Why you won't have to wait as long for the next MBP update

[AirmanPika]

Yea I expect this too. Apple doesn't do major redesigns on silent updates (at least not in recent history). Centrino 2 is timed perfectly with the WWDC and I think even apple knows the MBP design is long in the tooth.

As for what that design entails is hard to say. To keep the current functionality and size in place its hard to do too much to the case. I'm expecting a bit more taper and maybe black or gunmetal anodized aluminum. Keyboard is hard to say. While everything sofar has gone the chicklet route thats no gurantee they'll do it on the MBP. Also I wonder if apple will finally get away from its cheese grater inspired speakers and try some new approach.

The macbook will probably slim up a bit with new aluminum cases (again maybe some taper and anodized color) to bring them in line with the rest of the lineup. I would expect a pre holiday update here at some apple press event to kick off the holidays.

Remember even the iPods have recieved the slight taper that the macbook air has. This is likely to be a theme once the whole portable line is realigned. The squared off designs will be reserved for desktops and non portable products as the iMac and Mac Pro reflect (though the mac pro itself is due for an update too...lose the handles, go for aluminum case with a black gloss face anyone?)

 

[akadmon]

Let me start by saying that I've been a dedicated PC fan for many years, but Vista finally has converted me to the Mac. In december I sold my PC laptop in hopes of an upcoming update but now that the update is here, I'm going to wait a bit longer and here's why:

1. When Santa Rosa was released back in '07, PC makers started shipping the new versions in May '07. So how long did it take for Apple's genious marketing team to jump on board? 1 month - new updates to the MPB in June '07.

2. Intel is set to release montevina, which they are branding "Centrino 2," June 3-7. But did you notice what happens the following week? WWDC!! Apple is brilliant when it comes to marketing. They couldn't schedule WWDC for the week intel releases the new chip b/c then they couldn't update the MBP. Apple isn't going to let PC makers in on the new Intel marketing of Centrino 2 but leave their computers on core 2. Apple is too much of a marketing genius to do that.

3. Montevina is going to have the integrated support for Blue-ray. Why would Apple have spent R&D money to get blue-ray today when they can have intel do the work for them in terms of hardware in June?

4. Apple pretty much had to release an update today for two reasons: A. Dell and other PC makers are going to be selling Penryn and thus Apple's marketing team couldn't let them be left in the dust and B. It had already been 9 months since the last real update.

While it could take apple until August to get the Centrino 2, I'm going to predict June (based mainly on the fact that WWDC is the week after the Intel announcement).

While the video updates, Hard drive, and processor today were ok updates, I think Centrino 2, Blue Ray, and perhaps a new case design (considering the smaller form factor), would make an even bigger splash in June. And for that reason, I'm going to wait.

Thought's anyone?

1. C2D was released in August 2006. Apple didn't update the MBP until November 2006.

2. Coincidence. WWDC has traditionally been held in June, except 2006 (when Apple held back for the Mac Pro).

3. Huh? Why would I want a B-Ray player in a laptop? If Apple adopts B-Ray, it will be a of the R-W variety (i.e., not just a player) and you will have to pony up $500 for it (mark my word). No thanks. I'll wait until later this year when external R-W B-Rays will be selling for under $200.

4. Duh


There you go, folks.

 

[Cooknn]

I'm buying a MBP for my son before he heads up to UF in Gainesville this August. Today I was sure that we were looking at his future notebook configuration. Now that I read this thread, not so much. So, you would all recommend waiting until WWDC, correct? If nothing gets announced then I pull the trigger. Anything could happen in 3 months, I guess

 

[vchalupa]

3. Huh? Why would I want a B-Ray player in a laptop? If Apple adopts B-Ray, it will be a of the R-W variety (i.e., not just a player) and you will have to pony up $500 for it (mark my word). No thanks. I'll wait until later this year when external R-W B-Rays will be selling for under $200.

I completely agree with you. I don't understand why everyone wants a Blue Ray player especially since the chances of getting a blue ray writer in the drive is slim to none. Other than having a writer, what's the point of a B-Ray player!?!?!?! Unless you output the monitor to a very big HD screen, I simply don't see the point.



An update in July would be great, especially since I'm looking to buy a MBP before I go off to college. What are the chances of Apple releasing these possible updates in late July or early August for simply targeting the market of mainly students who are ready to go to college or school?? People who traditionally by Apples will always be ready to buy the new updated MBP but wouldn't it be smart for Apple to release these updates before late August to target students who are going back to school?

 

[jbg232]

An update in July would be great, especially since I'm looking to buy a MBP before I go off to college. What are the chances of Apple releasing these possible updates in late July or early August for simply targeting the market of mainly students who are ready to go to college or school?? People who traditionally by Apples will always be ready to buy the new updated MBP but wouldn't it be smart for Apple to release these updates before late August to target students who are going back to school?

Almost all computer manufacturers update their systems - especially laptops! - for the back-to-school rush. It is the most important buying time of the year, and apple does it religiously.

 

[Cooknn]

Almost all computer manufacturers update their systems - especially laptops! - for the back-to-school rush. It is the most important buying time of the year, and apple does it religiously.

Like what month - June, July or August? I never really paid attention. I would hope they would announce something in June at WWDC, but I wouldn't hold my breath either...

 

[jbg232]

Like what month - June, July or August? I never really paid attention. I would hope they would announce something in June at WWDC, but I wouldn't hold my breath either...

That can vary by manufacturer, but you can be sure that laptops are updated across the board for back-to-school.

 

[Rivix]

Ahhhh why do you people do this to me! Just when I have my mind set on Penryn, you start feeding me this and now I don't know if I should wait or not..

Evil.

 

[Cooknn]

That can vary by manufacturer, but you can be sure that laptops are updated across the board for back-to-school.

Well, you said that Apple does this religiously, so I thought that maybe you could shed some light on their history of summer updates.

 

[jbg232]

Well, you said that Apple does this religiously, so I thought that maybe you could shed some light on their history of summer updates.

It's on the buyer's guide, but here's the last three years:
Macbook: May 07, May 06, July 05
Macbook Pro: June 07, April 06, Oct 05 (05 was only year that there was no summer update)

 

[pgseye]

Crikey!

We just get one update and then we're already talking about the next one. I bought a MBP today as my 1 Ghz Tibook was getting long in the tooth and I was sick of waiting for this update to come. I did wait though, from Macworld, as everything was pointing towards an update sometime soon. I just didn't want to buy so close to the end of a product cycle, like I did with the Tibook. We can all rest assured now that there won't be another update to the MBP line for several months and as many posters have pointed out, a planned release of Montevina in June in no way means Apple (or any other vendor) will have them in their laptops that soon after.

As a lot of people say, if you need it now, now especially (at the beginning of the cycle) is an excellent time to buy. Talk about waiting for Montevina is fine if your computer currently does everything you need it to do.

And why has Blu-Ray suddenly become something that should have been incorporated. The format war has only recently been won. I am also interested in Blu-Ray, but there's nothing to stop me buying an external drive in the future (when they become more affordable).

edit: I didn't read all posts in this thread and didn't realise I echoed a lot of other posters sentiments.

 

[Cooknn]

It's on the buyer's guide...

I've been hanging out on MacRumors:Forums since 2003 and I never clicked on that tab - before today Anyways, October would be too late. I guess we'll hang out until late July if necessary, but he's off to college on August 17th.

 

[jbg232]

I've been hanging out on MacRumors:Forums since 2003 and I never clicked on that tab - before today Anyways, October would be too late. I guess we'll hang out until late July if necessary, but he's off to college on August 17th.

You'll probably be fine, but if not, you can always get the current MBP.

 

[chrmjenkins]

Actually, one of the main reasons you're seeing the update is because Intel is phasing out the previous generation processor (memron). They gave Apple no choice so macbook and macbook pro got an update the same day. The electronista article points out Intel has planned a quick phase-out of the Santa Rosa platform too. If that's true, again, they give Apple no choice but to comply. I can't imagine they are too upset seeing as how they basically got Intel to make the Air possible for them

 

[akadmon]

I completely agree with you. I don't understand why everyone wants a Blue Ray player especially since the chances of getting a blue ray writer in the drive is slim to none. Other than having a writer, what's the point of a B-Ray player!?!?!?! Unless you output the monitor to a very big HD screen, I simply don't see the point.



An update in July would be great, especially since I'm looking to buy a MBP before I go off to college. What are the chances of Apple releasing these possible updates in late July or early August for simply targeting the market of mainly students who are ready to go to college or school?? People who traditionally by Apples will always be ready to buy the new updated MBP but wouldn't it be smart for Apple to release these updates before late August to target students who are going back to school?

Apple has left some wiggle room for themselves to sneak in a speed bump before the switch to Montevina (base model 2.4-->2.5 GHz, high end models 2.5-->2.6GHz, 2.6-->2.8Ghz). I expect this will happen at (or within a few weeks of) the WWDC.

 

[daevild]

I've been looking forward to buy a MBP since about this time last year but I didn't and I got through 2 majors updates (I think.. lost the count haha) and didn't buy it. But there is another major update today and i've been thinking about buying all day. To be honest, I'm not absolutely in the need of it right now, but there is a feeling that when it's been over a year that you want one.. it's hard to go through this. I might be able to hold for another major update this summer and buy it. All the logic is there, everything seems to be perfect but what if Apple just decide to make another big suprise at us to not announce something that is highly expected when we want it to be announced, like what they did at MacWorld.. they released it 1 painful month after that extending the update cycle for about 100 days (dunno if you can understand me, english in not my native language and correct me if i'm wrong on the number please). You know that Apple is good at playing surprise tricks, so how sure can you guys be for the next update? I'm really wondering if it worth waiting for something that may be coming out so soon. The only thing that reassures me is that Apple often update the MBP 1 month after a new Intel processor comes out.. but what if they dont do it this time?

 

[mbrydone]

crosses fingers!

 

[Viper2005]

I for one, am going to pick up a new Penryn MBP this week, and skip the Montevina update, then upgrade next year when Nehalem is released..

 

[Cooknn]

After further review, I don't really see a pattern for back to school updates from Apple, and Intel announced Penryn way back in November with Apple just now working them in. With Montevina being announced in June, I don't see Apple working them in until October. Can't see why they'd announce something that far out at WWDC. It's looking like this will be the line for the back to school crowd, IMHO.

 

[akadmon]

After further review, I don't really see a pattern for back to school updates from Apple, and Intel announced Penryn way back in November with Apple just now working them in. With Montevina being announced in June, I don't see Apple working them in until October. Can't see why they'd announce something that far out at WWDC. It's looking like this will be the line for the back to school crowd, IMHO.

Yes -- this is the one to get, folks. You'll be kicking yourself in July for not getting it now. By then you might as well wait another 2-3 moths for MV. It will be Hell, I tell you, absolute Hell

 

[MH01]

Let me start by saying that I've been a dedicated PC fan for many years, but Vista finally has converted me to the Mac. In december I sold my PC laptop in hopes of an upcoming update but now that the update is here, I'm going to wait a bit longer and here's why:

1. When Santa Rosa was released back in '07, PC makers started shipping the new versions in May '07. So how long did it take for Apple's genious marketing team to jump on board? 1 month - new updates to the MPB in June '07.

2. Intel is set to release montevina, which they are branding "Centrino 2," June 3-7. But did you notice what happens the following week? WWDC!! Apple is brilliant when it comes to marketing. They couldn't schedule WWDC for the week intel releases the new chip b/c then they couldn't update the MBP. Apple isn't going to let PC makers in on the new Intel marketing of Centrino 2 but leave their computers on core 2. Apple is too much of a marketing genius to do that.

3. Montevina is going to have the integrated support for Blue-ray. Why would Apple have spent R&D money to get blue-ray today when they can have intel do the work for them in terms of hardware in June?

4. Apple pretty much had to release an update today for two reasons: A. Dell and other PC makers are going to be selling Penryn and thus Apple's marketing team couldn't let them be left in the dust and B. It had already been 9 months since the last real update.

While it could take apple until August to get the Centrino 2, I'm going to predict June (based mainly on the fact that WWDC is the week after the Intel announcement).

While the video updates, Hard drive, and processor today were ok updates, I think Centrino 2, Blue Ray, and perhaps a new case design (considering the smaller form factor), would make an even bigger splash in June. And for that reason, I'm going to wait.

Thought's anyone?

You do realise that it is not the genius of apple that results in the New Intel CPUs being updated in the MBP or the competition, it is actually Intel discontinuing the old chips. Its intel that pushes revisions in the laptops worldwide.

WWDC is more likely going to be a 3G Iphone.

CPU/speed upgrades will not happen on a regular basis as apple has choosen Intel, its the redesign that everyone is after.

Myself I am torn about getting an MBP today or waiting for the next upgrade....but i think the iphone is the next big thing that apple will upgrade so...i think i will bite the bullet and get a current MBP

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Yes -- this is the one to get, folks. You'll be kicking yourself in July for not getting it now. By then you might as well wait another 2-3 moths for MV. It will be Hell, I tell you, absolute Hell

I looked up MV on Wikipedia, and I don't see the benefits as much as for Calpella, which is slated for 2009.

That's when intel will give us Blu-ray support, and introduce "QuickPath Interconnect support which directly connected to the CPU removing the outdated FSB technology."

Not saying that everyone should wait, but if you're like me, and don't need a new laptop for another year or two, this one sounds like 'the' one to get, not the Montevina ones..

 

[Albal]

Threads like this suck, big time.

I bought my PB this time in 05 and have been happy with it since. However it is very haggered now - wont bore with details!

I was pretty stoked on the update yesterday, and was about ready to buy one but am now having second thoughts. I am not sure if I want to be 'stuck' with the same case design for another 3 years.

I appreciate that the MBP will blow this thing out of the water but I'm just so bored looking at this computer. CS3 runs OK, not great but OK. I'm worried that if I wait much longer I'll either A) jump off a bridge, B) strangle myself with power cord or C) the computer will fail (fairly imminent!).

I know this is a seriously speculative question, and no one is going to know until it actually happens, but what sorta percentage are we looking at for another update *soon*?

I don't have lots of £££ to splash around and am very wary when it comes to buying large electronic goods (still have 13 year old TV, because it still works kinda thing).

I need someone to direct me, or convince me that I should get one now or wait till the summer...

 

[Cooknn]

I am not sure if I want to be 'stuck' with the same case design for another 3 years.

Isn't this ad campaign from 2003?!

 

[Albal]

Isn't this ad campaign from 2003?!

Haha, Yeah that's the chap. Remember that well - it's what persuaded me to get one...