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More Claims of MacBook Pro Adopting MacBook Air Form Factor in 2012 Redesign

What?

TylerL said:
You can take my optical drive, Apple (put more battery in its place!), but please please keep Ethernet and Firewire.

I'm worried I might want to buy the last 13" Pro rather than go to a new 13" Air if the Pro line disappears...
Click to expand...

I agree, I don't need optical as much as firewire and Ethernet. If they can at least keep these in the small form factor, that would be a most agreeable compromise.
 
mosx said:
A minority? I don't think so. Concerning blu-ray disc, blu-ray movies outsell DVD movies in the US these days. Even going into an electronics store like Best Buy or Fry's, its difficult to find a DVD only player. Both stores have larger blu-ray sections now than DVD sections.

As for the millions and millions of reasons I mentioned before, I'll list a few. College students often only have their computer as their only form of entertainment in their dorm. So where else are they going to watch movies? Plenty of adults I know of don't have TVs in their bedrooms, only their living rooms, and watch movies on a computer in the bedroom as a result. Hell, its what I do. My monitor is better than most HDTVs, so blu-ray is a requirement. Especially since I do actually have a nice home theater setup in the living room. What about younger adults that aren't in college and "just starting out"? They make up the vast majority of people who don't subscribe to cable TV service and likely don't own an HDTV.

What about travelers? On Demand movies in a hotel room are wickedly expensive. Plus hotel rooms these days offer nice HDTVs with their connectivity panel available, so you could just plug the HDMI cable from your notebook into your room's HDTV and watch a movie from it.

Theres other various situations where one can sit and watch a movie as well. For example, taking a friend or family member in for some sort of medical procedure and sitting in the waiting room. As neat as the iPad is, its a 4x3 screen and its only 10". A 17" 16x9 1080p laptop screen with a blu-ray drive would be a lot better to watch a movie on while you're waiting.

What about on an airplane? Plugs aren't uncommon on airplanes. So again, a larger screen with a proper modern aspect ratio and a blu-ray drive is going to present a much better movie watching experience than an iPad or iPhone.

Should I go on?
Click to expand...

BR maybe outselling DVD's (if you say so), but how many more people are downloading/streaming via netflix/torrent/itunes/or other means?

dfnj123 said:
As a current college student, I would like to let you know that the majority of people I know torrent movies... just thought you should know...
Click to expand...
nuff said on that one

Your monitor is better so BR is a requirement? I think not.

Younger adults "just starting out" probably aren't buying loads of BR discs. They're doing the same as the students. Why? because that's what they know and its cheaper.

Travelers and hospital guests are still a minority, not enough to design for.

When I fly I see a lot of dvd players for the kids and only a fraction of people watching something on a laptop. Most seem to watch what's available on the headrest tv (if they are not sleeping, reading, or playing video games).

You can go on but I still think you are on the losing end. Especially if an external drive will work, even if it is a hassle to some.
 
Apple better insist on better displays if they plan on replacing pro machines with thin & lights. Specifically, the colour gamut needs to get bumped up big time.

Come to think of it, Apple should flex it's supplier might and get some good quality IPS displays into these.
 
Stella said:
They aren't always the first to adopt though... USB 3?!! It took Apple an overly long to get USB2 into all their laptops.
Click to expand...
OS 9 baggage really hampered the deployment of USB 2.0 and 802.11g. It is noticeable when you suddenly get OS X only machines with all the fancy new technology.
 
The 15" won't be as thin as its smaller counterparts. It will still be a pro level machine, as an internal redesign with total removal of the optical bay, will yield a similarly functional machine as we have now, but thinner and lighter.
I think they'll still be able to use the upcoming M-series standard voltage Ivy Bridge processors in the 15 and 17" models, with U-series low voltage remaining in the 11 and 13" models. Still a distinction in both size and power among the line, but with a unified design, and the benefits of the smaller form factor for 15 and 17" users. (I just got a 15" the other day and might I say its freaking huge)

However, its entirely questionable if they'll still have discrete GPUs. I think perhaps not. :eek:

They'll have a thicker hinge than the 13" MBA, so it will likely be able to retain an extra USB port and SD card slot, but say goodbye to Ethernet and FireWire. Granted, you don't need either port. You can soon buy small Thunderbolt hubs for your desk that your Ethernet and FireWire devices connect to, all going into 1 Thunderbolt port. That's better than the current implementation of multiple ports. So a design and functional victory here.

The real question is storage capacities of the SSDs and RAM, and the prices. Enter Anobit, hopefully.

If the Anobit purchase can leverage costs of the soldered internal SSD, then perhaps a 256 GB will be the low end, with 512 & 1 TB options, at modest price hikes for each. Then there is RAM. Apple currently charges $200 for 8 GB of RAM....a $150 overcharge, and why most people buy aftermarket. Not an option on MacBook Airs. Furthermore, Apple doesn't offer a 16 GB option for these machines, which they of course support.....but this could change.

I guess it could look like this...

15" MacBook (Air/Pro) $1799
2880x1800 Retina Display
2.6GHz Quad-Core i7-3720QM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
256 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
3.9 lb

&

15" MacBook (Air/Pro) $2,199
2880x1800 Retina Display
2.7GHz Quad-Core i7-3820QM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
512 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
3.9 lb

&

17" MacBook (Air/Pro) $2,499
3840x2400 Retina Display
2.9GHz Quad Core i7-3920XM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
512 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
5.1 lb

*Note, the BTO RAM prices and SSDs are considerably cheaper than what Apple offers today, but I believe if a full redesign and shift to MacBook Air speed/simplicity is to occur, Apple would need to make the new NON-upgradable MacBook Pros more attractive at purchase. Especially with the likely abandonment of discrete graphics. Something's gotta give. I'm thinking the Anobit purchase will have a lot to do with offering higher capacity SSDs in these Pros, while maintaing price points.

So, would you buy one? Given those specs?
 
Last edited:
for those who hope for ethernet still..you can always buy

MC704
 
pmz said:
The 15" won't be as thin as its smaller counterparts. It will still be a pro level machine, as an internal redesign with total removal of the optical bay, will yield a similarly functional machine as we have now, but thinner and lighter.
I think they'll still be able to use the upcoming M-series standard voltage Ivy Bridge processors in the 15 and 17" models, with U-series low voltage remaining in the 11 and 13" models. Still a distinction in both size and power among the line, but with a unified design, and the benefits of the smaller form factor for 15 and 17" users. (I just got a 15" the other day and might I say its freaking huge)

However, its entirely questionable if they'll still have discrete GPUs. I think perhaps not. :eek:

They'll have a thicker hinge than the 13" MBA, so it will likely be able to retain an extra USB port and SD card slot, but say goodbye to Ethernet and FireWire. Granted, you don't need either port. You can soon buy small Thunderbolt hubs for your desk that your Ethernet and FireWire devices connect to, all going into 1 Thunderbolt port. That's better than the current implementation of multiple ports. So a design and functional victory here.

The real question is storage capacities of the SSDs and RAM, and the prices. Enter Anobit, hopefully.

If the Anobit purchase can leverage costs of the soldered internal SSD, then perhaps a 256 GB will be the low end, with 512 & 1 TB options, at modest price hikes for each. Then there is RAM. Apple currently charges $200 for 8 GB of RAM....a $150 overcharge, and why most people buy aftermarket. Not an option on MacBook Airs. Furthermore, Apple doesn't offer a 16 GB option for these machines, which they of course support.....but this could change.

I guess it could look like this...

15" MacBook (Air/Pro) $1799
2880x1800 Retina Display
2.6GHz Quad-Core i7-3720QM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
256 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
3.9 lb

&

15" MacBook (Air/Pro) $2,199
2880x1800 Retina Display
2.7GHz Quad-Core i7-3820QM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
512 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
3.9 lb

&

17" MacBook (Air/Pro) $2,499
3840x2400 Retina Display
2.9GHz Quad Core i7-3920XM
4 GB DDR3 (8 GB BTO option - $100)
512 GB SSD
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
2x USB 3.0
1x Thunderbolt
1x SD Card Slot
802.11ac Gigabit WiFi
Impossibly Thin
5.1 lb

*Note, the BTO RAM prices and SSDs are considerably cheaper than what Apple offers today, but I believe if a full redesign and shift to MacBook Air speed/simplicity is to occur, Apple would need to make the new NON-upgradable MacBook Pros more attractive at purchase. Especially with the likely abandonment of discrete graphics. Something's gotta give. I'm thinking the Anobit purchase will have a lot to do with offering higher capacity SSDs in these Pros, while maintaing price points.

So, would you buy one? Given those specs?
Click to expand...

Sure i would buy! That would be perfect. :apple:
But i think one thing is unrealistic --> the processor specs. Theres no way a 2.9 GHz quad core would be included in a thin design as macbook air (to much heat, power consumption, and probably even not needed because of the ssd)
 
'IF' the form factor does take on the 'air' style case i think i will buy a couple of existing 15's, as those sharp edges are a no no for pro use.
The machine has to be impressive in it's capabilities, not in it's thinness imo.
 
The only problem with the redesign is the storage space loss with the SSD transition.

Processing power is not a problem. Ivy Bridge CPUs have the Configurable TDP feature (linked by me on a previous post, downranked for unknown reason), so the voltage can be tuned down when on battery (resulting on an Air-like CPU), and brought back up when charging (Pro-like power).

Hopefully the Anobit transition allows for at least 256GB SSDs as a standard for 13" laptops.

The optical drive will go away, deal with it. It went away with the Mini, and will go away on notebooks. Whether you like it or not. Not saying it is the best thing, just the more likely.

And I hope user-replaceable storage and RAM remains. Or I will be using my 2011 Pro forever.
 
Hello all

I am a Greek guy currently working in Qatar/DOHA .
I am new in MAC and i want to buy a MBP propably the 13" model(I7 2.8 with 8gb ram).
Currently i have a Hp elitebook prof lap top which is 14' inch 2.0kg.
My only doubt is the roumored Retina display in new Macbooks because my current laptop will have the same Res with my new MBP.
Do you think i should wait? any estimated release of the new redesigned MBP?
thanks for any reply
 
Instant on

One more thing I'd like to see: If the new Macbooks are truly "instant on", Apple could ditch the on / off switch altogether. You open it, it's on. You close it, it's off. Don't know why I'm so attracted to this. Maybe because it would make them even more "natural" to use, in a kind of iPad / iPhone-Style.

Love that idea...
 
wiz329 said:
Too soon. Give it at least 1 more year, when SSD prices come down enough to make them cost effective enough to entirely do away with HDDs. I personally don't like having my RAM soldered to the MoBo, or having to pay ridiculous prices to Apple for upgrading it or the drive capacity.
Click to expand...

Anything to drive the profitability....
 
I think Apple's strategy has been clear for some time. They are in the process of phasing out optical media in their stores, They have been slowly introducing new Macs without Optical drives. They have developed digital distribution methods for Apps,Music,Books and Movies.

The last time I tried to use an Optical drive on my Mac Pro it failed because of dust contamination though a long period of non use. Others have said it before if you need Optical media buy an external drive.

That having being said, I don't believe that Apple will drop the current form factor for the 17" MacBook Pro. While it makes sense to have an Ultra Thin 15" MacBook Pro/Air, I am not sure it makes sense to have a 17" Air. I suspect they will keep the 17" MacBook Pro for Media Professionals who still need a built in Optical Drive. However I think this is only part of the transition. Long term all Macs will be sold without Optical drives, but Apple will sell you an external one if you need one.
 
if this is accurate, let's call it for what it truly is - Apple is killing the Macbook Pro line.

I'm sorry, a computer without Ethernet is not a professional machine. End of story. There is something to be said for physical security. Dongles be damned, that's just nonsense.

It would be colossally stupid on Apple's part to alienate many developers who use MBP's as their main machine desktop replacement. Incredibly lazy as well; there's quite a bit of untapped power in the GPU, and Intel is still (even with 4000 series) years behind what AMD is offering.
 
osx11 said:
All Macbooks will have:
128GB SSD minimum
4GB Ram minimum (…)
Thunderbolt port
USB port(s)
SD card slot (…)
Audio In/Out
HD Facetime Camera
Microphone
Backlit-keyboard

What Macbooks will not have:
Firewire, …
Ethernet Port …
Traditional hard drives …
Internal DVD super drive …
Click to expand...

I was really disappointed when I discovered that my 2010 MBA’s 3.5mm audio jack was electronic-only, whereas even my 2006 iMac had a dual port, i.e. it provides an optical signal, too. The combined AV-out (Mini Displayport then, Mini DVI before, Thunderbolt now) is not optical either, so adapters are either unavailable or even more expensive than other adapters for Apple’s latest interface “standard”. Don’t let that happen to the MBP.

What about the screens: which aspect ratio and which resolutions will they have? Will there be a distinction between normal MacBooks (Air) and “Retina”/HD MacBooks (Pro)?

What about wireless connectivity, i.e. LTE or UMTS built-in?

What about sensors, e.g. gyroscope, GPS and other stuff one is used to from i-devices?

What about the touch pad: will its size differ between models, will it be integrated into the keyboard, or will there be touch screens? (The latter is highly unlikely in my opinion.)
 
There's no such thing as just a macbook anymore so maybe these will be the new macbooks and they'll keep the pro's and the air will be part of the new just macbook lineup.

The only problems I see is the lack of optical media drives. I depend on mine everyday and optical media is still the best way to distribute quality wise. I work with video and I need to be able to quickly burn a dvd for my clients. also if it does move to flash memory were going to see a drop in a capacity or if you want the same capacity as a hard drive a very large price raise.
 
Yebubbleman said:
Why exactly do optical drives need to die off? Or are you just against old (but still used) technology. You must really not like the idea of using an operating system with UNIX at its core. You know that UNIX predates optical discs, right?
Click to expand...

I can't tell if you're trolling or not. How are optical drives and UNIX even close to the same thing? One has mechanical moving parts because it's hardware and the other is, well, software.
 
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