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Unreleased MacBook Pro 6,1 and 6,2 Referenced in Mac OS X 10.6.2

Hmmm - I was pretty much all set to buy a MBP 13".

Worst case scenario - just HOW updated could Apple make the stock MBP 13"?

Also - is the price likely to rise or stay the same?

PS - My main use for this machine would be running Software Synths in Logic/Mainstage.
 
-groovatious- said:
Hmmm - I was pretty much all set to buy a MBP 13".

Worst case scenario - just HOW updated could Apple make the stock MBP 13"?

Also - is the price likely to rise or stay the same?

PS - My main use for this machine would be running Software Synths in Logic/Mainstage.
Click to expand...

It would probably be a speed bump, bigger HD and a new video card.

I would expect the price to stay the same or maybe a $100 price decrease. Hopefully there will be more laptop hunter ads that helped knock the prices down last time.

For software synths and Logic get the fastest CPU and most memory you can afford unless you like gazing at spinning beachballs while doing your compositions and arrangements. :D

I used to sell quite a few MBPs to musicians, rappers & DJs. They absolutely loved them. Good luck and Hth. :apple:
 
AidenShaw said:
Corrected link

Although as the article states - can work, it just takes a discreet controller that adds cost.

Intel chipsets don't support Bluetooth, but it's fairly common. They didn't support 1394, but many systems added 1394 controllers.
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Which just means like many other things USB 3.0 and SATA 3 are going to be at somewhat of a premium since you're going to be using additional controllers to support them.
 
DHagan4755 said:
Here's your new MacBook Pro with quad core processors. Enjoy! ;)
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Touche!

Envy 13 is expected to be ~1100 pounds (the price is 1500 now, but it should drop soon. These are not shipped yet) and have better specs than 1200 MBP 15, rather close to mid MBP 15. Hopefully, this provides competition for apple to release MBP updates sooner.

To make matters even better, HP has pavilion DM3 (13.3", ultra thin, LED, GTX 105, 3gb RAM, 320 gb HDD and slower CPU for the price of MBP 13). I would expect the price of DM3 to go down a little with time... This might persuade apple to reduce the price of future MBP. Although this is highly unlikely, since MB is just 100 pounds cheaper than the MBP 13.
 
commander.data said:
Historically, Apple does have a fall notebook refresh, but with so many notebook refreshes this year, I'm wouldn't be surprised if we don't see one. Certainly, it'd seem in Apple's best interest to wait for Arrandale which is due next year, although it's possible they'll split the product line with Core 2 Duo and Core i7 like they did in the iMac although that is a lot of extra design work unlike Arrandale and Clarksfield which can share chipsets.

Seeing the LCD manufacturers are pushing toward 16:9 displays, even if I hate it, I think there's not that much Apple can do to stem the tide without having to pay more for 16:10 displays as volume production moves toward 16:9. As such it wouldn't surprise me to see Apple move to 14" 1366x768, 15.6" 1600x900, and 17.3" 2048x1152 displays. Still with this change, maybe they can bring back the ExpressCard slot for the 15" model.

Assuming Apple convinces Intel to give them Arrandale early for a November MacBook Pro refresh, my guess on a lineup would be as follows:

14.0" 1366x768 Low-End MacBook Pro
~2.26GHz Core i5 Arrandale with 3MB L2 cache (OEM model like current 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo)
2GB DDR3 1333MHz
250GB HDD
Intel GMA + nVidia GT210M with 256MB GDDR3

14.0" 1366x768 High-End MacBook Pro
2.4GHz Core i5-520M Arrandale with 3MB L2 cache
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
320GB HDD
Intel GMA + nVidia GT210M with 256MB GDDR3

15.6" 1600x900 Low-End MacBook Pro
2.4GHz Core i5-520M Arrandale with 3MB L2 cache
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
320GB HDD
Intel GMA + nVidia GT210M with 256MB GDDR3
ExpressCard Slot

15.6" 1600x900 Mid-End MacBook Pro
2.53GHz Core i5-540M Arrandale with 3MB L2 cache
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
320GB HDD
Intel GMA + ATI 4830 with 512MB GDDR3
ExpressCard Slot

15.6" 1600x900 High-End MacBook Pro
2.66GHz Core i7-620M Arrandale with 4MB L2 cache
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
500GB HDD
Intel GMA + ATI 4830 with 1GB GDDR3
ExpressCard Slot

17.3" 2048x1152 MacBook Pro
2.66GHz Core i7-620M Arrandale with 4MB L2 cache
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
500GB HDD
Intel GMA + ATI 4830 with 1GB GDDR3
ExpressCard Slot

Both the High-end 15" and the 17" MacBook Pro can have the 1.73GHz Core i7-820QM as a BTO. Given the low clock speeds of the 1.6GHz Core i7-720QM especially in dual core mode where it can only Turbo to 2.4GHz, I can't see Apple being very enthused with using it, since you could actually lose performance in the average dual core application compared to current 2.66GHz+ Core 2 Duos in MacBook Pros. So I didn't include the Core i7-720QM Clarksfield as a regular configuration even though it's priced similar to the Core i7-620M Arrandale.

I don't see USB 3.0 since there is no chipsets with integrated support and I don't see Apple devoting motherboard space for dedicated chips. It's still early for fibreoptic connections. I'm hoping for Firewire 3200 and Bluetooth 3.0 though. The 15" MacBook Pro would hopefully see the return of the ExpressCard slot and all models would still have SD slots including the 17" MacBook Pro which currently doesn't. It'd be interesting to have bi-directional Displayport support too, although it would be kind of a niche feature. Apple could also use the presumably extra width of a 16:9 transition to put in 4 SODIMM slots like in the iMacs. That would better allow 8GB configurations in a 4x2GB configuration to avoid paying the high prices for 4GB SODIMMs. Although I don't think many laptops have 4 SODIMM slots.

For graphics, I figured that combining Intel GMAs with at least a dedicated low-end GPU is a good compromise for OpenCL support. Intel GMAs do support dynamic GPU switching. AppleInsider reports references to the Mobility Radeon 4500 series which would be a disaster as the replacement for the 9600M GT since it's actually slower and meant as a low end GPU. An alternate GPU arrangement to what I proposed to incorporate this rumour would be to replace the nVidia GT210M with the HD4530, which would be slower, knowing Apple that makes it more likely, but still an improvement over the 9400M. The HD4830 is an aggressive choice being 40nm for mid-range GPU power consumption for the 15"/17" models and not very likely since it's so rare, so I'd settle for a nVidia GT240M (still DX10.1 compliant) or the faster Mobility Radeon HD4600 series. It wouldn't surprise me either if Apple stuck with 256MB and 512MB VRAM configurations.
Click to expand...

Too good to be true.

1. Intel is unlikely to make exceptions like that to Apple, although the release of new processors is rumored to be stalled due to manufacturers having unsold stocks
2. Apple VP says that "holiday menu is done". And after holiday, there are just a couple of weeks left until expected Arrandale release....

I hope that I am wrong, but we will probably have to wait for 2.5 months...
 
AidenShaw said:
But Apple likes to jump the gun on technology shifts, and ship products that have no practical connectivity. And to have no legacy ports to help with the transition.

For example, one day the PowerMac had PCI-X slots. The next day it had PCI-Express slots. Not even a PCI-X or two to help with the transition - PCIe only.

Really sucked if you had PCI audio gear or other PCI stuff.

So, if true to form, Apple will suddenly drop USB-2, 1394a and 1394b - and ship a system with LightPeak before there are more than a handful of LightPeak devices available. All those USB and 1394 external drives that you have - they're eWaste now....
Click to expand...

For those who would prefer to bitch and moan in the face of impending change, there exist items such as adapters, which are capable of connecting legacy peripherals

including: Floppy Drives, Zip Drives, Fax Modems, SD Readers, Optical Drives - even PCI-X to PCI-e, could be connected via adapters during a transition, if necessary.

Also, Light Peak will likely have cross-compatibility with both USB and Firewire - cry us a river, why don't you?

Music_Producer said:
Have you ever had anything positive to comment? I've always noticed all the pessimistic posts man :p
Click to expand...

It's enough to make the oppressive presence of a Prozac-resistant sour puss seem like 'the life of the party.'
 
mcarling said:
Let's all keep in mind that a switch to 16:9 aspect ratio would require a major case redesign. Considering that the MBPs just got a major case redesign with the introduction of integrated batteries, it seems soon for another.

However, if Apple were to offer a 13" (or smaller) model with 1600x900 (or higher) resolution, then I would buy one regardless of other features.
Click to expand...

why on earth would you want higher then 1600x900 on a 13" screen?

icons n sh*t would become a strain on the eyes.
 
DMann said:
For those who would prefer to bitch and moan in the face of impending change, there exist items such as adapters, which are capable of connecting legacy peripherals

including: Floppy Drives, Zip Drives, Fax Modems, SD Readers, Optical Drives - even PCI-X to PCI-e, could be connected via adapters during a transition, if necessary.

Also, Light Peak will likely have cross-compatibility with both USB and Firewire - cry us a river, why don't you?
Click to expand...

Cuz hez all dried up.
 
DMann said:
For those who would prefer to bitch and moan in the face of impending change, there exist items such as adapters, which are capable of connecting legacy peripherals
Click to expand...

Yes, Apple loves the cha-ching as you buy adapters from them. It's just another Apple tax. Not to mention having another part to carry around in your bag, or misplace.

I prefer the companies that put both ports on the hardware for "the transition". (Like my Lenovo laptop that had both PC-card and ExpressCard slots....) You can adopt the new technology as you go, without spending a lot on new devices or adapters.

By the way, that PCI Express to PCI-X adapter is only $2199. :eek:
 
Richard B said:
Damn it ! i just bought the 2.66 macbook pro... last week :mad:
Click to expand...

What? It's broken already?! :p

Seriously, it's only gonna be a minor speed bump in January, and the average consumer won't notice any difference. I'm picking up a new MacBook Pro this week! :D
 
I'm not paying £1149 for a 2.53 13" MBP when after xmas I reckon it'll be 2.66 minimum on the base model for £899 or less.
 
J DILLA said:
keep tellin urself that bro...
Click to expand...

Average consumers won't notice, as I just said. Besides, I'm buying the top of the range model, so it won't be out of date for many years to come. :)

Seriously, what's the point in waiting? You'll be waiting forever and you'll never buy anything!!
 
applemax said:
Average consumers won't notice, as I just said. Besides, I'm buying the top of the range model, so it won't be out of date for many years to come. :)

Seriously, what's the point in waiting? You'll be waiting forever and you'll never buy anything!!
Click to expand...

Eh... hrm... Wouldn't it be out of date when the new models are released regardless of where it belongs in the lineup?

As in terms of numbercrunching power, even the lowest model is going to last long enough for most before one would want to exchange it for a newer one anyway.

The only real difference is you're blowing a lot more money for a wee little extra edge, and to some it's worth it in less work hours spent.

But buying top of the line in computers can hardly be claimed smart today. Want is a whole different need. ;)
 
celtikmind said:
Eh... hrm... Wouldn't it be out of date when the new models are released regardless of where it belongs in the lineup?

As in terms of numbercrunching power, even the lowest model is going to last long enough for most before one would want to exchange it for a newer one anyway.

The only real difference is you're blowing a lot more money for a wee little extra edge, and to some it's worth it in less work hours spent.

But buying top of the line in computers can hardly be claimed smart today. Want is a whole different need. ;)
Click to expand...

Of course it won't be out of date - it still works, doesn't it?! :D

And, I actually do *need* the 500GB of storage and the 512MB graphics card, so I have to get the top spec model, seeing as I'm buying it instore.
 
applemax said:
Of course it won't be out of date - it still works, doesn't it?! :D

And, I actually do *need* the 500GB of storage and the 512MB graphics card, so I have to get the top spec model, seeing as I'm buying it instore.
Click to expand...

You don't get it, do you? As a designed product, a model, it will be the last model before the current one, when the new ones are released. Regardless of where it is in the lineup. MacBook Circle of Life.

Will it still work beautifully - yes. But it will no longer be the latest model.

That doesn't matter to me (or perhaps you) but to many people interested in Mac, it will. Mostly those who use their computer as a tool to extend their lifestyle... ;)

I'm just a little allergic to folk excusing their wishes with seemingly logical 'must's.

Enjoy your machine, I'm sure you will be happy with it!

Edit: What do you need the 512Mb Graphics for? Haven't heard anything on the Mac side having those requirements. I'm just curious.
 
celtikmind said:
You don't get it, do you? As a designed product, a model, it will be the last model before the current one, when the new ones are released. Regardless. MacBook Circle of Life.

Will it still work beautifully - yes. But it will no longer be the latest model.

That doesn't matter to me (or perhaps you) but to many people interested in Mac, it will. Mostly those who use their computer as a tool to extend their lifestyle... ;)

I'm just a little allergic to folk excusing their wishes with seemingly logical 'must's.

Enjoy your machine, I'm sure you will be happy with it!
Click to expand...

Actually I do "get it" - it will not be out of date.

If you buy food from the supermarket and it's sell by is in a month's time, if you buy another a week later, the older one is not 'out of date'.

If something is 'out of date', it is no longer functioning in accordance with the products of today.

Maybe a dictionary can help you out:

outdated: old; no longer valid, fashionable, or functioning; "obsolete words"; "an obsolete locomotive"

...and I need 512MB for Final Cut, gaming and CS.
 
outdated: old; no longer valid, fashionable, or functioning; "obsolete words"; "an obsolete locomotive"[/QUOTE]

:rolleyes:

According to the Tech Specs webpage, Final Cut itself requires only 256Mb VRAM (except Color 1.5 which needs 512Mb for DPX).

Some games might require it though... sure. But Need, really? Not want? ;)
 
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