It depends on people's expectations: if they expect a penyrn processor and multi-touch and apple deliver on that.. then all is fine.
People shouldn't get their hopes up for a redesign because it won't happen this or next month.
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Stop Waiting for the MBP. Apple is not releasing it.
- Thread starter HLdan
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It depends on people's expectations: if they expect a penyrn processor and multi-touch and apple deliver on that.. then all is fine.
People shouldn't get their hopes up for a redesign because it won't happen this or next month.
yup, just bought a mbp a couple days after macworld because i really didnt feel like waiting. Not too disappointed because its still a pretty damn good computer. And even when apple makes an update, it will most likely be trivial. and with the mba just released, apple wont update so quickly(otherwise they probably would've done it at MacWorld)
Apple couldn't release new MBP with Penyrns at SF because Intel had production problems... forecast to be fixed by February.
It gets very annoying seeing people bash the current MBP's -- in most cases their rants are based on inexperience, making claims that Penryn will be so much better than the current "obsolete" MBP's, etc.
Who cares really? Not me.
I buy mac's pretty much when I need them unless I know a MAJOR update is coming -- and folks -- there is not major update coming on the MBP for many many months.
I think you are correct: I have hired many designers, editors, producers, photographers, etc. I have watched them buy and have helped them buy, Macs.
While they are very smart about technical details, most buy when they need a system as opposed to waiting for the latest update. Most are smart enough to know that a 2.6ghz versus 2.8ghz processor change is negligible in day to day photoshop, video and design work.
If you are correct, two things:
1) the update will be minor, and
2) that is 5 weeks away. If you need a MBP before then, get it.
We bought our third on December 28 for a project even though a rumored update at MacWorld was forthcoming. Our 17" MBP made us a lot of money in the past 5 weeks.
In our case, waiting would have been a very bad move.
So we bought. We'll keep this one 8 months to a year, and sell it when the REAL MBP makeover comes. At that point, the MBP you wait until March 17 to buy will be really obsolete.
It is an endless cycle.
If you need one right now. Buy.
BTW: Isn't the MBP the fastest laptop on which Vista has been run (at least according to some tests)?
For example:
Apple's top-end laptop runs Vista better than a high-end Sony Vaio
That doesn't sound like a completely outdated machine to me.
And seemed ok for gaming eventhough I don't really grasp what connection there is between gaming and "pro"?
(Yes, I know that games usually put the biggest requirements on a machine)
Using the "Windows Experience Index," which is included with Vista and designed to give computer users a sense of how well their hardware runs the new operating system's "Aero" GUI, my Vaio scored a 3.6 (out of a possible score of 5). The lowest measure was for gaming graphics. Good thing I'm not a gamer.
My MacBook Pro features a 2.16-GHz dual-core Core Duo processor, a 7,200-rpm hard drive, 2GB of RAM and 256MB of dedicated video RAM. Using the Windows Experience Index, I found that the MacBook Pro got a score of 4.7, no doubt aided by the dual-core chip and better ATI video card. (Gaming graphics, for example, were rated at 4.7 on the MacBook Pro.)
For example:
Apple's top-end laptop runs Vista better than a high-end Sony Vaio
That doesn't sound like a completely outdated machine to me.
And seemed ok for gaming eventhough I don't really grasp what connection there is between gaming and "pro"?
(Yes, I know that games usually put the biggest requirements on a machine)Using the "Windows Experience Index," which is included with Vista and designed to give computer users a sense of how well their hardware runs the new operating system's "Aero" GUI, my Vaio scored a 3.6 (out of a possible score of 5). The lowest measure was for gaming graphics. Good thing I'm not a gamer.
My MacBook Pro features a 2.16-GHz dual-core Core Duo processor, a 7,200-rpm hard drive, 2GB of RAM and 256MB of dedicated video RAM. Using the Windows Experience Index, I found that the MacBook Pro got a score of 4.7, no doubt aided by the dual-core chip and better ATI video card. (Gaming graphics, for example, were rated at 4.7 on the MacBook Pro.)
Not true. I have more several friends that works as graphic designers. One of them got a PB just before the MBP came out and he wasn´t upset AND still use work on his PB. You don´t always need the latest and greatest if you are more concerned about spending time working than reading about tech stuff
HLdan, how many people do you know that work in the creative field? I have worked in the creative field for several years now. Most everyone I've worked with always makes sure to do plenty of research before they buy a new computer. Pretty much anyone regardless of their field would do the research before dropping $ in the thousands unless they have money to burn. Contrary to your opinion, most creatives aren't loaded with $. I am not a tech head by any means, but to say that musicians, graphic designers, etc. "don't know the latest and greatest from a hole in the ground." is clearly uneducated.
Regarding your OP, I would agree with those in this thread that have stated the MBP and MBA are directed at two completely different target markets. There may be a few here or there that wouldn't know which to choose, but I think most people probably know what they want and when it's power and more functionality, they choose a MB or MBP. So I don't think updates to the MBP would affect MBA sales too much if at all. Either way Apple is getting our money, so does it matter which product they get it from?
Why have you made it your personal mission to tell us a) how minor Penryn will be as an update and b) how amazing your MBP is and how much money you make with it and how you're absolutely positive the major update won't come for ages, blah blah blah...?
And obviously, your 'several' friends represent the market demographic in general, do they?
Not saying that at all, just my experience. Yours might differ. (And to put everything straight; "several" is 3)
And I was surprised they didn´t know "more". I didn´t have a clue 4 years ago when I bought my iBook, but people here at MR educated me (and the price to pay was a long term addiction ;-))
Sorry,
I just get frustrated with these threads in which the same people post over and over again about how the current MBP is a wonderful machine, Penryn is rubbish, we can't expect an update for at least the next year and a half (these statements alway come from those who have recently bought them, hmmm...) etc.
If you're so happy with your fantastic MBP, why do you spend most of your time on internet forums whining about the fact that it is imminently about to be outdated?
Anyone?
Hope It Is Sooner Than Later
I use an iMac Core 2 Duo newest model for my desk top. My laptop is over 3 years old (PowerBook G4) and recently noticed when using my wife's new MacBook how slow my old machine is. There are some web pages that the PowerBook really struggles to open. It has 1.5 Gb Ram and it has been a really good machine. When the Mac Air was introduced I was considering getting one for traveling and keeping my PowerBook for the base unit for things like iPhoto and all files and documents not needed for emails and web surfing while traveling. Apple if you release a new MacBook Pro I will buy a Mac Air also. Having only a Mac Air for my only laptop in my opinion is not a good idea and I am sure there are other people thing the same !
I use an iMac Core 2 Duo newest model for my desk top. My laptop is over 3 years old (PowerBook G4) and recently noticed when using my wife's new MacBook how slow my old machine is. There are some web pages that the PowerBook really struggles to open. It has 1.5 Gb Ram and it has been a really good machine. When the Mac Air was introduced I was considering getting one for traveling and keeping my PowerBook for the base unit for things like iPhoto and all files and documents not needed for emails and web surfing while traveling. Apple if you release a new MacBook Pro I will buy a Mac Air also. Having only a Mac Air for my only laptop in my opinion is not a good idea and I am sure there are other people thing the same !
...
Of course all the Mac Laptops compete. Just because certain people know exactly which system suits them doesn't mean everyone does.
How many should I buy a macbook or a macbook pro threads have we seen?
Its no different for macbook pro vs macbook air, infact the mba and mbp compete even stronger than mb and mbp.
People are right in saying the mbp is a professional machine in its specification and many people buy it for this specification however many people buy it simply because it says pro at the end and they want the best if they need the performance or not.
If a new macbook pro was released to close to the air there is no doubt about it the air would lose sales despite having very different specifications, the air has consumer performance but a professional price tag and therefore attracts a professional. Not all professionals care about performance alot of them care about how it will look on there desk or in a meeting. Most people don't buy a machine based on specification they buy it on impressions and how it feels to them personally.
I dare not think how many people have mac pro machines who don't need them, so why did they buy one? because its the best and they can.
Apple are lucky with the fact they have a loyal following and they know most of there customers will wait for a new macbook pro or buy the current one. They have very strong brand loyalty and they understand very few users will switch brands because of this. So why should they release it now?
Alot of computers users don't buy what they need they buy what they want.
Apple are a multi billion pound company they know what they are doing and they do things like this for a reason. Yes it would be nice for US if they release a new macbook pro but is it bad for business and there new product? No.
Apple are a business with the intention of making money, Apple do whats good for apple. Its how business works.
Of course all the Mac Laptops compete. Just because certain people know exactly which system suits them doesn't mean everyone does.
How many should I buy a macbook or a macbook pro threads have we seen?
Its no different for macbook pro vs macbook air, infact the mba and mbp compete even stronger than mb and mbp.
People are right in saying the mbp is a professional machine in its specification and many people buy it for this specification however many people buy it simply because it says pro at the end and they want the best if they need the performance or not.
If a new macbook pro was released to close to the air there is no doubt about it the air would lose sales despite having very different specifications, the air has consumer performance but a professional price tag and therefore attracts a professional. Not all professionals care about performance alot of them care about how it will look on there desk or in a meeting. Most people don't buy a machine based on specification they buy it on impressions and how it feels to them personally.
I dare not think how many people have mac pro machines who don't need them, so why did they buy one? because its the best and they can.
Apple are lucky with the fact they have a loyal following and they know most of there customers will wait for a new macbook pro or buy the current one. They have very strong brand loyalty and they understand very few users will switch brands because of this. So why should they release it now?
Alot of computers users don't buy what they need they buy what they want.
Apple are a multi billion pound company they know what they are doing and they do things like this for a reason. Yes it would be nice for US if they release a new macbook pro but is it bad for business and there new product? No.
Apple are a business with the intention of making money, Apple do whats good for apple. Its how business works.
Don't bother, save your breath. I've been saying what you just stated to these mouth-breathing bottom-feeders who have told me to "just buy it now" since day 1. These people have no concept of self-control and end up buying one, then try telling everyone else to buy one too so they don't feel bad about their lack of constraint.
And anyone who honestly thinks the MBA and MBP are aimed at the same market should stab themselves.
Amen.
I hope they won't wait until June but I will wait that long if I have to. I have no reason to get the MBP urgently and I refuse to buy last years model. I want the latest and greatest when I lay my money down!
Speaking as a former product marketing manager for a computer company...
you create segments to the market, but don't care which one updates first over the other. Each typically have their own schedule.
Dual core came to one line, while it was months later before it hit the other line.
the small laptops aren't matched to the regular laptops in release.
so the OP is most likely incorrect. I'd be more willing to bet Apple doesn't see the need for churn. I will tell you that a lot of companies *hate* it when new computers come out. They'd much rather have the same, consistent model for 24 months than get a new model every few months. Stability is more important.
Also, check the Mac Pro forum and watch for over a YEAR people whined about wanting a new Mac Pro....never happened.
If you *need* a new computer, you're going to buy one. If you *want* a new computer, you're going to whine about not having one.
Speaking as an iMac Core 2 Duo owner who bought one 3 weeks before the current models came out. My iMac G4 died, and my kids needed a new computer. They sure as hell weren't going to wait until the new one came out without making my life miserable asking for a when I was going to 'fix' the computer.
Now, my wife's iBook G4 1.2GHz is over three years old, out of warranty. I'm watching the MacBooks/MacBook Pros pretty closely. She currently feels she likes the larger screen of the Pros, and since she gets a new computer only every three years I'm willing to wait a bit. However, tax refunds are coming in and I may just get her something because the only reason we're looking at a new system is that this one is now out of warranty and doesn't work so well anymore as a portable digital camera processing station when we do onsite photo shoots & print on demand. 768MB doesn't cut it on Lightroom.
edit: oh yeah, forgot, iBook Battery lasts about 25 - 30m tops, and a new one from third party are like $129. Don't feel like spending that on a 3 year old computer.
you create segments to the market, but don't care which one updates first over the other. Each typically have their own schedule.
Dual core came to one line, while it was months later before it hit the other line.
the small laptops aren't matched to the regular laptops in release.
so the OP is most likely incorrect. I'd be more willing to bet Apple doesn't see the need for churn. I will tell you that a lot of companies *hate* it when new computers come out. They'd much rather have the same, consistent model for 24 months than get a new model every few months. Stability is more important.
Also, check the Mac Pro forum and watch for over a YEAR people whined about wanting a new Mac Pro....never happened.
If you *need* a new computer, you're going to buy one. If you *want* a new computer, you're going to whine about not having one.
Speaking as an iMac Core 2 Duo owner who bought one 3 weeks before the current models came out. My iMac G4 died, and my kids needed a new computer. They sure as hell weren't going to wait until the new one came out without making my life miserable asking for a when I was going to 'fix' the computer.
Now, my wife's iBook G4 1.2GHz is over three years old, out of warranty. I'm watching the MacBooks/MacBook Pros pretty closely. She currently feels she likes the larger screen of the Pros, and since she gets a new computer only every three years I'm willing to wait a bit. However, tax refunds are coming in and I may just get her something because the only reason we're looking at a new system is that this one is now out of warranty and doesn't work so well anymore as a portable digital camera processing station when we do onsite photo shoots & print on demand. 768MB doesn't cut it on Lightroom.
edit: oh yeah, forgot, iBook Battery lasts about 25 - 30m tops, and a new one from third party are like $129. Don't feel like spending that on a 3 year old computer.
i bought my MBP in July and it's still the current model, very happy I'd completely ignore any new MBPs coming out between now and the Summer of 2010 as I have no plan to replace my current love.
I'd completely ignore any new MBPs coming out between now and the Summer of 2010 as I have no plan to replace my current love.
And that is what he is hoping for so they can unload the pee yellow screens and skipping keyboards.
A little research
Three people I know have ordered MBAs. One is a dilettante obsessed with having the prettiest toys. Another runs a trendy art gallery and wants only super slick bits of kit in front-of-house locations (ordered two). And the last runs a design agency and wants one primarily to run presentations in clients' offices. None of them would have bought a MBP. This is a very small sample but it does suggest that MBA and MBP markets are different. Also, it's unlikely that anyone with a G4 PowerBook or early MBP is going to buy something with a smaller screen, little or no performance boost and less in the way of connectivity options.
However, the argument that a new MBP would steal MBA thunder is, I think, closer to the mark. Apple do seem to put a lot of thought behind the timing of their releases and a new MBP released now would be asking for column inches comparing the two. On virtually all measures aside from weight and size, the MBA would be found wanting. And no, the press wouldn't be comparing like-for-like and they may even avoid reference to the different markets the two serve...but we're taking about the media here, and many editors - especially those in the mainstream - will jump at the chance to have a pop at the now mighty Apple. I'm actually surprised at the lack of column inches comparing the MBA with the old Cube - plenty of similarities; form over function and all that.
I do hope I'm wrong because my old G4 PB is creaking and after two hinge replacements looks like a gnarled old bull terrier after a lifetime in the pit.
Three people I know have ordered MBAs. One is a dilettante obsessed with having the prettiest toys. Another runs a trendy art gallery and wants only super slick bits of kit in front-of-house locations (ordered two). And the last runs a design agency and wants one primarily to run presentations in clients' offices. None of them would have bought a MBP. This is a very small sample but it does suggest that MBA and MBP markets are different. Also, it's unlikely that anyone with a G4 PowerBook or early MBP is going to buy something with a smaller screen, little or no performance boost and less in the way of connectivity options.
However, the argument that a new MBP would steal MBA thunder is, I think, closer to the mark. Apple do seem to put a lot of thought behind the timing of their releases and a new MBP released now would be asking for column inches comparing the two. On virtually all measures aside from weight and size, the MBA would be found wanting. And no, the press wouldn't be comparing like-for-like and they may even avoid reference to the different markets the two serve...but we're taking about the media here, and many editors - especially those in the mainstream - will jump at the chance to have a pop at the now mighty Apple. I'm actually surprised at the lack of column inches comparing the MBA with the old Cube - plenty of similarities; form over function and all that.
I do hope I'm wrong because my old G4 PB is creaking and after two hinge replacements looks like a gnarled old bull terrier after a lifetime in the pit.