Thoughts about the MBP delay

[rata911]

I think most people are not as dumb as they are made out to be, such as on this forum. I believe the majority of Apple users are professionals that depend on Macs for their livelihood or people such as myself who are power users.

Even the less unknowing user is going to, over time, learn what the best computer will be for them. If they find out the computer they just bought is not good enough for their needs will be more attuned into what they will be purchasing next time.

This "People are not smart enough" mentality & are now clueless when they buy Apple computers just because other spec whores think they are buying outdated computers is starting to get tiring.

Couldn't agree more.

Thing is, people that are not that computer savvy will ASK someone who is before purchasing. I'd consider this forum quite nerdy and come on guys can you count the number of calls you've received in your life coming in from a neighbor/relative/friend/whatever asking you if laptop x they've seen in store y is something worth buying...? I can't, I've lost track.

Those that buy anyway have too much money on their hands.

 

[ken694]

Good post.

That's the same thing I was thinking: I'm sure the wait will be worth it too.

 

[Piplodocus]

I reckon they were probably working on using the nVidia chipset with the i5/i7 until the whole Intel vs nVidia lawsuit. That probably really screwed apple and they had to have a big rethink when they saw that intel wouldn't back down or extend the licence to nVidia for i5/7 chipsets.

Then apple probably wanted the auto switching of the new nVida descrete GPU to Intel integrated GPU nVidia have been working on.

Those probably threw up delays, and now they're worried about clashing with the iPad release, but moreso not to rush out this later changed design too quickly with bugs after the whole 27" iMac fiasco with yellow screens and DOA etc (and the not-always-clicking trackpads of previous Macbooks, iTunes using stupid amounts of Mac Proi processing power to play a song, etc).

 

[neondrgns]

I reckon they were probably working on using the nVidia chipset with the i5/i7 until the whole Intel vs nVidia lawsuit. That probably really screwed apple and they had to have a big rethink when they saw that intel wouldn't back down or extend the licence to nVidia for i5/7 chipsets.

Then apple probably wanted the auto switching of the new nVida descrete GPU to Intel integrated GPU nVidia have been working on.

Those probably threw up delays, and now they're worried about clashing with the iPad release, but moreso not to rush out this later changed design too quickly with bugs after the whole 27" iMac fiasco with yellow screens and DOA etc (and the not-always-clicking trackpads of previous Macbooks, iTunes using stupid amounts of Mac Proi processing power to play a song, etc).

that intel/nvidia hasnt stopped anyone else, Sony Vaio Z is thinner, lighter, and has i5-i7 and nvidia 330m, battery life is top notch also coming in at a real world 4.5 hours, rated at 6.5 hours

 

[josh1231]

no new MBPs till after iPad

I agree with you, not until a couple weeks after the 3g Ipad. My money's on late May to June.

 

[Piplodocus]

that intel/nvidia hasnt stopped anyone else, Sony Vaio Z is thinner, lighter, and has i5-i7 and nvidia 330m, battery life is top notch also coming in at a real world 4.5 hours, rated at 6.5 hours

I do agree, but did Sony's old line up use entirely nVidia southbridges with integrated graphics in? Sony may not have had full plans to go with an nVidia southbridge in all their models til the last minute, then have to redesign all the ones without discrete graphics. I don't see apple being happy to take a step backwards on all their models which had nVidia integrated graphics before by moving to the intel integrated graphics. Apple also don't release random selections of models in different dribs and drabs. They tend to go for a standard macbook line, and a pro line consisting of very few models. Therefore I can't see half the 15" pro line with discrete graphics being refreshed, but not the integrated C2Ds. The integrated would want the new auto-switching regardless. So I agree, it may not be the greatest excuse, but if they were thinking they would be able to get away with using the nVidia up til nearly christmas, it may have been a forced major redesign late in the day for the entire line-up, which really can't help the schedule!

 

[linuxcooldude]

Truth be told, I agree with you. I was more or less just agreeing with the statement that "the average buyer is oblivious" for the sake of getting my point across.

But what you said compliments my point well...people may fall into the trap of buying outdated hardware THIS time, but when they start weighing the options, things could be different the next time they buy hardware. What Apple is doing now could hurt them in the future.

Interesting that you would try to get people to think that what I said would only support your cause.

Case in point, someone who buys a netbook. Atom processors are not outdated, but some people think they will be able to do everything what an average laptop should do. But you can't. Those are the type of people I was refering too.

I think more people fall in the trap that they think they must have the latest and greatest every year, then proceed to use it just for email & browsing web pages.

 

[stinkhorn]

Just a dumb-ass thought here:

We're all feverish about why there's a 'delay'. Did Apple ever actually promise an imminent upgrade at all? In writing? I mean, I know upgrades will always happen, but in this particular instance, are they technically 'late'? Or - just not adhering to historical release patterns?

Now shoot me down for my ignorance!

 

[Quetsche]

Just a dumb-ass thought here:

We're all feverish about why there's a 'delay'. Did Apple ever actually promise an imminent upgrade at all? In writing? I mean, I know upgrades will always happen, but in this particular instance, are they technically 'late'? Or - just not adhering to historical release patterns?

Now shoot me down for my ignorance!

No, they didn't make any promises.

But not only we're approaching (or have already reached) the longest time between two updates; but also the new intel mobile CPUs are now spreading in windows PCs so we feel a bit jealous.

 

[stinkhorn]

OK, I see. Well I think I'm going to get bored checking these threads and consequently buy a current model waaay before the updated ones are out, in x days/weeks/months...

 

[mike8717189]

Like some of us here I'm NEW to apple or trying to be NEW. My brother has MacBook Pro 13" and pushed me to get one, so I sold my XPS 13" and been waiting for almost a month now. I want to switch so bad, BUT I don't have $ to trow around and do my search like this amazing site and others. I will not spend money now for something old (if I can put it that way). Same time there is only so much I can wait, we all have our limits and we will move on or at least good number and won't care once it does come out, because we have moved on.
There is a huge market for apple to get from frustrated W. users, but we all go and talk to those who know or do our search. No one wants to spend big $ for something this old and like someone said, this machines are capable of doing tasks still good, so does other machines for 500-600.
I don't no how long I can wait, as much as I want to get a mac and possibly would regret later on if I do go the other way, but will be too late to buy mac.
What ever the reason apple waiting and not saying anything now is not working for them but against. 1. They just don't care because they got so big and we all just gonna be buying their (old) product for top $. 2. Or there is an isue with supply or something and they're not saying anything about, in any case it is not good for them in the long run.
at this point I came close to getting brand new 13" for very good price, but couldn't pull the trigger, because something is comming out soon. Or for that money I can get more powerfull machine for lot less $.

 

[clindner]

The reason for the delay? It's been beaten to death since December, here's just a few links:

http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/...intels-arrandale-integrated-graphics-2009128/

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/new...32nm-arrandale2c-wont-use-intel-graphics.aspx

http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_passes_intel’s_arrandale_chipset


These are mostly all written around the same insider source, but why speculate any more than this?

 

[mike8717189]

These are mostly all written around the same insider source, but why speculate any more than this?

because we don't have it and want it, there is only so long you can tease a dog with a bone...

 

[Bibble]

I'm gonna weigh in on this, with my opinion as a potential switcher.

I am (provided that certain people pull their fingers out) going to get an iPhone 3GS shortly. There are those that would berate me for not waiting for the 4G, but my explanation is that I need a new phone, I need it now (major contract renewal), and the iPhone, despite it's about to be updated-ness is the best bet, in my eyes.

I have already suffered at the hands of an update, as I bought the iPod touch 2G in August, but again, I had my reasons (it was bought using a company-discount that would not have been available in September). It irked me for a bit, but I still got an excellent device which I use more than most others.

For a while I have been looking at MacBook Pros, and have been putting it off, partially because of the assumed-to-be forthcoming update, but mainly because of funds. If I could get the money, I would buy the 15" mid-spec MacBook without a second thought, simply because it's better than the opposition, and here's my reasoning:

I want a reasonably high-powered laptop. These are always made of components that, in the broad-view are mid-range (laptops always being a step or two behind the desktops). In windows PCs, this gives them the disadvantage that they are sufficiently new to have problems with programs and drivers, but not high-profile enough to get the serious updates that the top-end ones do.

In Macs, the hardware and software have a more double-helical approach. The software is optimised for the hardware, and, in the next update, the hardware is selected to compliment the software. The result is a device that "just works". There may be a few problems, but, I suspect, nowhere near as many as I would with a comparable windows machine (I do know of a number of XPSs that were plagued with problems from the get-go).


That's my opinion, anyways. (For those that are interested, I am looking at getting a 15-inch mid-range MacBook Pro, and a 27-inch iMac, funds allowing).

 

[iphoneZ]

logical reasons:

- jobs's obsession with silly ifail gadget

 

[Thunder82]

logical reasons:

- jobs's obsession with silly ifail gadget

I agree entirely. We're waiting only because Apple's focus has been entirely on the iFail.

 

[Jaro65]

I agree with you, not until a couple weeks after the 3g Ipad. My money's on late May to June.

Well, there is the rumor about a June update for Mac Pro, so maybe that's when we'll also get the new MBPs.

 

[gwsat]

that intel/nvidia hasnt stopped anyone else, Sony Vaio Z is thinner, lighter, and has i5-i7 and nvidia 330m, battery life is top notch also coming in at a real world 4.5 hours, rated at 6.5 hours

Let me preface my remarks by saying that I think the Sony Vaio i5/i7 lineup represents a stunning technological triumph and that Apple should pay close attention to it. Nevertheless, the Vaio i5/i7 line is neither thinner nor lighter than the Macbook Air. The Vaio's thickness varies between 1.00 and 1.30 inches and weighs 3.04 pounds. In fact, The Macbook Air's thickness varies from 0.16 to 0.76 inch and weighs 3.0 pounds. the Vaio Z is even thicker than the 17 inch Macbook Pro, which is only .98 inch thick.

All of that said, I would buy a Vaio Z i7 immediately if it could run OS X apps as conveniently as Macs run Windows apps.

 

[lilo777]

Let me preface my remarks by saying that I think the Sony Vaio i5/i7 lineup represents a stunning technological triumph and that Apple should pay close attention to it. Nevertheless, the Vaio i5/i7 line is neither thinner nor lighter than the Macbook Air. The Vaio's thickness varies between 1.00 and 1.30 inches and weighs 3.04 pounds. In fact, The Macbook Air's thickness varies from 0.16 to 0.76 inch and weighs 3.0 pounds. the Vaio Z is even thicker than the 17 inch Macbook Pro, which is only .98 inch thick.

All of that said, I would buy a Vaio Z i7 immediately if it could run OS X apps as conveniently as Macs run Windows apps.

Well, what's the point in comparing VAIO Z and MBA? VAIO Z trumps the specs of MBP (in all respects). For those who wants thin laptop, Sony offers VAIO X machine which weighs 1.5 lb and is 0.55" thick

 

[gwsat]

Well, what's the point in comparing VAIO Z and MBA? VAIO Z trumps the specs of MBP (in all respects). For those who wants thin laptop, Sony offers VAIO X machine which weighs 1.5 lb and is 0.55" thick

I agree, but then I thought I had made that clear in my earlier post. After looking at both the 13 inch Macbook Pro and the MBA, I decided that I didn't want either one in its present configuration. The MBA's hardwired 2Gb of RAM was a deal breaker, as was the MBP's disappointing 1280x800 resolution and 4.5 pounds weight. Maybe Apple will get it right with the next update, I hope so.

 

[lilo777]

I agree, but then I thought I had made that clear in my earlier post. After looking at both the 13 inch Macbook Pro and the MBA, I decided that I didn't want either one in its present configuration. The MBA's hardwired 2Gb of RAM was a deal breaker, as was the MBP's disappointing 1280x800 resolution and 4.5 pounds weight. Maybe Apple will get it right with the next update, I hope so.

It sounds like you are saying that it is VAIO Z that you want. Lighter, better resolution, plenty of RAM.

 

[Pojo458]

I'm hoping to either get a macbook or a macbook pro, it all depends on this coming update...
If the update comes before my birthday and the price of the new mbp is down with more gb and graphics card, I'll get the pro...
If it doesn't, I'm just going to get the macbook and max it out with 4gb ram and 500GB hard drive

 

[ECUpirate44]

I'm hoping to either get a macbook or a macbook pro, it all depends on this coming update...
If the update comes before my birthday and the price of the new mbp is down with more gb and graphics card, I'll get the pro...
If it doesn't, I'm just going to get the macbook and max it out with 4gb ram and 500GB hard drive

If you are just going to max out the mb, then it really does make sense to spend the extra 200 and get the pro because of a faster processor option. Just my 2 cents though

 

[gwsat]

It sounds like you are saying that it is VAIO Z that you want. Lighter, better resolution, plenty of RAM.

As impressive as it is, the Sony Vaio Z is as much of a nonstarter for me as the MBA and the 13 inch MBP because the Vaio Z is can't conveniently run both OS X apps and Windows apps simultaneously. Thus, I'm not interested in it, either. It is very frustrating to me because there is no 13 inch laptop available at the moment capable of satisfying my needs.

 

[amarcus]

This is my thoughts in reply to the original poster.

Maybe I'm about to give Apple too much credit here. Given their size and the talent of their employees I have a hard time believing they did not anticipate that nVidia chipsets would not be compatible with Arrandale and that intel's new integrated GPU would be sub par. This seems even more likely given a number of people on this board who foresaw all this coming. I then subject to you that the graphics card cannot be the reason for the "delay". I find it more likely that this has all been planned well in advance. To me it seems almost for definite that the next refresh will feature nVidia Optimus technology with a fast dedicated GPU. This GPU will at the minimum need to be more powerful the the 9600M GT currently found in macbook pro's. However I believe that no manufacturer to date has produced such a configuration. If Apple were to release a macbook pro with such a card they would then be "early". Relatively speaking of course

So in support of my case is anyone aware of any optimus based laptops with a card more powerful than the GeForce GT 325 M? (N.B. A card already weaker than the 9600M GT!)

Adam