An upgraded display to an existing product line is nothing compared to a whole new product built from the ground up, especially when that new product line implements brand new technology. They are not sending out test units for a reason.
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An upgraded display to an existing product line is nothing compared to a whole new product built from the ground up, especially when that new product line implements brand new technology. They are not sending out test units for a reason.
newellj
macrumors G3
C'mon, dexterbell, you don't really think there's a conspiracy theory here??? 😉 🙄 Really, it's just a computer. There's a 14 day return period. Just not happenin'. 😛 FWIW I agree that it's been almost 10 years (2008 to be exact) since Apple did such a ground-up redesign.
Hankster
macrumors 68020
You're not looking at it from a "normal customer's" perspective. Yes, technically it is a new product, but it not. It's a laptop. Apple has many laptops already.
The reason Apple does so well is because they target the masses, not IT personnel who are obsessed with specs, etc. To the regular person the rMB is just another laptop version Apple is selling. Now, the watch is a new product to the entire world. It's the same as when they launched the iPad.
To IT people and enthusiasts sure the performance is important, but to the regular person it's not. You have to step back and look at it from that perspective. The rMB is not a new product, it's just another laptop model from Apple. That's why it's not receiving as much attention as the watch.
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I think you are way over reaching. If you don't like the rMB and feel there is something wrong with the machine, then just don't buy it. Why comment on it?
More likely Apple knows what to expect since they've been selling Macs for a lot longer than Watches. They needed the reviews to come out since it's a new category for them altogether and it is getting all the attention.
Hankster
macrumors 68020
Exactly. 99% of the population looks at the rMB as "just another computer". It doesn't matter if it's thinner or has "new" technology. No one cares. It's just another laptop. It's not ground breaking.
How many laptops have they made with a Core M chip? How many laptops have they made with a 12 inch retina display? How many laptops have they made with this brand new keyboard? How many laptops have they made with these brand new batteries? I could go on...Its a brand new product and they obviously don't want people benchmarking it or testing its battery in early reviews.
Hankster
macrumors 68020
I don't think you get it. It's not a new product line. It's a new laptop. Are there devices that do exactly the same thing? Yes. Are there devices that perform the same way? Yes. You are looking at it from an IT enthusiast perspective. And, that's fine. But, realize you are in the minority. No one cares that there is a new chip. No one cares about the new keyboard. No one cares about the layers battery. They don't. If people did there would be articles upon articles on all the tech sites.
I've been eager to get my hands on the new rMB, but no one around me has been talking about it - at all. If there is any mention of Apple it's about the watch.
Look at the evidence. The benchmarks that appeared on the mainpage here get quickly deleted and the two videos with people showing off the MB get changed to private within hours. Obviously Apple have been threatening anyone doing anything with this early. Clearly hiding something.
newellj
macrumors G3
That would be true if they didn't have such a generous return period. If people don't like this machine, or don't like what they read online, these will come back by the truckload, which is VERY, VERY expensive.
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That's either because they were (1) outright fakes (my guess) or (2) violated Apple's NDA. Nothing nefarious at all.
It's not their top priority at the moment. They'll probably sell a few hundred thousand of these whether or not Ars Technica or the Verge like this one or not. It's a niche product for Apple, but they committed to the MacBook and they know Intel's road map better than most. There will be an improved MacBook when Skylake comes out, regardless of how slow this one is. It's no secret that the Core M is no speed demon. Would I like a review? Of course, but I'm not surprised they didn't send out review unit, or more likely placed a later embargo release date (we might see reviews on the 10th).
The Watch is a huge undertaking involving massive research and development, as well as marketing. It's the first completely new product in the post-Jobs era. A thinner and lighter MacBook is an evolution of an existing product line.
Thursday or Friday
I'd bet there are units in the hands of reviewers (Walt Mossberg?) who have been told not to release information until the 9th or 10th. We'll probably see a flood of full reviews then.
I hope to read a review on Thursday before I order my MacBook early Friday morning, not that it will matter. I fully expect the new rMacBook to be great and to be fully satisfied.
I'd bet there are units in the hands of reviewers (Walt Mossberg?) who have been told not to release information until the 9th or 10th. We'll probably see a flood of full reviews then.
I hope to read a review on Thursday before I order my MacBook early Friday morning, not that it will matter. I fully expect the new rMacBook to be great and to be fully satisfied.
Hankster
macrumors 68020
Such a small number of people care about benchmarks, I'd be surprised. I think it's just that Apple are concentrating on the watch.
To the average consumer (in other words, the vast majority), the MacBook is just a thinner, lighter MacBook. Just like the last new MacBook that was thinner and lighter. And the one before that. That's it. They don't care about Broadwell this and benchmark that. They just care that it works.
I just looked on Youtube and all the major reviews for the 2015 rMBP 13 came between March 11-14, it was released on the 9th. I thought for sure that a brand new model with brand new tech like the MacBook would be in reviewers hands already but I guess not. Im still getting one on Friday regardless as I always try out the new MacBooks but Im guessing the people waiting to see reviews before buying will be put off by this.
You're getting one? Oh boy. 😱
It doesn't look like they will be in stores on Friday, though.
gregvet
macrumors regular
You ought to calm down Dexterbell. Anyone would think a rMB had murdered your children and interfered with your wife?!
It's just a laptop.
I think you have made it clear that you don't think it will be any good, and that no one should buy it.
There are lots of people on here who think otherwise.
What possible benefit would it be to apple (assuming that you are correct and all the reviews say it stinks) for these reviews to come out a few days after launch (as it looks like they will) rather than a few days before.
If the product is substandard it either won't sell or will be returned by the bucketload. Reviews will have little effect on the latter, and I would suggest not that much effect on the former given that it will be being sold for at least a year, and I doubt that first day sales in the mac line are very significant.
noobinator
macrumors 604
newellj
macrumors G3
So they'll wait a day or two. Apple can gauge MacBook demand a lot better, and so I don't expect long waiting times.
Im getting one yes, seriously doubt Ill keep it though. Sure they will be in Apple stores on Friday.
Dexter bell just can't help himself. Argues and debates on so many threads. Always picking a fight. He's just a troll really.
If he is, he's one of the better trolls I've seen. We've been able to talk him down a little bit. Some other people just won't give up...so at least he's reasonable.
ctyrider
macrumors 65816
All this back and forth about lack of pre-release reviews and ridiculous conspiracy theories is mind numbing.
If there aren't any reviews before Friday - surely there will be reviews next week, once everyone gets their hands on rMB.
Bottom line is - who cares if there are no pre-release reviews and why. If you don't want to buy rMB before reading a review - wait an extra few days. Problem solved.
If there aren't any reviews before Friday - surely there will be reviews next week, once everyone gets their hands on rMB.
Bottom line is - who cares if there are no pre-release reviews and why. If you don't want to buy rMB before reading a review - wait an extra few days. Problem solved.