More Apple Notebook Details: Clickable Glass Trackpad, GPUs, Pricing

[bryanw]

No.

Remember how when the first MacBook Pro was just introduced? It was a 15", and at the time the 12" and 17" PowerBooks were still being sold... Same story here, First the 15" is introduced, then a month or two later the 17" will be.

Yeah! and when the aluminum 12" and 17" Powerbooks were announced it was several months before the 15" was announced. The reason being the last generation 15" Tibookd models were introduced a few months before the first aluminums came out. I think they were fearful of pissing off folks who had just bought them.

Who knows why Apple does what they do sometimes. I really hope a lot of the rumors we've heard here are not true. Glossy displays only on MBP's is just WRONG! Glossy on the surface look cool but are a hinderance for people doing serious color work. I also find they smudge much easier and our difficult to clean - more so than matter screens. I know they can't please everybody but I think these can become serious strategic blunders.

 

[sfwalter]

To be honest the combination of the not-so great cpu speed increments and glossy only has tapered my enthusiasm to upgrade. I will go into the Apple store today and take a look. Maybe after seeing the MBP my enthusiasm will return.

Because of the special event I was expecting more than just a so-so upgrade. Although the new look is cool I just don't think its enough.

 

[jayeskreezy]

I like Matte screens, but outside of that even if these rumors were true they don't sound too bad from apple. (I won't be selling my current 15" MBP though-not right now.)

Personally, I think it's a good move from apple to get rid of matte screens to sell their old stock that they have-which btw if you purchase from the refurb store it'll probably be brand new at this point anyway. I think in the long run it'll keep the demand up for their products. Remember people continued to purchase 12" powerbooks (due to size) for a long time until apple updated their computers to intel processors? Then people began to move on to the next thing. I think this is the next step like that. In a year or so something really nice will come out....Of course all that is IF these rumors are even true.

And I don't think my current 15" MBP looks outdated. I don't get when people say that. It looks ahead of its time to me.

 

[kis]

Honestly even if one wanted to switch to Windows it's pretty tough to find a matte PC notebook these days.

if you go to best buy and only look at consumer notebooks - yes, you're right. All major manufacturers offer a large range of matte business notebooks on their website. We have about 150 business notebooks here - they're all HP and Dell and none of them have glossy screens.

 

[Anuba]

Honestly even if one wanted to switch to Windows it's pretty tough to find a matte PC notebook these days. IF Apple goes glossy only it'll just be following the pack. But you don't find professional "glossy" monitors and that is the core of Apple's base so it would be a pretty risky decision to knock off the matte screen completely, i.e., not even offer it as a CTO option.

I don't find it difficult to track down matte PC notebooks at all. If you look at a company like Dell, they have something like 20-30 different notebook models, all highly customizable. You can get a 15" screen that's matte, glossy, 1440x900, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200. You can get built-in 3G. You can get a port replicator or a docking station. You can get a tiny ultra-portable or a 20" monster. You can get a sturdy, shock-proof laptop built for military standards.

For a company that fashions itself as a caterer to professionals, Apple has a very limited product range with very few build options.

 

[G.T.]

They don't look better, they just use significantly less power.



The current 23'' already has 1920 x 1200. These displays have a higher resolution than Full HD. That's why they're more expensive.

The are Brighter and have better contrast so people will think they look better

 

[thefunkymunky]

From these new case leaks, the battery says 'MacBook Rechargeable Battery', NOT Pro. But the discussion forum where these were found state MacBook Pro / Air.

(http://www.machome.com.cn/viewthrea...&orderby=dateline&ascdesc=DESC&page=1)

One of the pics is the MB and the other is MBP. The larger removable bit is the battery for the MBP.

 

[Manatee]

Still no built-in WAN?

Not that I would use it, since I share a USB WAN card among several laptops, but I'm surprised there's no mention of built in high-speed WAN capability. With the Apple laptops being so sleek, I'd think people would want to hop the net without plugging in a device that sticks out the side. Being limited to one carrier makes it a no-go for many buyers, but that doesn't seem to have hurt iPhone sales.

 

[NovapaX]

Well, if that thing in the middle isn't "the brick", I don't know what is...

that, my friend, would be the 'MacBook Rechargeable Battery'

Is that a joke? Pretty much all 24" to 28" screens have had a resolution of 1920*1200 (== higher than full HD) for years. Hell, I even had a friend with a 1920*1200 15.4" laptop a few years back. And quality 1920*1200 24" screens start at $300-$400...

$800+ for a 24" display, it better give blowjobs at that price, because it's highway robbery.

Go check prices for the 'pro' monitors. Have got a 24" in front of me, came for about €1000 (=$1300 maybe) a year ago.
see: http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php
and: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dithering

 

[Jelite]

Hello Everyone!

I have read this site for over a year now, ever since I bought a 2.16C2D macbook.

I, like some others here, don't quite get the qualm over the glossy displays. For starters I'd like to add that there seems to be no reliable source saying that matte won't be an option this time. However, even if there are no matte options, I am guessing that for Apple to feel confident in making this move, they must have perhaps improved upon their previous glossy displays. (Not that I can see a single problem with that on my macbook - and yes I use graphics programs, engineering programs, photography programs and so on...).

I just feel that too many people, who claim to appreciate what Apple have stood for all this time, jump to negative conclusions before any facts are substantiated! So far we are only presented parts of the story and the rest have been assumed or made up by disappointed people, therefore this gives a rather negative slant on it all.

I dunno people, just cheer up...and as many others have said, if you don't like what they're doing, simply complain to them and move on to the great Dell.

edit: oh and to add - I am considering buying one of these new MBP's. I like the look of the new one I think (though waiting for high quality pics). To be honest, for the past year or so I have thought that the current MBP's have looked outdated.

Nice post, although your putting yourself in the firing line for the "this is a site to discuss apple rumors if you dont like it get out" response.

We'll just sit back and wait for the facts and let them squabble amongst themselves on the unsubstantiated rumors.
Glossy Screen!!!
No Firewire!!!
No Floppy Disk!!!

 

[bigmc6000]

Oh crap... And down goes the stock. It rallied yesterday because of the idea of a cheap notebook and if these #'s are right about a $200 price INCREASE the stock is going to dive, bad. Combine that with my hesitance to pony up $1300+ on a MB when that's only slightly less than I paid for my 12" PB 3.5 years ago (and that has dedicated graphics!). Looks like Christmas doesn't come early for me

 

[G.T.]

Is that a joke? Pretty much all 24" to 28" screens have had a resolution of 1920*1200 (== higher than full HD) for years. Hell, I even had a friend with a 1920*1200 15.4" laptop a few years back. And quality 1920*1200 24" screens start at $300-$400...

$800+ for a 24" display, it better give blowjobs at that price, because it's highway robbery.

I'm talking about LED screens

 

[narcotic]

does ayone knows when they start shipping the new MB's and MBP's ? except the 17"MBP, cause there seems to be some issues with..

 

[nsbio]

glossy bad

Mirror screens are not good for me. When it is time for a new laptop for me, I would either try to pick up a used 'Pro of the current ("old") generation or install Hackintosh on a Windows machine.

If that becomes difficult, getting back to Windows would be the way: Windows has a lot of pluses, including a MUCH better Office that the crap they sell as Office for Mac. (The 5-year old Dell box handles large files made on a Mac 10x better than the new iMac.)

 

[TMA]

One of the pics is the MB and the other is MBP. The larger removable bit is the battery for the MBP.

Perhaps you're right! The battery does have what looks like an outer skin to make it flush with the outer case (like current MacBooks).

But something about the other parts of the case don't make me think of the Pro?

 

[bolen]

To everyone whining about the glossy screen:

It's not a big deal.
There is NO difference in color accuracy on matte vs glossy. Both use crappy TN-panels so that's the limit. If the matte were using like S-IPS or something then OK but now it's no difference. It's all about the panel it self.

The only real difference is the way ambient light reflects. Glossy is more intense in one spot and matte got a more diffuse reflection over a bigger area. I prefer the spotty one.. it's easier to manage.

I've read several test of matte vs glossy and everyone seem to make the same conclusion = the difference is the way ambient light reflect and glossy just seems more vivid/better colors in regular light conditions. In a dark room with one of each side by side it's really really hard to see any difference at all.

I'm way more excited about the HybridPower and HD resolution rumor than whining about stupid things like matte vs glossy. Just get over it.

 

[pienaarteta]

Those Macbook spy shots look nice. I'm hoping for the Macbook pro spy shot interior to be the same as the macbook.

Silver, Black Keyboard and Bezel, and that screen looks nice.

 

[consoleboi]

I'm talking about LED screens

I doubt it will be LED backlighting and even then, it's still expensive. You can get a no thrills (no analog input--aside from VGA) Dell 24" or any other brand for less than $400. Apple is doubling that +.

Yes Apple has nice designs and clean lines but to rape the consumer at double the competition is robbery but sad truth is fanboys would pay anything Apple pumps out.

I also think a hike of $200 for mid range macbook is ridiculous. A bump in HD and better video card surely cannot cost this much. I'm betting there will be price drop by xmas

So those willing to wait should wait

 

[g00k]

To everyone whining about the glossy screen:

It's not a big deal.
There is NO difference in color accuracy on matte vs glossy. Both use crappy TN-panels so that's the limit. If the matte were using like S-IPS or something then OK but now it's no difference. It's all about the panel it self.

The only real difference is the way ambient light reflects. Glossy is more intense in one spot and matte got a more diffuse reflection over a bigger area. I prefer the spotty one.. it's easier to manage.

I've read several test of matte vs glossy and everyone seem to make the same conclusion = the difference is the way ambient light reflect and glossy just seems more vivid/better colors in regular light conditions. In a dark room with one of each side by side it's really really hard to see any difference at all.

I'm way more excited about the HybridPower and HD resolution rumor than whining about stupid things like matte vs glossy. Just get over it.

i think we all know...
as u said if u are in a lightend room... i guess we all prefer working in a lightend room... so glossy is out of question for me

 

[foobarbaz]

The are Brighter and have better contrast so people will think they look better

The contrast is only better if it's one of those new dynamic RGB backlight screens. That would indeed be awesome...

that, my friend, would be the 'MacBook Rechargeable Battery'

So maybe that is the brick. It looks like one, for sure. And there's been claims about crazy battery life. That would be enough reason to make the event about "the brick". I don't really buy the other explanations...

 

[Inconsequential]

I should be buying a new MBP this round.

Im liking the user upgradable HDs!!!

Im thinking either 320Gb 7200 or 128gb SSD

Hopefully the 9600GTM is a decent upgrade!

 

[VoR]

HD screens? What a revolutionary upgrade...

Wasn't expecting much from the revisions, but I did think that all the prices were going to be dropped to something much more realistic for what you get - at least I was half right.

 

[Greg M]

If it wasn't for OSX I'd ditch Apple in a heartbeat! Apple's stubbornness with their pricing is what will prevent them from becoming the Microsoft killer that their OS could be.

 

[NovapaX]

I doubt it will be LED backlighting and even then, it's still expensive. You can get a no thrills (no analog input--aside from VGA) Dell 24" or any other brand for less than $400. Apple is doubling that +.

Yes Apple has nice designs and clean lines but to rape the consumer at double the competition is robbery but sad truth is fanboys would pay anything Apple pumps out.

I also think a hike of $200 for mid range macbook is ridiculous. A bump in HD and better video card surely cannot cost this much. I'm betting there will be price drop by xmas

So those willing to wait should wait

again:
http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dithering

 

[motulist]

90% (or more) of the users are not PROs...so basically its a wise choice making it glossy.I like glossy too and never had problem with it..BUT im not a pro in colors pantones and stuff like that...

Professional graphics or video people are NOT the only ones complaining about glossy screens. There are lots of us regular not-visual-industry people who cannot stand glossy screens. I am NOT a visual industry worker, and for me glossy screens are completely unusable. I find them incredibly distracting from from the work I'm trying to get done. And my eyes feel very strained physically after using them for even a short time. And any time something happens behind me there's a visual disturbance in what I'm trying to pay attention to on my screen. If there's a light behind me that I can't maneuver out of the screen's reflection, then all it takes is a person walking a path across my back to cause the reflection to blink on and off! That's crazy! If you like or don't mind glossy screens, then good for you. But there are LOTS of us out there that really don't like them, even us non-graphic professionals.

We've invested tremendous amounts of money into buying Mac-only products and software, and we've spent years or decades building up our expertise in using Macs. So anyone who says we're just whiners who should switch to a different company's products manufactured for Windows or Linux if we want matte screens so badly, you're just showing how stupid and uninformed you are.

We have every right to complain about it. And a Mac forum is a perfectly suitable place to discuss our frustrations.


p.s. pantnick, this wasn't all personally directed at you.