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MBP design/casing: what would you change?

N

nutts

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 23, 2007
64
3
I've seen a few people state that they really want Apple to update the casing/design of the MBP, as "the design is now 2+ years old" etc.

I have a 17" MBP and I love it. I think it's the best-designed and coolest-looking large-screened laptop, and I've previously owned a BlackBook, an iBook, and Dell/HP/Compaq PC laptops (but no Sony :p ). I mean it's a BEAST of a machine, it's metal (mmmmmm) and it's only 1-inch thick (or thin ;) ) - it's awesome how minimalist it looks.

Anyway, I was carrying my laptop home today and I started thinking about these requests to redesign the MBP, and what *could* Apple really change for the better.

So my votes would be for:
- magnetic latchless case closure like the MacBook
- more display tilt (closer to 180-degrees)
- sort out airport reception (due to the metal casing)
- maybe a smaller bezel/footprint (what, 0.5-inch less is possible, maybe) but I'm reaching now...

Now remember I'm specifically talking about design and the case itself, not internal functionality. What would you change?
 
dreaming here but

- 2 more usb ports ie 4 total on the 15"
- black casing: black brushed metal - now that would be nice
- lighter
 
Hmmm...

1. Remove the gray plastic strip that runs around the edges. It throws off that minimalistic design that you were so enamored with.

2. Get rid of that fiddly latch and replace it with a beautiful, simple, fully magnetic latch like on the Macbook. This, combined with the removal of that nasty plastic strip would serve to unify the look of the inside screen bezel and make it less distracting to any viewers.

3. Redesign the hinges so as to allow the display to tilt farther back.

4. Put some of the ports on the back once the hinges are redesigned in order to reduce cable clutter.

5. The speaker grilles next to the keyboard don't fit into the overall design principle. They throw off the eye and contrast too much with the sleek, solid metal wrist-rest area.

6. Offer the MBP in a new gunmetal gray finish. Not anodized black aluminum, but something like what the Macbook Pro pictured on the Apple Store page looks like. In the box where it says "Speed in its most beautiful form," the reflection of the black background make the finish of the MBP look really cool and sleek.

Seeing as how modern and progressive Apple's industrial designers are, it seems as if they are asleep at the wheel on this one. No design changes since the Powerbook? C'mon Apple, thats not like you. I know the cliche "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," but in this case, it could use some badly needed updates.

:apple:
 
Make one with something more durable than aluminum. I've wanted one for a long time, but can't bring myself to do it as long as the keep making them in aluminum cases. They look nice, but dent too easily.
 
I want dual HDDs in the 17 inch like many fatter PC computers. Not that I want my book any thicker but Apple can put two HDDs in it.

Yes on the magnetic latch from the Macbook

Yes on the more usb ports, or add a second FW400.

Umm...?

Yes... make it easier for me to swap out the HDD or HDDs for the 17"

The RAM is easy enough as is, what could be easier other than putting it on the outside of the machine.

Get rid of the grey strip on the inside and maybe make it out of another type of material or make it black.

The best design change.... make it a 12" widescreen UMMac or just make a 13" MacBook Pro mini.
 
Stop complaining about the design

nutts said:
I've seen a few people state that they really want Apple to update the casing/design of the MBP, as "the design is now 2+ years old" etc.

I have a 17" MBP and I love it. I think it's the best-designed and coolest-looking large-screened laptop.
Click to expand...


I totally agree with you. I think the MacBook Pro is the most beautiful portable computer on earth and i am so tired of hearing everyone on this site complain about the design. It's perfect the way it is. In fact, i'm buying mine in exactly 24 days! I can't wait! :) :apple:
 
I like the aluminium casing :D But it would be nice to make the HDD accessible so it was user changeable like the MB. Move the ports from the right hand side to somewhere else, I'm right handed and plugging my external in whilst using a mouse is annoying.
 
Digital Skunk said:
...Apple can put two HDDs in it.
Click to expand...



Where exactly?


24.jpg
 
The MBP is probably as close to laptop perfection as we've gotten.

If anything, I'd make the power adapter more durable. I seem to go through a lot of power adapters since I'm always lugging it around with me to the library. The cable near the power brick frays far too easily. Apple's always had durability problems with its power adapters. At least they solved the connector issue by making it magnetic. Maybe it should be magnetic on the other side too?
 
I've seen laptops that house remotes in their expresscard slots; could Apple not do something similar with their own remote?
 
Digital Skunk said:
I want dual HDDs in the 17 inch like many fatter PC computers. Not that I want my book any thicker but Apple can put two HDDs in it.
Click to expand...

i'm confused, you acknowledge the 2 HD carrying PCs are "fatter", yet you want 2 in your MBP but maintain it's 1" thickness?

look up the SuperDrive/Hard drive swap.

-would like more screen tilt, cause this is just ridiculous when pretty much every other laptop can go almost flat.
 
I'd get rid of the sharp edge so that it doesn't cut into your wrists while typing. Dumb design, there.
 
wallaby said:
I'd get rid of the sharp edge so that it doesn't cut into your wrists while typing. Dumb design, there.
Click to expand...

i believe proper typing technique is not to rest your palms on anything during typing.
 
wallaby said:
I'd get rid of the sharp edge so that it doesn't cut into your wrists while typing. Dumb design, there.
Click to expand...

Sharp? On the MBP? The edge is plastic; I don't find mine sharp at all.

The MacBook on the other hand can be very sharp...

Guess that's an advantage to having the plastic surroundings ;)
Although I agree the case could look more slick with curved aluminium edges.
 
- Get rid of the plastic strip around the edges and the ugly looking latch.

- Change the speaker grills.

- Make the keyboard less susceptable to crumbs / soda falling between the keys.

- Reinforce the case so it doesn't feel flimsy.

- Enough with silver already I HATE SILVER!!!

:D
 
jawzzy said:
Hmmm...
4. Put some of the ports on the back once the hinges are redesigned in order to reduce cable clutter.
Click to expand...

This was already the case with the Titanium PB; in my opinion not really a success. I definately prefer the current ports...
 
I don't think there will be a case redesign any time soon. Especially now the iMac is rumored -just like the Mac Pro and the MBP- to get a brushed alluminium casing as well. Forget about it and be happy with your machine as it -still- is a very striking and great design! :)
 
Maybe they should go back to Titanium. Also make the hard drive on the MacBook Pro easy user replaceable and give the MacBook Pro a magnetic latch.
 
Like several of you, my only complaint is

MAKE THE HARD DRIVE USER ACCESSIBLE !!!!

I would have bought one last October if the drive could officially and easily by swaped. I *REALLY* want to give Apple my money, :mad: :mad: :mad:

These other complaints seem silly to me. I admit I love Apple's designs, but I'm 100% for function over form, so I don't care about them changing an already beautiful design just to change it (I wouldn't care if it looked like a Dell, if it met my needs better).
 
stainless steel! :eek:

have two USB ports together (either adding two more, or just moving one) - those of us who use crappy external drives that require both ports would be grateful.
 
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