Merom Laptops Delayed Until 2007?

[Apple Corps]

A new thought. Some analysts have suggested Apple is looking for an additional manufacturer to help meet demand.

Might - and this could be far fetched - Apple be looking to shift MBP assembly back to ASUS for quality reasons and shift additional MB production to Quanta?

Asus is generally viewed as the superior quality act and yet some genius at Apple gave the approval to go with a lower quality operation (Quanta) that farms out the MBP work to their China operations.

Hmmmmm??

 

[generik]

A new thought. Some analysts have suggested Apple is looking for an additional manufacturer to help meet demand.

Might - and this could be far fetched - Apple be looking to shift MBP assembly back to ASUS for quality reasons and shift additional MB production to Quanta?

Asus is generally viewed as the superior quality act and yet some genius at Apple gave the approval to go with a lower quality operation (Quanta) that farms out the MBP work to their China operations.

Hmmmmm??

Is Asus that good? The Macbooks are not perfect either.

 

[rawdigits]

I agree with the opinion someone else had in this thread, that apple makes such a mistery about the MBP update that it would be rudicolous if just the processor would be changed.

I think more redesign, ,amybe Santa Rosa already inside.

Just take a look at the Mac Pro. Nobody would have expected 2 dulacore Woodcrest as Standard.

I think there will be a suprise.

C'mon just a processor upgrade is not such a big thing.

What do you guys think?

 

[dongmin]

Just as well, given The Inquirer debunked their own story on Monday.

The funny thing is that they still don't seem to realize that Merom Macs are already shipping, and have been for a couple of weeks.

CORRECTION 11 Sept 2006. We have learned from a bunch of sources that this is not the case, expect Merom based Macs this year. CD.

 

[generik]

I agree with the opinion someone else had in this thread, that apple makes such a mistery about the MBP update that it would be rudicolous if just the processor would be changed.

I think more redesign, ,amybe Santa Rosa already inside.

Just take a look at the Mac Pro. Nobody would have expected 2 dulacore Woodcrest as Standard.

I think there will be a suprise.

C'mon just a processor upgrade is not such a big thing.

What do you guys think?

I think all those logic board replacements are starting to cream off their profits, so perhaps they are just taking more time to ensure everything is fine before sending it to manufacturing.

 

[ergle2]

I agree with the opinion someone else had in this thread, that apple makes such a mistery about the MBP update that it would be rudicolous if just the processor would be changed.

I think more redesign, ,amybe Santa Rosa already inside.

Just take a look at the Mac Pro. Nobody would have expected 2 dulacore Woodcrest as Standard.

I think there will be a suprise.

C'mon just a processor upgrade is not such a big thing.

What do you guys think?

Yonah to Merom's quite a big jump -- faster plus can do 64bit.

It won't be Santa Rosa unless the new MBP doesn't appear until early 2007.

I suspect the delays are a mix of ample supplies coming through for both iMac and MBP and not wanting the announcement to obscure other launches - the movie store, new iPod Nano, etc.

Funnily enough, I did expect the Mac Pro to be dual Woodcrest. The surprise to me was that the new iMacs use Merom rather than the cheaper, faster-clocked Conroe -- presumably for heat reasons.

 

[Apple Corps]

Is Asus that good? The Macbooks are not perfect either.

My sense is that Asus is regarded as a higher quality shop - though, as you said, not perfect either. My thinking was that Apple felt burned (no pun) by Quanta's quality and lack of common sense (thermal paste application fiasco) in adding solutions to the launch that they may have rethought who assembles their top line product.

8 core Clovertown samples being benchmarked, movie downloads, Aperture update event invitations out, iPhone rumors heating up again, iTV, etc. All of that is GOOD news but it really makes the MBP situation look sick. Hell, at the rate this is going a Rev B MBP in 2007 is looking good - only another 3.5 months to go

 

[ergle2]

My sense is that Asus is regarded as a higher quality shop - though, as you said, not perfect either. My thinking was that Apple felt burned (no pun) by Quanta's quality and lack of common sense (thermal paste application fiasco) in adding solutions to the launch that they may have rethought who assembles their top line product.

8 core Clovertown samples being benchmarked, movie downloads, Aperture update event invitations out, iPhone rumors heating up again, iTV, etc. All of that is GOOD news but it really makes the MBP situation look sick. Hell, at the rate this is going a Rev B MBP in 2007 is looking good - only another 3.5 months to go

The thermal paste thang was down to Apple -- it was their service handbook that had scans all over the 'net saying the correct method was to use one syringe per heatsink.

 

[Apple Corps]

ergle2 - yes - I saw the service sheet as well. Perhaps a more seasoned firm would have questioned Apple on that and actually influenced them to correct the issue before manufacturing begins - who knows.

Everyday I become more surprised at how many problems exist with the MBP AND how long we are having to live with this. Very soon we will be at a full SEVEN months since release (eight months since announcement) and no Rev B yet. This is feeling like the old Moto and IBM release schedule. Perhaps someone forgot to inform Apple's notebook engineering team that new features / design problems are to be fixed rapidly with a Rev B release. And, BTW, they are expected to have the latest processors in the things rapidly as well.

Now we are looking ahead to the pre-Photokina invitation event - 10 more days....

 

[Rocketman]

Wait, so you're saying that the new Merom MBPs will only have a processor bump?

Or did you forget about possible:
(1) Magnetic latch
(2) Swappable hard drive
(3) "Maybe" a new GPU (x1800 or equivalent?)
(4) Long shot to a new case
(5) Potential fixes to current Rev A problems

Everyone who is waiting for 64-bit only should not wait. That I agree with. But there are a lot of other important extras other than the Merom switch.

I believe the MBP motherboards are on Rev B now and the MB motherboards are on Rev F now. I have not heard a service technician post to confirm this, but that is what I heard from a direct source.

As for swappable HD, that would necessitate a case design change at which time your magnetic latch would be likely.

However assuming no case change, a motherboard update is essentially guaranteed, a soldered Merom C2D is the whole point of the discussion, a graphics upgrade is on the top of everyone's list, and perhaps we will see the airport slot and internal antennas (note plural) support 802.11n cards in the future from Intel and Apple and also suppport simultaneous a/b/g/n (2 at a time). Typically a/g or b/n.

I posted a long time ago and I reiterate, where's my "Air Power - tm" wireless power capability? Huh, Apple? Get off the dime! The microwaves might not kill the cat and the baby!

Rocketman

 

[the omegaman]

So I sit and wait?.....

1st time poster, long time pc user.

Ordered through the apple store on Sept. 2nd:........

* Processor 0656275 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
* Memory 0656271 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM 2x1GB
* Hard Drive 0656268 100GB Serial ATA Drive@7200rpm
* Display 0656506 Glossy Widescreen Display
* Optical Drive 0656266 SD 8x(DVDR DL/DVD/RW/CDRW)
* Modem 0656201 No Modem
* Apple Software Solutions 0656200 No Optional Software
* Keyboard/Mac OS Language 0656273 BkLit Keyboard/Mac OS
* Country Kit/AEX 0656272 Airport Extreme Card andBT

Estimated Shipped By:

SEP 08, 2006

Estimated Delivered By:

SEP 13, 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------

on Sept. 9th I received this email from Apple:.....

Due to an unexpected delay, we were unable to ship your product(s) by
the date originally quoted to you. We now anticipate shipping the
following item(s) as follows:

Z0CP, MBPRO 17/2.16 CTO
will now ship by Sep 18, 2006
and deliver by Sep 21, 2006

We regret any inconvenience this delay may cause.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does this mean Core2 Duo processor upgrade in the works?.........they give me until the 18th to cancel.....I guess I'll find out tomorrow.....

please, please, please.........

Well it seems to have arrived. I'm sitting in my office,looking at a FedEx box that has arrived this morning fresh from China. I've decided it shall remain unopened for now.

"RETURN & REFUND POLICY. If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a pre-built product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA.

9/25 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no... wait 'til Tues
9/26 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....wait 'til Wed
9/27 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....Open the GD box and enjoy it
for all it's worth. However, if the answer is YES......RMA that sucker and re-order at 2.33 ghz

 

[HecubusPro]

Well it seems to have arrived. I'm sitting in my office,looking at a FedEx box that has arrived this morning fresh from China. I've decided it shall remain unopened for now.

"RETURN & REFUND POLICY. If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a pre-built product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA.

9/25 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no... wait 'til Tues
9/26 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....wait 'til Wed
9/27 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....Open the GD box and enjoy it
for all it's worth. However, if the answer is YES......RMA that sucker and re-order at 2.33 ghz

You original receipt was interesting in that is noted Sept. 18 as the ship date. Despite the fact that it looks like you've already received your MBP, that would lead me to believe that updates to the website will happen this Tuesday on the 19th. Often times companies ship product the day before it hits street, so that the consumer gets that item on or shortly after street date. Of course, this is sort of imaterial now that you seemingly have your MBP. Who knows? Maybe there's a C2D MBP sitting in that box.

 

[Speedracer04]

I am doing the same thing. I am buying my MBP no later than the 16th. However I plan on having it remain closed until at least Photokina and if they still arnt updated it will be opened and enjoyed and if they are....well then I will be first in line to return it for a new one the next day!

 

[e²Studios]

Well it seems to have arrived. I'm sitting in my office,looking at a FedEx box that has arrived this morning fresh from China. I've decided it shall remain unopened for now.

"RETURN & REFUND POLICY. If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a pre-built product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA.

9/25 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no... wait 'til Tues
9/26 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....wait 'til Wed
9/27 Merom upgrade?....if the answer is no....Open the GD box and enjoy it
for all it's worth. However, if the answer is YES......RMA that sucker and re-order at 2.33 ghz

From apples return policy

RETURN & REFUND POLICY
If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. Configure-to-order, personalized or other customized product may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless DOA. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation and registration that shipped with the product. A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory. If you purchased your order using an Apple Business Lease, you may be asked to provide a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) for apple to assess the 10% open box restocking fee.

May as well open it you cant return a CTO laptop for any reason other than exchange for DOA or repairs.

Taken from here http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html

My MBP CTO that i ordered on Tuesday the 12th shipped Today and has a Estimated Delievery of Tuesday the 19th. FedEX says so long as it clears customs i should get it on Monday the 18th though.

Ed

 

[tartansparkle]

I have to say, the closer and closer we got to the "Showtime Event", the more and more I decided to myself that there wouldn't be a update to the MBP. Now its been and gone and people are starting to talk about the next event and the next event, I have to say I don't think its gonna happen anytime soon.

Is it just me or would it not have made perfect sense to introduce the Meroms in all that it intends to implement it into alongside the iMacs? Most folk here don't believe it's not here already due to engineering complications, so what else could it be? Perhaps we are destined to have it in 2007 like that stupid article speculated in the first place? {Of course, I'd love to be shown up big time and proved wrong!! }

Sorry to be so down on the subject, but I am just resigned to it now. I want to buy my MBP as soon as, but I am still going to hold off for these other potential dates. I'll be damned if I spend all that money and the thing is updated the day after or some s**t like that

 

[the omegaman]

From apples return policy

RETURN & REFUND POLICY
If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. Configure-to-order, personalized or other customized product may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless DOA. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation and registration that shipped with the product. A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory. If you purchased your order using an Apple Business Lease, you may be asked to provide a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) for apple to assess the 10% open box restocking fee.

May as well open it you cant return a CTO laptop for any reason other than exchange for DOA or repairs.

Taken from here http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html

My MBP CTO that i ordered on Tuesday the 12th shipped Today and has a Estimated Delievery of Tuesday the 19th. FedEX says so long as it clears customs i should get it on Monday the 18th though.

Ed

I spoke with Apple yesterday regarding the above statement. They said I would have no problems returning the laptop

However today it is a different story. Looks like it's mine.

 

[Eriden]

Does the phrase in the return policy mean that any system bought from Apple's online store is non-returnable, or simply that making custom selections from the configuration options results in the system being non-returnable?

Also, can anyone who currently owns a MBP tell me how difficult it is to replace the HDD? The one thing I dislike about the stock MBP's is that the HDD is 5400rpm, and if I ordered a system with the hope of returning it in the event of a Merom update, I'd want to swap out the standard drive for a 7200rpm should Apple not release MBP updates within 14 days of my order.

 

[HecubusPro]

I spoke with Apple yesterday regarding the above statement. They said I would have no problems returning the laptop

However today it is a different story. Looks like it's mine.

They said differently today, or you decided to just go ahead and keep it? Why was the story different today?

 

[the omegaman]

Does the phrase in the return policy mean that any system bought from Apple's online store is non-returnable, or simply that making custom selections from the confguration options results in the system being non-returnable?

Also, can anyone who currently owns a MBP tell me how difficult it is to replace the HDD? The one thing I dislike about the stock MBP's is that the HDD is 5400rpm, and if I ordered a system with the hope of returning it in the event of a Merom update, I'd want to swap out the standard drive for a 7200rpm should Apple not release MBP updates within 14 days of my order.

The making of custom selections from the configuration options results in the system being non-returnable. eg 1GB SDRAM to 2 or 120 HDD to 100 HDD... You've got 3 options to choose from on Apple's web store that are refundable, any deviation and the units yours!

They said differently today, or you decided to just go ahead and keep it? Why was the story different today?

When dealing with Custermer service reps, it doesn't suprise me that each has their own interpretation of Apple's policy. Further my own review, I see that the rep I spoke with today is correct.

It's a great machine as is, and far more capable than anything the pc world has to offer at a comparable price. I doubt anything I will use it for will "max-out" it's current configuation. Furthermore, if I didn't stumble upon this website I wouldn't have had any knowledge of the impending Merom upgrade........thanks guys!...

So I guess I'm good to go. I will of course keep an eye out when the upgrade does occur.....................just to know.............

 

[AppleKrate]

if I didn't stumble upon this website I wouldn't have had any knowledge of the impending Merom upgrade........thanks guys!...

So I guess I'm good to go. I will of course keep an eye out when the upgrade does occur.....................just to know.............

Man, I almost envy you... please enjoy your machine and all the time you will be spending doing anything but reading these posts and w...a...i...t...i...n...g...

 

[chris07]

let's hope for this tuesday, or the following...we're getting down to the MUST be release dates...we can only wait and pray

 

[emotion]

Not read the whole thread as I've been away for a few weeks.

It seems to me with reports of Intel having a few financial difficulties and Apple perhaps being peceived as being _the_ high profile Intel customer that both parties would want the MBP at least equipped with the latest Intel mobile processor. For the the same reason I hold high hopes the MB will also get Core2 (I mean if they can get it in the MBP enclosure the MB could follow).

I guess we'll see over the next few weeks.

 

[MacinDoc]

Not read the whole thread as I've been away for a few weeks.

It seems to me with reports of Intel having a few financial difficulties and Apple perhaps being peceived as being _the_ high profile Intel customer that both parties would want the MBP at least equipped with the latest Intel mobile processor. For the the same reason I hold high hopes the MB will also get Core2 (I mean if they can get it in the MBP enclosure the MB could follow).

I guess we'll see over the next few weeks.

It's a drop-in replacement (pin-wise) with similar heat dissipation requirements, so there shouldn't be any problems getting it into either enclosure. The only concern I have heard of is a possible supply shortage of Core2 chips, but even that hasn't been substantiated IMO.

 

[emotion]

It's a drop-in replacement (pin-wise) with similar heat dissipation requirements, so there shouldn't be any problems getting it into either enclosure. The only concern I have heard of is a possible supply shortage of Core2 chips, but even that hasn't been substantiated IMO.

I'm aware of the nature of the Yonah/Merom pin compatibility.

I've seen report of an increase in the thermal output of these chips (despite earlier claims saying TDP would be lower). The MBP (and MB) are very hot already so I'm thinking this may also be part of the delay.

You're right though I've also seen the reports of shortages. If that's the case then maybe Intel need to step up their game as AMD are hot on their heals (admittedly not in the Apple market though).

 

[suwandy]

I've been waiting for the MBP for quite long. At first I thought I was gonna wait for Leopard to be released (due to some rumors suggesting it's going to be released sometime around September), and that hope's gone now. Next, I thought, since Merom's out, I could wait for Merom MBP.

I grow uneasy as I waited even longer, and now I started to wonder, should I wait any longer? To be honest, I was very disappointed with 12th September event without MBP updates