I am curious where the idea that Apple is planning on updating the casework for the MacBook and MacBook Pro comes from? If someone should have links to news stories that support this claim I would be interested in seeing them. I am preparing to purchase a new Apple laptop but have been unimpressed by the antiquated Aluminum enclosure used on the MacBook Pro and would consider delaying purchasing one now if there is evidence to support to the claim that these computers will be redesigned in January. In my opinion Jobs has delivered increasingly more boring keynotes at MacWorld and I have low expectations for 2008. I would think that Tuesdays MacBook update is going to be minor.
What are peoples thoughts--buy a MacBook Pro now or wait?
Considering that the last Macworld keynote had Apple unveiling a completely new product line and UI concepts (the iPhone, multitouch and the future it holds for upcoming Mac products), I'm not sure how it can be seen as boring, but to each their own. But if introducing the first radically new product line from Apple in years is boring to you, I can't imagine that anything they could announce in 2008 would excite you.
If you're unimpressed with the MacBook Pro, I doubt anything about an upcoming MacBook redesign would impress you either, as many people expect it to be aluminum-based as well.
As far as why people expect it - outside of existing rumors, other changes in Apple's product line have hinted towards it. For example, with the iMac redesign and the iPod Classic, Apple has pretty much completely eliminated the basic white plastic design, and replaced almost every product they have with aluminum. Things like the 2G iPod Nano foreshadowed this.
The MacBook sticks out as the only remaining product that still uses this design concept.
But again, if you have been bored by what Apple has announced, I think you'll be bored and unimpressed by an aluminum MacBook. I mean, the design of the MacBook Pro is inherently "unflashy", so to speak, and I would expect an aluminum MacBook to look very similar.
At best, some of the rumors have pointed to it being even thinner, and possibly smaller (with the screen bezel right to the edge).
-Zadillo