So I guess we now have that 13" Macbook pro :)

[Tosser]

Comparing MB of VRAM is a pretty damn poor way to assess graphics power. The 12" had an nvidea 5200 go and the bigger ones had mobility radeon 9700s. That's a bigger difference than the integrated in the new macbooks and the 9600 the MBP has.

You're also talking about the 1.33 Ghz 15" powerbook, but I'm talking last generation. By that time, the bigger powerbooks had higher resolution and the 12" still had 1024x768. The 15" also had backlit standard by that point.

So you refuse to compare products that at one point in time was out simultanously? Thats like comparing the very neglected Mac Mini (not that I care about that product) to the last iteration of the dual-FW MBPs or the latest iMac.

How is the MBP "not a pro machine?" What would it need to have to be "pro?" I'm sure you're thinking matte screen, but other than that?

Well, the gap has been closed from two ends, not just the MB being upped (and even that "upgrade" is truly an upgrade is debateable). Of course I'm thinking that the glossy-only screens are a downgrade to consumer levels to the extent that the difference is academic only.
Next is the nixing of half of the firewire connections. Yes, it's halfed. And when you begin with two FW ports, that's quite the bummer.
I know they also nixed the only fw port on the MB, but take a look at last generation macbook, and the only real difference I see (apart from some of the things the new setup all received) are backlit keyboards (whoopy) an express slot and a bigger screen. That screen is just a bigger version of the lowest common denominator screen found on all the consumer goods from Apple (i.e. glossy). Further, you don't even have to believe me personally, but go take a look at the keynote, and note how the whole argument is based around catering to the biggest mass: The lowest common denominator consumer.
If you can't see that these downgrades makes it less pro, but more of a yesterday macbook, then I give up. Yes, they tried to keep a big enough gap by also nixing things on the newest MB - downgrading the processor speed, for one - but it doesn't change the fact that the MBP has been dumbed down as well.

 

[compuguy1088]

get one of these bad boy (ahem...)

http://www.datafab.com/product/p2express_USBadp.asp


and one of these

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839104011


Sure it wont work that fast, maybe not well at all, but it will connect hehe

That might work

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Yes, they tried to keep a big enough gap by also nixing things on the newest MB - downgrading the processor speed, for one - but it doesn't change the fact that the MBP has been dumbed down as well.

I hate you on other threads, but i must (sigh) QFT

For me, Apple's only saving grace was that insanely tasty wanna-be docking/screen solution thing they introduced. One cable W/ MagSafe, Audio , and USB? Touche' Apple.

But Alas. This is the dawn of a Brand New Macbook lineup.
Macbook Air
Macbook Consumer
Macbook Consumer Extreme

 

[Zorn]

Ever since the intel transition people have prattled on about the 12" PB like it was a smaller version of the 15" and 17". It's revisionist nonsense. The 12" powerbook was little more than an aluminum-clad ibook. Compared to the bigger powerbooks:

- slower processor
- inferior graphics (worse than the radeon 9550 that was on the last ibook, actually)
- no backlit keys
- no FW800
- lower max RAM capacity
- no express card slot (did the big PBs have that? I don't remember)

The current high end macbook as compared to the current MBP:

- slower processor
- inferior graphics
- no FW800
- no express card slot
--> but it does have backlit keys and equal RAM capacity

Bottom line is the new macbook is closer to the MBP than the 12" powerbook ever was to the 15" or 17" powerbooks.

I wholeheartedly agree. I damn near guarantee that if it weren't for the move to glossy screens people would bitch about these new notebooks far less.

 

[strikeinsilence]

I agree with the OP, and I don't think the hardcore 12" PB enthusiasts will ever be satisfied.

 

[screensaver400]

That might work

Some ExpressCards are basically USB (which is why those ExpressCard flash drives are so slow), and others act as PCI Express cards.

If the Firewire/USB ExpressCard requires the PCI Express functions of the ExpressCard standard (as I suspect it does, because it has FireWire), I doubt it would work with that ExpressCard to USB adapter.

But maybe you discussed that somewhere else and I missed it.

 

[raymondu999]

In after FireWire.

The plastic MacBook line should have stayed on as the sub-$1,000 Macbook.

Well technically it did... the old 2.1GHz model is still on at 999, which is less than 1000, albeit 1 dollar less

 

[Eidorian]

Well technically it did... the old 2.1GHz model is still on at 999, which is less than 1000, albeit 1 dollar less

It's a pathetic joke from Apple. I'm pointing my users to the sub-$1,000 refurbished MacBooks.

 

[Anaxarxes]

How is the MBP "not a pro machine?" What would it need to have to be "pro?" I'm sure you're thinking matte screen, but other than that?

Here is a list to start with:

• Quadro FX or FireGL type graphics card
• 1920x1200 display avaliable on both sizes (15" & 17" MBP)
• Fingerprint scanner for security as BTO
• Expresscard 54 slot
• Mini DP to All types of adapters are included
• Dockstation option for comfortable desktop work
• 500GB HDD BTO
• Ability to handle 8GB RAM
• eSATA port for fast external drive management

That is what makes a pro machine.

 

[DavoMrMac]

I think this is really close to a 12-inch PBook replacement.

The new MacBooks share so so many of the MacBook Pro features, including the manufacture process, case and design.

Treat the FireWire thing separately. They removed it because things are moving on. The next iteration of MacBook and Pros my both have a new connector, eSATA perhaps.

 

[johnsy]

the new baseline Macbook Pro does NOT have a back lit keyboard??

macbook pro has backlit keyboard, but new macbook baseline HAS NOT. Apple FINALY fixed it today, because as I posted in a few places they claimed that even baseline macbook (new one) HAD backlit keyboard.

 

[johnsy]

Here is a list to start with:

• Quadro FX or FireGL type graphics card
• 1920x1200 display avaliable on both sizes (15" & 17" MBP)
  
• Expresscard 54 slot
• Mini DP to All types of adapters are included
  
• 500GB HDD BTO
• Ability to handle 8GB RAM
• eSATA port for fast external drive management

That is what makes a pro machine.

I edited your list. I think these ones left are necessary.

 

[Kaupa]

Here is a list to start with:

• Quadro FX or FireGL type graphics card
• 1920x1200 display avaliable on both sizes (15" & 17" MBP)
• Fingerprint scanner for security as BTO
• Expresscard 54 slot
• Mini DP to All types of adapters are included
• Dockstation option for comfortable desktop work
• 500GB HDD BTO
• Ability to handle 8GB RAM
• eSATA port for fast external drive management

That is what makes a pro machine.

Totally agreed!
Though I would be happy with a 1680x1050 screen on 15".
I bought me a 2,5Ghz Penryn for 1000€ off now with a matte screen

 

[amammad]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I wholeheartedly disagree with your last claim. I think it's the reverse. The new MBPs are closer to a MB than ever. It's not a pro machine, but a 2008-version of a stripped iBook with some added disadvantages such as the glossy screen.

Well there's no seeing common sense for some people. <shrugs>

As an ex owner of a beloved 12" Powerbook, I'd say that the new Macbook is closer to the Pro model than the old 12" powerbook ever was.

 

[amammad]

Here is a list to start with:

• Quadro FX or FireGL type graphics card
• 1920x1200 display avaliable on both sizes (15" & 17" MBP)
• Fingerprint scanner for security as BTO
• Expresscard 54 slot
• Mini DP to All types of adapters are included
• Dockstation option for comfortable desktop work
• 500GB HDD BTO
• Ability to handle 8GB RAM
• eSATA port for fast external drive management

That is what makes a pro machine.

Have Apples Pro notebooks EVER had that much power?

Maybe some people need to start looking elsewhere if they want all that?

 

[iShater]

So I have been thinking that I could live with the new 13" MB to replace my 12' PB, I would use the iMac to import the movies from my miniDV camera via FW on it and just transfer the files over.

Then I realized I would have to edit over a USB2.0 connection!

D'oh!

 

[fleali88]

Mac Books Suck Balls!!!

 

[iShater]

Looks like I will be buying a last gen 15" MBP, and maybe keeping my 12" PB around for travel

 

[MacsBestFriend]

the new baseline Macbook Pro does NOT have a back lit keyboard??

sorry I typed that really fast/half asleep. i fixed it and it says what i REALLY meant, lol

 

[strikeinsilence]

Mac Books Suck Balls!!!

Profound statement!

 

[hempcamp]

...the whole argument is based around catering to the biggest mass: The lowest common denominator consumer.

Couldn't disagree more: if they were catering to the LCD, they would be selling flimsy grey plastic pizza boxes with umpteen useless ports and BTO options, sold for extremely low margins, with so-so customer support. See: www.dell.com

There's a lot to get used to with glossy screens and no firewire, but this is no lowest common denominator machine.

As for the comparison with the 12" PB: I think it's a great comparison, especially since they weigh virtually the same. It would still be nice to have a small footprint like the 12" PB though -- basically a thicker Air with no bezel around the screen.

--Chris

 

[iShater]

I went to the store today to check the machines out and to see if they had any of the old MBP in stock. They sent them all back to Apple yesterday.

So, while the new MB look great for a distance, and does feel solid. The glossy display drove me nuts, every time someone passed by behind me I noticed the movement on the screen, and while the touchpad was pretty cool, the edges are much sharper than the PB, and if you are surfing and using the mouse, your hands might hurt.

I decided to make my 12" PB a travel machine, and for my main system will be getting a last gen 15" MBP.

my 2c.

 

[mashinhead]

Well there's no seeing common sense for some people. <shrugs>

As an ex owner of a beloved 12" Powerbook, I'd say that the new Macbook is closer to the Pro model than the old 12" powerbook ever was.

agreed, this is the 13 mbp, they should just call them all the macbook and forget this naming convention. Even the 12 powerbook never had all the features of the, 15 and 17, they couldn't drive 30 inch displays, they didn't have FW 800 or PC card slots, the screens weren't as nice. I'm not sure but i don't think they had backlit keyboards (maybe that was at the begining)

 

[fleali88]

lol that was actually a co worker of mine,(windows only guy), but on the new macbooks, i have to agree with most people about the lack of fw is not a step in the right direction unless they would have fitted it with usb 3 or something. but the new design is starting to grow on me, i first did not like it, but it looks pretty modern and now my black macbook is starting to feel "obsolete" lol, i'll prolly get the new pro in a few months.

 

[marvel2]

I wouldn't say obsolete. But maybe "dated."