midnight before to the end of the event), leaving the warehouse that afternoon for the stores.

Despite the rumors, there's been nothing more about the mystery shipments so it is possible they are merely going (if at all) to the really big stores where folks will be lining up even before any announcement starts to get their new thing. So your own store might not have them for a day or two.



IF it says Ship that means days before it leaves the warehouse,

Deliver is days until you get it. ANd remember they are business days (so M-F)





Not true. They have the high res anti glare 15 and 17 in right now (or did if they are not sold out) and the Highest MBAs.




If new ones are announced this weekend or next week, gather up the computer with the cords, disks etc into the box, find your receipt and go ask. Be polite and nice about it with no whining, cussing, entitlement etc. You might get turned down, you might not. Especially if you are looking to upgrade and pay a little more.



If she tells you that information she will deserve it if she gets caught and fired. As a manager keeping her mouth shut is a major part of her job. Even if it is 'just my nephew'



Often the site goes down around Midnight Eastern US time. if there is an event it will stay down until the end. If not, around 10am Eastern it will likely be back up




Yes. Of course Apple has actually said nothing to prove that there's anything going on. But the massive rumors are also par for the course.

okay so if there is no yellow post it note thursday night or i guess Wednesday night at midnight..then..nothing

 

[Jphillippe]

Whatever you feel the entire product line - which DOES cover quite a spectrum - is completely meant for "professionals", I'm sorry to say, doesn't really matter. The fact is, all kinds of people by the 13" MBPs, and even the 15" models, who don't really need a lot of the features. Some just want larger screens, some prefer the look of the Al casings, and so on. Presently, for two hundred bucks, over the white MacBook, with a base model 13", you're getting:

-Double the RAM
-It's lighter/is Al rather than polycarbonate
-backlit keyboard
-FW 800
-SD card slot
-Did I mention double the RAM?

So, with many students, or small business people, and so on, whether it's called a Pro or not, or whether or not is had an optical drive, isn't necessarily a key driving factor in the purchase. I know this, because I work in store that exclusively sells Macs, and talk to people on a daily basis about this stuff. Doesn't mean that you're wrong, or that your point isn't totally valid. Fact is, optical media IS losing it's relavance. And it's not because Jobs has brainwashed people (although, that may have played in a roll), it's because he - and others - see further ahead than some individuals, that's all.

I do agree with you I just don't agree with those who said it should be eliminated for good, it should be an option and for a big spectrum of the people who do utilize and depend on it.

In my opinion people who don't really need these features are wasting their money it is what it is, but hey Apple does a great job at marketing their models and I guess you can say confusing the customer into buying a higher level model when they don't even need to, it kind of plays with their psychology.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

Do you guys think that rumored 16GB SSD to hold the OS will be soldered to the logic board or will it be a "snap-on" type & user replaceable?

 

[iKrl]

I really want to replace my iMac with a notebook, an update will make me buy one for sure (unless it is only the specs). But I'll wait until the free iPod touch offer for students

 

[DrJohnnyN]

hmm, by the time I am out of college (2015) I want optical disks gone!
I will do everything in my power to do this, not that I have any sort of power

You're a youngen.

 

[MacNewsFix]

I wasn't trying to argue about that, just wondering why Sony are putting full HD res on 13 inch laptops and not Apple, when they've usually led the way with screen tech. My comment on price was only to correct the other guy who was implying the MBP was cheaper. I'm not denying both laptops are fantastic. Although I'm guessing the Vaio will be lighter in this case, because I had to get the 15inch because an i5 processor wasn't an option on the 13 inch.

I'm not trying to argue, merely question why Sony has a higher res screen at 13 inch. Just that guy jumped on my comment like I was trying to flame. Which I assure everyone isn't my intention. Maybe they have good reasons for that res on the 13 MBP, I'm curious on peoples opinions for it.

Ignore those with a thin skin. I do agree with people that a higher resolution alone does not always translate to the best computing experience and relies heavily on the screen size.

I noticed you roll with a Vaio. They're nice, but try a Mac and you won't go back. You also cited a $200 difference between a Mac with similar specs; believe me when I say it will be the best $200 you've ever spent. The level of customer service is a big justifier to me in what some lamely dub "the Apple tax."

 

[Buck987]

My interest in a new one only stretches as far as the price already laid out 2 months ago, don't want to spend any more considering I know so little about computers that I probably wouldn't even be able to tell the difference.

Some sanity...thank you. Not everyone needs the latest.

 

[puma1552]

- no more white MacBook (Apple goes back to two lines of 13" inchers)
- 16 GB SSD mSATA drives on all models to store the system
- Core i3 and third USB port on the 13" model
- Matte screen option on the higher-end 13"
- Option to replace the SuperDrive with a SSD on the 15 and 17" models
- HD screens on all models : 1440x900 on the 13", 1680x1050 on the 15"
- 200 to 300 grams lighter : 1.8 kg for the 13", 2.3 kg for the 15", 2.65 kg for the 17"
- Better battery life : 12 hours on the 13", 10 hours on the 15"
- 8 GB of RAM on the 17"

So waiting a pathetic year for an update got us what?

A little SSD flash for the OS (big deal), i3 (lol) and a THIRD usb port (WOW! ), a matte option that should've been there in October 2008, an option to replace what we will assume was meant to say optical drive (big deal), and a screen resolution bump on the 13" that should've been there in 2008 too, an extra what, 1 hour of battery life, and 8 GB or RAM on the 17" standard?

I mean let's break this down:

--Flash drive for the OS. Big freaking deal, the world is leaving that behind by just going with pure SSDs for the whole shebang. It's hardly worthy of a thumbs up for a crappy 16 GB partition of flash/SSD combined with a dinosaur mechanical hard drive. So, in other words, you can do better than what Apple can offer, by just buying an SSD and putting it in, or getting Apple's optional SSD they already had.

--Matte option? Where the hell was this 2.5 years ago? Now we should all bow down to how great Apple is that they gave us a "feature" that should've been there all along? Of course note that it only says it's on the higher end 13, meaning Apple's going to screw you into the high end model, and everyone will complain here.

--Core i3? Wow, that's not really that big of a deal. 3 USB ports? Not happening, on the 13" of all machines. If it did, again, should've been there 5 years ago.

--Replacing the optical drive with an SSD? Optibay beat Apple to that by a few years. Again, Apple's screwing the consumer into the 15 and 17" model only. More complaining here to ensue.

--Since when is 1440x900 or 1680x1050 HD? Oh, and 1680x1050 is already there, so no improved offering there. The 1440x900 should've been there from October 2008.

--An hour of battery life, whoop-de-doo.

--8 GB of RAM on the 17"? Not like you can't already have this too.

So if this is true, what's in this update? Basically nothing. Basically nothing you can't already option from Apple, or easily get equal or better with an aftermarket solution. The only real "upgrades" here are the 1440x900 on the 13, and the matte option, both of which should've been there all along. So what's the update, just making some of these things standard? Whoop-de-doo, look at that innovation.

If this is the kind of lame update Apple makes lemmings wait a year for, this is just pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.