Next MacBooks, MacBook Pros To Receive Multi-touch Trackpad

[numbsafari]

The old macbooks/pros also have the capability of detecting multitouch, it just doesn't have the software. I will be unhappy the way I was unhappy about the special "hardware" that apple put into 3rd gen ipods so they could have shuffle from the root menu rather than from a variety of other places on the ipod.

Has it ever occured to you that perhaps the resolution of the "multiple finger input detection" isn't sufficient for reliably implementing this feature?

I find it hard to believe that if the hardware supported this capability Apple would simply not implement it... As soon as they did so there would be an Open Source hack released to implement it for everyone else and then Apple would look like real idiots.

 

[swingerofbirch]

Has it ever occured to you that perhaps the resolution of the "multiple finger input detection" isn't sufficient for reliably implementing this feature?

I find it hard to believe that if the hardware supported this capability Apple would simply not implement it... As soon as they did so there would be an Open Source hack released to implement it for everyone else and then Apple would look like real idiots.

I don't think they're as worried as other companies about looking like idiots. Remember they charged a nominal fee to update Macs to WiFi "n" (although they claimed some legal reason they had to).

 

[numbsafari]

There was a 3 finger hack for windows drivers.. or maybe it was Ubuntu.. but the MBP trackpad CAN detect 3 fingers, it's just a matter of whether Apple wants to write the $oftware.

Even if it can detect three fingers, that doesn't mean it's necessarily capable of detecting those fingers independently on the trackpad which would allow for things like rotating. Perhaps right now it just globs everything together and can't detect that one finger is in the lower right and the other is in the upper left.

 

[numbsafari]

What does WWDC stand for? I'm assuming it is a conference or expo but I'm not entirely sure. Also if it is what are the exact dates for it?

Thanks.

Google it man... you could find out in seconds and inform your own self rather than sitting here and waiting for somebody to respond.

 

[Digital Skunk]

I just hope that it's a real performer. I love the current MBP but i would love to have something that isn't mediocre and that can actually be qualified as a real professional machine.

On the 17" MBP
- Dual HDDs
- Dual 2.8 GHz Intel Processor
- 512 MB GFX card
- 3 FW Ports
- 2 USB ports

Redesigned case with magnetic latch and a case that's the same size to keep the heat down.

 

[ribbonthecat]

Apple should also release a separate trackpad with Multitouch as a mouse replacement for those of us who use desktops.

 

[chuckles:)]

Sounds like an understatement but ok. I would be more impressed with a multi touch screen.
Cheers from Frozenland.

What Frozenland are you talking about? I'm looking out my toronto window and i see grass.

Cold, yes.

Frozen, no.

O, and i too would like and updated MBP, with a magnetic latch.

 

[Calsef]

hmmmm

This is 100% true.

WWDC will focus on new tools and education for adding gestures to your applications. There are a few updates and pieces of magic that have not been discussed but are coming in June.

Also, the rumors are wrong about a laptop revision in February.

The entire line is getting refreshed in June with the new Intel chips coming in May, new touch pads, slightly thinner and lighter, SSD, new keyboards, and other cosmetic changes.

(Do I sound authoritative on the matter? Hmmmm...how odd.)

Why are you so authoritative? I'm going to buy my first apple, maybe tomorrow, maybe in june...but knowing whether i have to wait until late may/june to get a design that isn't a couple years old would be nice... Whats the deal, BWhaler?

 

[mrod]

Another quiet update in November.

However, a small change in the lineup did occur in November 2007, when Apple added a 2.6 GHz processor option and 250 GB Hard Drive build-to-order options.

What most people missed about this update was that the graphics chipset was updated as well from the nVidia 8600M GT to the 8800M GT.

(System Profiler still says that it's an 8600M GT, however, other diagnostic programs Apple supplies for debugging purposes tell a different story. I've been helping Apple diagnose an nVidia driver problem which affects both 10.4 and 10.5 on the MBPs manufactured since last summer. Basically, the driver crashes if a video device is plugged in which gives incomplete DCC information. It has a divide by zero error and can cause a kernel panic.)

 

[crazy legs]

What most people missed about this update was that the graphics chipset was updated as well from the nVidia 8600M GT to the 8800M GT.

(System Profiler still says that it's an 8600M GT, however, other diagnostic programs Apple supplies for debugging purposes tell a different story. I've been helping Apple diagnose an nVidia driver problem which affects both 10.4 and 10.5 on the MBPs manufactured since last summer. Basically, the driver crashes if a video device is plugged in which gives incomplete DCC information. It has a divide by zero error and can cause a kernel panic.)

I hope they upgrade

 

[JesterJJZ]

Doesn't this kinda fall under the "Duh..." category?

 

[Creibold]

The way it's looking, I'm actually glad I bought when I did. I may be the only crazy person out there who likes the current Macbook pro keyboard better than this new black on sliver backlit one. Oh well.


I wonder if those new Air's will have a bottom yellowing third problem... It is LED after all.... God I hope not.

 

[macsforme]

just ordered a MB onsaturday

The MacBooks (non-pro) were just recently updated, and are not expected to be updated again soon as far as I know.

Seems that there's a constant tune of groaning for the MacBook Pro update to happen already. Can't wait for the day after the update, when the tune will no doubt be "Oh my gosh I JUST ordered a MacBook Pro yesterday I'm screwed! I HATE APPLE!"

 

[lord patton]

Apple should also release a separate trackpad with Multitouch as a mouse replacement for those of us who use desktops.

CoverFlow... QuickLook... MultiTouch... Gestures... Apple is redefining the HUI—they'll get their solution to the desktop, absolutely.

 

[skorpien]

The MacBooks (non-pro) were just recently updated, and are not expected to be updated again soon as far as I know.

Seems that there's a constant tune of groaning for the MacBook Pro to happen already. Can't wait for the day after the update, when the tune will no doubt be "Oh my gosh I JUST ordered a MacBook Pro yesterday I'm screwed! I HATE APPLE!"

And that's precisely why I'm waiting for the update. It'd suck having my 2 week old computer outdated overnight.

 

[S600MBUSA]

What most people missed about this update was that the graphics chipset was updated as well from the nVidia 8600M GT to the 8800M GT.

(System Profiler still says that it's an 8600M GT, however, other diagnostic programs Apple supplies for debugging purposes tell a different story. I've been helping Apple diagnose an nVidia driver problem which affects both 10.4 and 10.5 on the MBPs manufactured since last summer. Basically, the driver crashes if a video device is plugged in which gives incomplete DCC information. It has a divide by zero error and can cause a kernel panic.)

Why wouldn't Apple advertise such an improvement in the graphics card? You're the first person I've heard claim that the little "bump" in November brought a new graphics card.

 

[milo]

Why are you so surprised? The last Mac Mini came out at the same time as the iMac, and the iMac hasn't seen an update either. It's always the last of the bunch, it's still using the gma950. Next bump will be to x3100 I suppose, like the MBs received but two months ago. Don't expect it in any sort of hurry.

I'm not surprised since apple has made it obvious that they don't give a rat's ass about the mini, just disappointed.

When those two updates happened, the iMac got a pretty decent one while the mini got a pathetic one that left it still way out of date. I can't think of another machine apple has neglected as long as the mini - since february 2006 the top model has only gone from 1.6 to 2 gig. No optical update. No max ram update. No wifi update.

Pathetic.

 

[Yankees 4 Life]

well if anything happens this week i wont open the box and just pay the restocking fee.

 

[LeviG]

Why wouldn't Apple advertise such an improvement in the graphics card? You're the first person I've heard claim that the little "bump" in November brought a new graphics card.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[corywoolf]

I thought I heard something about Apple releasing a free software update that would give all MacBooks ever made multi-touch?

 

[BWhaler]

June?! We can't wait that long! Surely Apple wouldn't deny an update to their flagship notebook line for an entire year... And aren't SSDs still to expensive to put in notebooks (at least ones that can compete with 120-250GB models now)? Also, Does your authoritiy permit you to comment on the possibility of adding BlueRay drives in June too?

Sorry to break the news.

I am "confident" about the inclusion of gestures and WWDC.

As for the release schedule, these things change. But who knows...

Speculation is fun... ;-)

 

[MattInOz]

The macbook pros are REALLY due for a complete redesign. Even the macbooks could use one.

I have a feeling that the macbooks and macbook pros will get a new aluminum design similar to the Airbook only thicker of course.

That'd be cool if they could keep the black macbook option in aluminum tho.

I hope they update them all in February. But if history is any indication, Apple usually updates the regular macbooks later...usually in May?

But who knows. All I know is that I am in the market for a laptop and want one.

If they are going to redesign then you can see them waiting till the new platform not just the new 45nm CPU's that are already out so Junes more likely. They could still speed bump tomorrow let the current keep pace.

What with greater demand for laptops in the market i wonder if they could make high spec and low-mid spec in each size?
Have macbook in one colour and a black high spec model. Or at least the 13 and 15.

 

[DARKiLLUSiON]

aww man i just ordered mb on saturday

 

[HailToTheVictor]

AppleInsider also reports that future Apple laptops will have larger hard drives, faster processors, more RAM and higher-resolution screens.

So...should I wait to buy then?

 

[corywoolf]

I'm not surprised since apple has made it obvious that they don't give a rat's ass about the mini, just disappointed.

When those two updates happened, the iMac got a pretty decent one while the mini got a pathetic one that left it still way out of date. I can't think of another machine apple has neglected as long as the mini - since february 2006 the top model has only gone from 1.6 to 2 gig. No optical update. No max ram update. No wifi update.

Pathetic.

They have more important products to update/develop. The mini is just too expensive and Apple knows it. They don't want to put time/money into something that they wont make much money on. It's a shame Apple can't afford to sell a mini for $399. It would be a bright move to get a cheap mac into wallyworld and get the average Joe to see a Mac for sale. Not everybody is comfortable or even cares to look/go into an Apple Store. Even Best Buy is not enough. Apple needs to make a better effort to market the Mac the same way they have marketed the iPod. Quite with this stupid Mac vs. PC stuff and get a campaign that shows how sexy the Mac is and not any of it's software features. Trick the consumer into buying a Mac for it's looks. The average joe doesn't understand what an OS is. They just know that they need to use Internet Explorer to check their email and pay some bills. Sometimes you just need to take advantage of ignorance and sell someone something by presenting things everyone likes but doesn't need. Also, make an iMac for $599 and sell it exclusively at wallyworld. A 17" iMac 1.6 Ghz Core 2 Duo with WiFi (no bluetooth). Apple is too stuck up to make something that affordable though. Just saying...