Ok, so I'm currently looking at the 15-inch rMBP as I want some features missing in my current 13-inch cMBP like a dedicated GPU and the SSD. The thing is, My current computer is still new enough that I can still wait to upgrade if it would be worth the wait (and the resale value lost). As there was just an update, I'm trying to figure out what I could reasonably expect from the next major release. What do you think Apple will do? Here are my thoughts:
CPU: It looks like the next model (assuming there aren't any updates until Q3) will include the new Haswell line of chips. While I don't know what all the new line will include, I would expect another pretty big performance increase.
GPU: Now this is where I don't really know what to expect. Intel claims that the new integrated graphics with the Haswell line is about as powerful as the current dedicated GPU in the latest model (source), so I'm expecting that the 15-inch will also get an upgrade to the GPU. I don't know what the next line of NVIDIA cards are going to be, and I don't know what else is currently available, but a new dedicated GPU sounds like it might happen.
Form and Battery: I put these two together since the battery is the largest component in the computer and most affects it's size. I heard that the Haswell line might offer significantly lower power requirements, which (if true) will affect this. Knowing apple, I'm sure they are perfectly content with the 7-hour battery, and with their desire to decrease the thickness and weight of the machine, I would think that if Intel follows through, we might see a few millimeters cut off.
Ports / Other: I'm not sure what to expect from here. I wouldn't be surprised if they added more ports (like more thunderbolt of usb connectors), but I don't see that likely happening. Outside of that, I don't know what else could be changed.
TL;DR What do you think Apple will do with the next update of the rMBP (specifically the 15-inch)?
CPU: It looks like the next model (assuming there aren't any updates until Q3) will include the new Haswell line of chips. While I don't know what all the new line will include, I would expect another pretty big performance increase.
GPU: Now this is where I don't really know what to expect. Intel claims that the new integrated graphics with the Haswell line is about as powerful as the current dedicated GPU in the latest model (source), so I'm expecting that the 15-inch will also get an upgrade to the GPU. I don't know what the next line of NVIDIA cards are going to be, and I don't know what else is currently available, but a new dedicated GPU sounds like it might happen.
Form and Battery: I put these two together since the battery is the largest component in the computer and most affects it's size. I heard that the Haswell line might offer significantly lower power requirements, which (if true) will affect this. Knowing apple, I'm sure they are perfectly content with the 7-hour battery, and with their desire to decrease the thickness and weight of the machine, I would think that if Intel follows through, we might see a few millimeters cut off.
Ports / Other: I'm not sure what to expect from here. I wouldn't be surprised if they added more ports (like more thunderbolt of usb connectors), but I don't see that likely happening. Outside of that, I don't know what else could be changed.
TL;DR What do you think Apple will do with the next update of the rMBP (specifically the 15-inch)?