Waiting for the 2018 MBP

[afir93]

Here is what I suspect Apple will be doing with ARM in its laptop line in 2020. I think it will be a MacBook entry level computer, probably called an iBook to differentiate even from its Intel MacBook cousin. Apple is likely to keep it clamshell only to avoid cannibalizing sales of the iPad Pro (Apples philosophy is, they want you to buy everything from them). Also, it will be less jarring to look at if you were to have a detachable iPad from the keyboard like the Surface Book.

The key differentiators are that, this will likely be the first Apple laptop to feature:
- Face ID
- Touch screen input
- Pencil support
- Optional 5G cellular support.
- 12.9 inch Super OLED screen with 120 MHz Promotion.

It will have some of the recent additions to the MacBook line like Touch Bar. This will be important, because it will actually make the Touch Bar useful for the first time and easier to navigate traditional touch based apps. So, things like saving changes, navigating the settings of the app or exiting the app.

I don't think it will include Touch ID if it includes Face ID. But Apple could add it as an option for users to enable for 2FA. I think the hand rest area will be completely touch pad, with intelligent hand rest rejection when using it to type.

It will be running a new compiled version of macOS that can run both iOS and classic desktop apps (probably only those Apple produces at first). This is unless of course Apple does some secret compiling of Intel macOS apps to natively work with ARM - kinda difficult. Apple is more likely to work with key developers under NDA like Wolfram, Adobe, Microsoft to have key apps ready for this by 2020. There will also be some lesser known developers to show off some amazing killer apps.

Jony Ive will describe it as the birth of 40 years in Apple design and innovation. The culmination of their best work from Mac, iPad and iPhone. Use familiar technologies like touch, pencil and keep your device secure using Face ID. A truly no compromise mobile device, enhanced by next generation 5G networks working in unison with the most powerful A14x processor to provide extended usage. This is Apple Book.

What will be the cost of this device? $1,199 entry level model, add pencil and 5G then price goes up. The good news is, the SOC and RAM is standard across all models. Will include 8 GBs LPDDR4 RAM (this is not intended to replace a MacBook Pro), it will also include a 8 core A14x processor.

Before this announcement though, Phil will say, MacBook Pro's with Canonlake are finally ready.

A laptop like that actually sounds really exciting.

Many people right now react to the rumors about Apple's custom-made chips with nothing but skepticism and negativity, pointing out how a switch like that might be the end of Bootcamp or might make old software incompatible if it doesn't get updated, both of which is far from confirmed.

But there are also tons of exciting roads that Apple could go down with these chips, and such an iBook/Apple Book sounds exactly like something Apple would do if they could. We could literally see laptops more powerful than the current top-of-the-line MBP in a chassis thinner, lighter and more portable than the current 12" MBs, and if we add alle the iPhone/iPad technologies on top of that that which you listed that Apple developed over the years like OLED/ProMotion screens, Face ID, Apple Pencil support, mobile data support and so on, that sounds like a sweet, sweet device. And at home you plug it with a single cable into a 5K/8K screen (if 8K in the consumer market is a thing then which I'd imagine it will be) to transform it into a desktop workstation.

The one thing in your prospect that I'd heavily doubt is the price... $1,199 for a device of that caliber sounds like way less than what Apple would realistically charge for it when you consider the price of the current 12" MB which doesn't have any of those cool things. If this device were to come true I'm pretty sure it will be at least $1500-$2000 at launch, if not in the $2000+ range. But outside of that, this might very well be what Apple's post-Intel laptops might look like (or at least some of them – don't think the MBP line is going away anytime soon).

 

[MrGunnyPT]

I really hope there's an updated MacBook Pro announced at WWDC. I'm taking a few months off work starting mid-June to work on a personal project and I need a MacBook. I don't think I could bring myself to buy the previous model. Fingers crossed. Just a bump to Coffee Lake and a fixed keyboard will do nicely!

Pretty much, I want to see a fixed keyboard mostly

 

[Ma2k5]

Will be tricky to release a keyboard update for Apple. In the keynote, they will have to avoid saying it is to fix issues - they wouldn't want to admit that as that will open up door to a lot of complaints/return requests. If they do a v3, they would want to have it come with some feature - otherwise it might just be a silent update like the 2017 one.

 

[MrGunnyPT]

Will be tricky to release a keyboard update for Apple. In the keynote, they will have to avoid saying it is to fix issues - they wouldn't want to admit that as that will open up door to a lot of complaints/return requests. If they do a v3, they would want to have it come with some feature - otherwise it might just be a silent update like the 2017 one.

Yeah just say it's a v3 whatever, as ong as it fixes the issue on the new hardware.

I really hope they go with the quad core on the 13" it's the reason I'm waiting mostly

 

[maflynn]

Being sued over the KB, it will be interesting to see what their response is

I suspect any "official" response would will be a ways off, as the lawyers are not involved. I'm hoping a reaction to the lawsuit it that apple does change the keyboard.

 

[Martius]

That new Razer laptop looks quite interesting: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...lay-gaming-laptop-nvidia-max-q-redesign-intel

 

[richinaus]

That new Razer laptop looks quite interesting: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...lay-gaming-laptop-nvidia-max-q-redesign-intel

It does indeed and so does the new X eGPU enclosure that is Mac OS compatible.
For everyone on here who is wondering, yes it says the razor does take 32gb ram......

 

[MrGunnyPT]

That new Razer laptop looks quite interesting: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...lay-gaming-laptop-nvidia-max-q-redesign-intel

Godammit I want a screen like that... Don't make me even start on the Max-Q GPU that is just a Mac user dream.

Sadly I sent back my Razer Blade twice in a year, never getting anything from em again.. Not even counting that their support is horrible.

 

[fokmik]

So the

• Intel 8th Gen Core i7-8750H (6 core 12 thread) 2.2 GHz (base) to 4.1 GHz (max boost) is the cpu for the upcoming 15” MBP ?

 

[bykaraanne]

Pretty much, I want to see a fixed keyboard mostly

Yep this for me as well. And a slight bump in specs in the basic models would do nicely for me. Don’t need much else. Ahhhhh hurry up June 4

 

[vseera]

Honestly, it's kind of sad that all most of us are hoping for is a reliable machine that will last us a few years. If the main thing people are hoping for is a reliable keyboard (which is the number one thing for me too), that's just terrible.

I do hope Apple mentions an updated keyboard too at WWDC. They are never going to say they fixed it, but a mention of a V3 would be nice! I really need an MBP as soon as possible so hoping they're available on June 4th itself

 

[Loge]

It will be running a new compiled version of macOS that can run both iOS and classic desktop apps (probably only those Apple produces at first). This is unless of course Apple does some secret compiling of Intel macOS apps to natively work with ARM - kinda difficult. Apple is more likely to work with key developers under NDA like Wolfram, Adobe, Microsoft to have key apps ready for this by 2020. There will also be some lesser known developers to show off some amazing killer apps.

If it can't run the full range of software that the Mac runs, then I don't see it gaining much ground. And none of those key developers you mention have been particularly quick at keeping up with transitions on the Mac platform, their first priority has generally been Windows.

 

[c0ppo]

That new Razer laptop looks quite interesting: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...lay-gaming-laptop-nvidia-max-q-redesign-intel

Well, this looks simply great. Kind of a mix between (mostly) MBP 2016/17 and Dell XPS.
Excellent hardware, but I simply hate those 16:9 screens. And one thing worries me is Razer support. They had their fair share of problems with their laptops, and reading about their support... Well....

But if Apple fails, and reviews of that Razer Blade are any good, that thing is my next laptop for sure.

 

[MrGunnyPT]

Well, this looks simply great. Kind of a mix between (mostly) MBP 2016/17 and Dell XPS.
Excellent hardware, but I simply hate those 16:9 screens. And one thing worries me is Razer support. They had their fair share of problems with their laptops, and reading about their support... Well....

But if Apple fails, and reviews of that Razer Blade are any good, that thing is my next laptop for sure.

You have no idea what I have suffered thorough a RMA of a Razer Blade.

 

[c0ppo]

You have no idea what I have suffered thorough a RMA of a Razer Blade.

Thankfully, I don't. But I read a lot of horror stories over the years about Razer and their 'support'.
I live in a country where Razer doesn't even sell their products, not even via 3rd party seller.

So if I were to purchase one, it would be over Amazon. That way I would avoid Razer and their support completely. I've bought a lot of stuff via amazon over the years, and a few times I had trouble with products, well, they were the best support one could ask for.

There are just a couple of small videos about new Razer blade on youtube now. I will wait for reviews, and I'm really interested in fan noise, heat, and of course - keyboard. If all of those are great, I'm gonna ask my company to purchase me one to replace my Lenovo.

And then I will purchase MBP myself. And compare them side by side. But that will have to wait, since I can't get any new laptop from my company until october

 

[MrGunnyPT]

Thankfully, I don't. But I read a lot of horror stories over the years about Razer and their 'support'.
I live in a country where Razer doesn't even sell their products, not even via 3rd party seller.

So if I were to purchase one, it would be over Amazon. That way I would avoid Razer and their support completely. I've bought a lot of stuff via amazon over the years, and a few times I had trouble with products, well, they were the best support one could ask for.

There are just a couple of small videos about new Razer blade on youtube now. I will wait for reviews, and I'm really interested in fan noise, heat, and of course - keyboard. If all of those are great, I'm gonna ask my company to purchase me one to replace my Lenovo.

And then I will purchase MBP myself. And compare them side by side. But that will have to wait, since I can't get any new laptop from my company until october

Honestly I'm just waiting for the new macs this year, already gave my try to Dell, Lenovo, Razer & Microsoft Surface line and I gave up.

I'm hoping for a 256GB base storage version and i'll upgrade 16GB a 13" quad core.

 

[tarjan]

It does indeed and so does the new X eGPU enclosure that is Mac OS compatible.
For everyone on here who is wondering, yes it says the razor does take 32gb ram......

Making no mention if it is LPDDR or regular ram. Apple is using low power ram only, which the chipset limits to 16gb. This is the crux of the problem they are facing, they could switch to 32gb easily, but the battery may be significantly impacted in standby.

Someone else would have to say exactly how much it would be impacted in day to day usage. I've used low power CPUs in the past for the server environment, and saw no difference in btu to compute, and would imagine it is similar for ram. IE run it low and slow, and it doesnt matter if the cpu is a lower power unit or high power one, it uses the same amount of power. Limited from running stuff real fast when it counts though.

I find it hard to imagine LP vs non LP ram makes a huge dent in the power requirements of the laptop for normal usage. Great standby times though.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Ok but its happened on two of my machines. So keyboard failure does not seem to be a hoax
[doublepost=1526963028][/doublepost]
True its a niche case but so is owning a computer. Most people only really need a smartphone. Unless you need a laptop for school or for your job I doubt you need anything near the power of a MacBook Pro. Which is why we have the 12" MacBook and the 13" MBP base model.

This is the problem with all the people in this discussion that are upset at other users asking for more RAM: It is the high end model. There are low end models out there for the people who don't need the power these machines provide. Yes my friend who's a business major wants a MacBook Pro and he will never use the full power of that computer especially the 15". BUT that doesn't mean other users like myself who dabble in creative things and wants learn 3D modeling, 3D game making, and Video Editing, wants to have the option to keep the machine into the future where 16GB RAM is no longer enough. OR OR OR the PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY DO THAT STUFF FOR A LIVING. Like geez why can't people want a powerful machine that can handle anything they ever want to throw at it. I may not know what I need 32GB for right now as I'm a student but I want to keep the machine for 5-6 years and by that time 16GB may seem anemic for the stuff I'll be doing in my free time just like 8GB is right now. Even a few years ago 8 GB was being maxed out on my 2012 and my computer was starting to use swap. I'm just saying that we can't predict the future demand for RAM by future applications and that's especially true if you do creative stuff, even non professionally.

I want my computer to handle everything I'll ever throw at it. 32 GB of RAM would be ideal for that. But I agree that in 2018 its not exactly necessary. Just I don't understand why people can't understand that the MacBook Pro should be catering to their more capable users as less powerful computers exist for ol' Jim who just needs Word and Excel. I don't care if the more Pro computer is a MacBook Pro, but there should at least be one configurable computer that meets the needs of advanced users.

Again everyone says Pros are the use case for powerful machines. A Pro certainly has the ability to buy a new computer every 2 years if they need it for work, BUT DO THEY WANT TO???? I mean seriously that eats into their bottom line. I can't imagine a small business owner saying yah I'll spend 3k every year or two to stay current. They'd much rather their computer last as long as possible while being functional for that period and 32GB of RAM enables this.

TL;DR: 32GB of RAM is a future proofing measure as much as it is a necessity for advanced users. Even the average user in need of some power (not a full Pro) will want a machine to last a long time. 32 GB prevents them from needing to replace too soon.
[doublepost=1526963655][/doublepost]
Again I just want to say that yes, MBP is a thin computer first and foremost. But you must acknowledge that they used to value performance higher on the priority list. If you have a pie chart with Performance, Thinness, and Lightness they used to find a way to balance them and make them in harmony. Part of the reason people buy MBP's is because of how light they are. No one can deny that that is a factor in their purchase. But the thing is that people also want the power necessary to do their job. Not necessarily at the same capacity as at a desktop, but they are making compromises for the portability. Most of the time users are making a compromise. When buying a windows alternative you get the power at the cost of aesthetic and portability. With Macs you are trading a heavy amount of power for weight and thinness. This is the trade off.

The place where I differ with you is that Mac users didn't have to make such a heavy trade off before this MBP gen. People could still get their work done at a decent speed while being portable with respect to tech of the time. No one is asking for a desktop replacement since you can see people are just asking for mediocre nvidia gpu performance or other things like that (32GB RAM). the 32GB RAM could have probably been achieved while still making the MBP thinner than last gen. They would just have to find a middle ground for the size reduction of the computer.

You can say whatever you want about the MBP being thin focused, but in the past that hasn't come with the same performance trade offs that we are seeing now. That's all I'm trying to say. The way they weigh performance and thinness is a little different balance wise than before. But I will agree that thinness has always been a priority.

If your demands require that you own such a machine, then your income would give you the opportunity to upgrade to a newer MacBook Pro regularly. Thats another thing I'm noticing from a lot of users here. You want to 'future proof' your machine based on bang for buck. Yet, we are predicting this will work based on how developers are building an application you want to run 5 or 6 years from now.

You say, if you have a machine that can accommodate 32 GBs of RAM today, it will set you up to run those 3D modeling apps you will be running 5 or 6 years from. But suppose that same 3D modeling app 5 years from now might actually require 64 GBs of RAM? Your 32 GB config will still be obselete.

Right now, I am running Adobe Photoshop CS6 on my 8 GB 2015 and I see devs demoing the latest versions of Adobe CC on what looks like like 2012 to 2015 MacBook Pros.

Again, my point was not to say, there doesn't need to be a be a 32 GB machine, but at the same time, Apple seems to know their future enough not be producing such machines right now. I'm sure the developers of those same 3D apps are working within the same envelope. Also, a notebook will never be able to replace what a desktop computer can do, thats why the iMac Pro and future modular Mac Pro exists.

The problem I'm sensing from this thread is, many want to be that metrosexual hipster at Star Bucks pushing pixels.
[doublepost=1527000736][/doublepost]

Who’s credibility (or ability to read) ends where now? It was literally the first line of the next paragraph.

I think you’re trying to make a valid point. But you’re padding it out with so much waffle and so many personal anecdotes it’s lost. Just make the point already, no one cares if you can recite the entire history of the Mac and it’s highlight use cases.

Again, your point falls of the rails because you want 32 GBs of RAM just because and the low end points: future proofing and bang for buck. Its the metrosexual hipster at star bucks mentality thats getting the best of you.

You believe having a machine with 32 GBs of RAM will make you look and feel professional.

 

[Eason85]

Negative -- for me it was the loss of function, not the price. So frustrating to have to suddenly look where you are pressing your fingers to a flat smooth surface after touch typing/using fn-key shortcuts for 20 years just fine.

ended up turning my 2 cents into an editorial: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Opinion-2018-is-make-or-break-for-the-MacBook.304892.0.html

 

[Mr. Dee]

ended up turning my 2 cents into an editorial: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Opinion-2018-is-make-or-break-for-the-MacBook.304892.0.html

This is what they are more likely to do:
Finally, perhaps the least objectionable option might be to put the Fn row back in the laptop while keeping the Touch Bar above it for extra functionality.

 

[haydn!]

Again, your point falls of the rails because you want 32 GBs of RAM just because and the low end points: future proofing and bang for buck. Its the metrosexual hipster at star bucks mentality thats getting the best of you.

You believe having a machine with 32 GBs of RAM will make you look and feel professional.

Do you actually read what people write back at you, because it’s really starting to seem like you consider yourself and your opinions far to important to be challenged? Please quote where I said I needed 32gb ram, because I can easily quote where I specifically said I didn’t...

If challenging your rediculous notion that more people buy an iPhone over a MacBook Pro because the iPhone meets the same needs as a MacBook Pro makes me a Starbucks loving, metrosexual hipster, I’ll take it. Though I do prefer tea to coffee, being British and all.

I don’t disagree most people will be absolutely fine for years to come with today’s basic spec Macs, and a lot of people ARE spec chasers. But please stop dismissing those that may have a genuine need for more power (which isn’t me... thought I’d repeat that to help you out) just because you don’t see a personal need for it or think you know better. Simple really.

 

[bykaraanne]

How likely will it be to ship on day of? Even internationally?

Oddly, most people in my online entrepreneur sphere (even web designers) have switched to Air with no problems - cus of the keyboard issue mostly.

I’m surprised the Air is enough for most people. I’ve always worked with a Pro, though.

 

[Ma2k5]

Godammit I want a screen like that... Don't make me even start on the Max-Q GPU that is just a Mac user dream.

Sadly I sent back my Razer Blade twice in a year, never getting anything from em again.. Not even counting that their support is horrible.

That is exactly the problem with laptops like these including Aero 15x and most gamer-grade laptops; limited support, with a higher than average risk of failure (with the discrete GPU and all...). It's a lottery and you always wonder if you could go years without having an issue. Not fun having to send a £2k+ laptop by mail for repair.

 

[MrGunnyPT]

How likely will it be to ship on day of? Even internationally?

Oddly, most people in my online entrepreneur sphere (even web designers) have switched to Air with no problems - cus of the keyboard issue mostly.

I’m surprised the Air is enough for most people. I’ve always worked with a Pro, though.

Apple Stores in Europe and retailers usually take a week.

Same happen for the 2017 model, a week for retailers but instant available on Apple website

 

[Mr. Dee]

Do you actually read what people write back at you, because it’s really starting to seem like you consider yourself and your opinions far to important to be challenged? Please quote where I said I needed 32gb ram, because I can easily quote where I specifically said I didn’t...

If challenging your rediculous notion that more people buy an iPhone over a MacBook Pro because the iPhone meets the same needs as a MacBook Pro makes me a Starbucks loving, metrosexual hipster, I’ll take it. Though I do prefer tea to coffee, being British and all.

I don’t disagree most people will be absolutely fine for years to come with today’s basic spec Macs, and a lot of people ARE spec chasers. But please stop dismissing those that may have a genuine need for more power (which isn’t me... thought I’d repeat that to help you out) just because you don’t see a personal need for it or think you know better. Simple really.

My original reply to this was, the iPhone is meeting some users needs for professional work. You jumped in claiming I should not be comparing a MacBook Pro with a iPhone X. But you are blindsided by the mention of a iPhone X that you went on for how long claiming I should not be comparing the two. Compare your original reply and how you have been evolving it to a guilt trip about I should not be telling users to feel bad about wanting a high specced machine. I just simply said, a variety of devices from Apple happens to meeting those needs too.

Your problem is you need an object to make you feel like something you are probably not qualified to be. So again, not everyone needs a MacBook Pro to do professional work and I don't know why you are being so difficult about this. Its no different from Apple branding the 12 inch iPad an iPad Pro, but what makes it a Professional device. Is it any way different from the non Pro iPad Pro?

What makes Microsoft Office Professional professional other than adding a couple more apps to the suite. But you still keep going back to 'don't compare a MacBook Pro with an iPhone X' for professional work. Which shows how ridiculous your point of view is.

I am not the one claiming you need a MacBook Pro for word processing here, you are.