My iBook G4 is 3.5 years old and has no cracks or discoloration, so it can be done.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MacBook to See Design Refresh in Near Future?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
My iBook G4 is 3.5 years old and has no cracks or discoloration, so it can be done.
Okay guys, here is what I'm thinking:
I'm seriously looking at the MBPs now simply because my current MB is too thick and too heavy to carry around to my various classes along WITH my textbooks, et al.
I was (and still am at the moment) considering a netbook, but none of them look like something I'd use. Ever.
If Apple were to completely eliminate the plastic MBs (contrary to the original AI article), drop the aluminum unibody MBPs to the level of the white polycarb MBs or less, add a few features I would like to see (ExpressCard/HDMI/component/etc. adapters for the SD card slots (or even the return of the ExpressCard slots in the 15 & 17 as well as the introduction of the ExpressCard slot in the 13s, with maybe a new ExpressCard HDMI capture solution, plus 9400M AND 9600MGT GPUs in ALL MBPs, not just the high-end ones), then up the ante to 4GB of memory STANDARD and Blu-Ray STANDARD, all for $799 or thereabouts, that would be PERFECT, and I'd ask for it for Christmas or something, because my back is already really tired from having to carry 3-ring binders, textbooks I barely need, AND my MacBook. Although I have financial aid I might use, it's still not going to be enough for a MB unless Apple adds the features I mentioned above, sends the price point down to $999 or lower, AND makes it available the day of the keynote, THEN I might consider it as my "travel with me" MacBook. I definitely want more graphical power, better battery life, and a lighter computer, especially one I can use around campus and not feel totally demoralized because everybody and their SISTER has those beautiful new MBPs and I have the dust and fingerprint magnet of my BlackBook.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my BlackBook, I just want something that doesn't look like it went through a messy divorce and does just about everything I need it to do, including capturing video from high definition sources like HDMI and Component in FULL RESOLUTION with zero lag, even while I'm playing on a game console, for a fraction of what my BlackBook cost me ($1500 more than 3 years ago).
Apple does that (with help from 3rd parties possibly), I'm sold on a new computer, whatever Apple decides to charge even IF it's the fabled "mid-range tower" (which Apple DESPERATELY needs, and not some stupid larger-screen iPhone that doesn't even do ONE thing I need it to).
BJ
I'm seriously looking at the MBPs now simply because my current MB is too thick and too heavy to carry around to my various classes along WITH my textbooks, et al.
I was (and still am at the moment) considering a netbook, but none of them look like something I'd use. Ever.
If Apple were to completely eliminate the plastic MBs (contrary to the original AI article), drop the aluminum unibody MBPs to the level of the white polycarb MBs or less, add a few features I would like to see (ExpressCard/HDMI/component/etc. adapters for the SD card slots (or even the return of the ExpressCard slots in the 15 & 17 as well as the introduction of the ExpressCard slot in the 13s, with maybe a new ExpressCard HDMI capture solution, plus 9400M AND 9600MGT GPUs in ALL MBPs, not just the high-end ones), then up the ante to 4GB of memory STANDARD and Blu-Ray STANDARD, all for $799 or thereabouts, that would be PERFECT, and I'd ask for it for Christmas or something, because my back is already really tired from having to carry 3-ring binders, textbooks I barely need, AND my MacBook. Although I have financial aid I might use, it's still not going to be enough for a MB unless Apple adds the features I mentioned above, sends the price point down to $999 or lower, AND makes it available the day of the keynote, THEN I might consider it as my "travel with me" MacBook. I definitely want more graphical power, better battery life, and a lighter computer, especially one I can use around campus and not feel totally demoralized because everybody and their SISTER has those beautiful new MBPs and I have the dust and fingerprint magnet of my BlackBook.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my BlackBook, I just want something that doesn't look like it went through a messy divorce and does just about everything I need it to do, including capturing video from high definition sources like HDMI and Component in FULL RESOLUTION with zero lag, even while I'm playing on a game console, for a fraction of what my BlackBook cost me ($1500 more than 3 years ago).
Apple does that (with help from 3rd parties possibly), I'm sold on a new computer, whatever Apple decides to charge even IF it's the fabled "mid-range tower" (which Apple DESPERATELY needs, and not some stupid larger-screen iPhone that doesn't even do ONE thing I need it to).
BJ
The cracking issues when they switched over to using magnets instead of the latching system they used with ibooks. The strong magnetic force caused pressure when closing and opening the books which lead to cracking in a lot of users systems. Clearly it is such an issue to where they have admitted it is a problem so it is no isolated incident.
The discoloration issue has always been a problem since the white iBooks so they did not fix anything in terms of design when rebranded into Macbooks. If anything they added more problems.
But Airs and netbooks are geared toward folks who likely have another computer they have access to. If targeting folks where the macbook will be the only computer... no DVD means can't use System DVD for diagnosis.
[ making large fraction of folks buy an external DVD is more expensive.
many netbooks have DVDs and the Air has stuff to make your "other" DVD player serve as a network susbstitute. ]
The design has to live for a year or so. 64-bit apps are slightly bigger so the SL system apps are slightly bigger. If no upgrades then fixed 4GB tractable. Otherwise going to scare off customers. 4GB of DIMMs is just $45-55. (given this will be a future machine). That will only get cheaper over the course of the production lifetime.
However, if Apple goes with the "remove the entire bottom for access approach" it isn't that hard though to leave the memory upgrade capable. The bottom has to come off for other more major service anyway; so there is no additional "cost" for that. [ the mini-door thing can be chucked though. ]
That allow to stay with the super cheap 1GB DIMMs.
of course the MBPros are going to transition over to the Arrandale line. Is there some doubt? Likewise even if Apple doesn't roll them out the price on the current C2D chips will drop because the will be "last years tech" later this Fall for Intel. It isn't so much as when the Pros get them, but when Intel does the price drop. The MBP and MB can overlap for a month or two if Pro's rollout is staggered after the MB.
There are some power and price advantages to doing DD3 if that is where the mainstream RAM vendors (and the vast majority of the rest of the Mac lines ) are going to be. Remember Apple is going to want to buy the parts in bulk. If mini's and MB share 90% components that helps lower costs for both.
skimping on component costs but want to use non standard HD storage?
The cheaper solution is to use standard, "old tech", laptop hard disks.
A SDD "DIMM" slot would be interesting. Justs not in the same vein as trying to compose a Bill of Materials with lowest costs. Unless the shipping costs are very high... making it smaller/lighter isn't necessarily going to reduce costs that much. (assuming not milling these out of alumimum blocks too.. another lower cost killer. )
You have to be dreaming if you think Apple is going to give you all that for $799. That would completely alter the whole pricing scheme on everything they sell, I think Michael Dell would have a heart attack.
Here here. Why does everyone always think Apple has to compete with every product at every price point?
My daughter's white macbook's casing cracked/separated around the front corner edges, where the thin band meets the flat surface. I asked at the apple store what might be done about that. They told me to bring it in and the "upper casing" would be replaced. Hers is under warranty, but they told me it's a known problem and they'd fix it even if it was not still covered by apple care. You might want to take yours to the genius bar and see if they'd fix it.
My wishes
I was about to buy an HP Mini 2140 (5101 is not available in Canada) as my portable to complement my MacPro. My reasons for this choice are:
--Rugged aluminum body with metal hinges.
--10" screen: minimum for me to do proofreading, typing ideas and notes, editing papers
--10" screen: maximum that I want to carry around (ok maybe 11" is alright, but not 13")
--Nearly full keyboard, with a full shift key and an enter button above the shift key.
--Accessible button to override the track-pad; I prefer a small mouse, even if I have to carry it. People complain about this unit's small trackpad but I'm glad for this compromise as I prefer more space dedicated to a keyboard.
--Standard 6-cell battery means close to a full day of light computing.
Personally I can do without the camera. I do not want to be constantly connected. Prefer the absence of constant distractions.
The price of the 2140 is a little high ($500 CAN) for a "netbook", but I'm willing to pay this price for its specs and build. If Apple can offer something like this, then I'm willing to pay even a little more for Mac OS and the prestige of carrying a Mac (The exterior of this HP is almost like a Mac and I'm tempted to stick on one of my Mac stickers on the hood if I get it).
If this MB has a touch screen, well no trackpad needed and then a nice 95% keyboard.
$600-$700 CAN will make me (and I think many people) take the leap. But Apple might balk at this price because it will make them seem less "boutique".
What does this make the Mac Mini? Well the perfect computer for youngsters, oldsters who don't need a portable, want to use Mac OS and want a large monitor.
Looks like this new news is going to make me hold off on my HP purchase for a bit....
Please Apple...if you are listening and reading this...
I was about to buy an HP Mini 2140 (5101 is not available in Canada) as my portable to complement my MacPro. My reasons for this choice are:
--Rugged aluminum body with metal hinges.
--10" screen: minimum for me to do proofreading, typing ideas and notes, editing papers
--10" screen: maximum that I want to carry around (ok maybe 11" is alright, but not 13")
--Nearly full keyboard, with a full shift key and an enter button above the shift key.
--Accessible button to override the track-pad; I prefer a small mouse, even if I have to carry it. People complain about this unit's small trackpad but I'm glad for this compromise as I prefer more space dedicated to a keyboard.
--Standard 6-cell battery means close to a full day of light computing.
Personally I can do without the camera. I do not want to be constantly connected. Prefer the absence of constant distractions.
The price of the 2140 is a little high ($500 CAN) for a "netbook", but I'm willing to pay this price for its specs and build. If Apple can offer something like this, then I'm willing to pay even a little more for Mac OS and the prestige of carrying a Mac (The exterior of this HP is almost like a Mac and I'm tempted to stick on one of my Mac stickers on the hood if I get it).
If this MB has a touch screen, well no trackpad needed and then a nice 95% keyboard.
$600-$700 CAN will make me (and I think many people) take the leap. But Apple might balk at this price because it will make them seem less "boutique".
What does this make the Mac Mini? Well the perfect computer for youngsters, oldsters who don't need a portable, want to use Mac OS and want a large monitor.
Looks like this new news is going to make me hold off on my HP purchase for a bit....
Please Apple...if you are listening and reading this...
Apple should really use the 13" Macbook to draw PC switchers and new computer users over to Apple. They should create a new model and drop the price another $250 at least. There is no reason they need to maintain a large profit margin on a "loss-leader" product.
no............
its the pressure of your hands/wrists resting on the top case in a place that has no support undernearth. its a thin piece of plastic, and nothing underneath it to give any support. has nothing to do with the magnets. they are not strong enough to do anything to the plastic.
its the pressure of your hands/wrists resting on the top case in a place that has no support undernearth. its a thin piece of plastic, and nothing underneath it to give any support. has nothing to do with the magnets. they are not strong enough to do anything to the plastic.
are you new to apple?
customer needs = what steve jobs wants to sell them.
what steve jobs wants to sell you = what you need.
simple equation.
apple doesn't cater to the market, the market caters to apple. this is how its ***ALWAYS*** been done. this is why Apple computers are still 3000 dollars for a tower when Dell sell them for 600 bucks - yet they are the only(?) computer company making profits hand over fist in the computer sector still.
people pay for quality.
Ferrari isn't going to sacrifice its name to put out a $12,000 economy sub-compact. wake up.
customer needs = what steve jobs wants to sell them.
what steve jobs wants to sell you = what you need.
simple equation.
apple doesn't cater to the market, the market caters to apple. this is how its ***ALWAYS*** been done. this is why Apple computers are still 3000 dollars for a tower when Dell sell them for 600 bucks - yet they are the only(?) computer company making profits hand over fist in the computer sector still.
people pay for quality.
Ferrari isn't going to sacrifice its name to put out a $12,000 economy sub-compact. wake up.
its like, every single ****ing time someone from apple reiterates "we are not interested in competing in the budget **** computer market. its not our business model, we are interested in selling a good experience." some di...knuckle head "analyst" starts spouting about "APPLE RELEASEING MACBOOK FOR 300 DOLLARS OMGGUYSE" and then every macrumors "patron" starts with his "wish list" of what this magical garbagemac is going to include - which is typically MORE than what is currently offered, and at 300 dollars LESS than a bargain basement plastic shitbook.
i'd LOVE to eat some humble pie. but im fairly confident its not on the menu.
i'd LOVE to eat some humble pie. but im fairly confident its not on the menu.
This is good to hear - maybe this will allow Apple to break into the sub-elitist market.
Was that supposed to be funny?
Ewww.
Dont worry, thats utter poppycock. 4-pin 1394 is for tightwad PC manufacturers who dont want to pay the extra $0.00000001 for 400/800.
Not really surprising, the polycarbonate is out dated in current form, and obviouslly was only retained as a placeholder for the macbook name during the 13" pro restructuring into the pro line.
I doubt they would eliminate the optical drive due to it running into macbook air territory (unless they kill or redesign the air as well)
I doubt it will go this low, but if they made it with say some sort of composite resin or other high end plastic, using roughly the same dimensions as the 13" pro, they might could pull off a plastic version of the pro, like others have mentioned, colors would be a good customizable selling point, (multiple combination's would be better, but too custom)
I personally don't see a reason to get the macbook over the pro unless they significantly cut the price to at least 300 below the base pro, the benefits of the current configuration , especially potential resale value of the aluminum vs plastic are just too great to pass up at the current price point, now 300 plus especially if the innards are close is more palatable.
After returning my pro because it was not portable enough, to justify the price, I have decided to wait on the tablet and at least see what it is, now I will have to wait on this as well, unless I can get the new ipod touch as a bonus (have to wait till next years school offer though.
I doubt they would eliminate the optical drive due to it running into macbook air territory (unless they kill or redesign the air as well)
I doubt it will go this low, but if they made it with say some sort of composite resin or other high end plastic, using roughly the same dimensions as the 13" pro, they might could pull off a plastic version of the pro, like others have mentioned, colors would be a good customizable selling point, (multiple combination's would be better, but too custom)
I personally don't see a reason to get the macbook over the pro unless they significantly cut the price to at least 300 below the base pro, the benefits of the current configuration , especially potential resale value of the aluminum vs plastic are just too great to pass up at the current price point, now 300 plus especially if the innards are close is more palatable.
After returning my pro because it was not portable enough, to justify the price, I have decided to wait on the tablet and at least see what it is, now I will have to wait on this as well, unless I can get the new ipod touch as a bonus (have to wait till next years school offer though.
I do believe it is the magnets since users show cracks around that area not just the palm rest. I never had any issues with cracks until the macbook. And does it matter what causes it? It shouldn't happen period it is not user error it's a manufacturing flaw that needs to be fixed either by changing the material or changing the design.
i disassemble and repair them for a living.....its not the magnets.
and i agree, its poor manufacturing.. but this is also why apple issues an REP program (internally perhaps) which means they will replace the top case and display bezel regardless of warranty status.
and i agree, its poor manufacturing.. but this is also why apple issues an REP program (internally perhaps) which means they will replace the top case and display bezel regardless of warranty status.
Yeah I think its about time a new design was made. I love my white 2.4 Ghz Macbook, but I'm replacing it with a 13'' MacBook pro at xmas hopefully. I am still tempted to buy a Nikon D7000 camera though instead so i'll see
Somebody who wants to hide that box and use it on external display (TV anyone) and bluetooth keyboard/mouse.
trust me the 13'' MacBook pro will be perfectly fine for video editing with its NVIDIA 9400 M graphics card. Heck even I do video editing on my 2.4Ghz white Macbook with 4GB RAM & Intel x3100 graphics using final cut studio 2 and it works flawlessly on that no issues at all and export time is really fast