I predict the next MBP refresh will make the 13.3 MBA a hard sell

[hachre]

Steve Jobs likes to make revolutionary changes, yes. But your CD-shrink idea is not. This would basically come 15 years too late to the party. We could have shrunk the CD all it's life time. It took ages for it to develop as it did anyway. Because there are a lot of companies involved that are too big to move.

Steve can't pull a stunt like this on his own. He has no market power in CDs whatsoever. Apple has market power in digital distribution through iTunes. The future of the CD is the internet, not a stick. Software will be downloaded, just like movies and music.

Sticks also have no future. Maybe SD cards for cameras, so you can swap out space when it's full, but that's it. Devices will communicate with each other easily in the future, with no set up required, based on proximity as a security factor.

We are clearly moving away from having data imprisoned on physical memory storage system, which we then manually exchange, in order to transfer their contents somewhere else. We're moving towards transferring all data through a direct network connection. Be it the internet, Bluetooth, some other future proximity network, who knows. But that is where it's going. Physical media of all kinds are destined to die.

THIS is a revolution and Steve has been wise enough to see it coming years ago when he started selling music over the internet.

 

[doberman211]

Also i think its a good idea to lower the price of the MB to 799$ and the 13" pro to 999$ just so it attracts more mac users. I'm in Canada so put it this way. everything costs an extra 100$ than you guys. so no one can complain on how the baseline is a thousand bucks. im on an 800$ PC and it sucks compared to the 2010 MBP i have. and its the i5 of its series. (Acer Aspire 5741G btw). and my friends baseline MB is pretty much the same for comparison in most things. he has bootcamp so we do lots of testing. they're good in their own things i guess.

Keep the plastic thing, make it cheaper, just make it more efficient than it already is, and your good. i don't want that little piece of sh-Air being the intro to the macs. it's just too small for my taste. i'd end up smashing something like that under an hour.

Edit: that was a fast reply, i like the mini-DVD idea tho. i dont want CDs to leave. i enjoy burning a disk and playing a movie on the PS3 and physically taking it everywhere without the computer.

http://hewreck.com/top-10-best-laptops-for-gamers-2010/ we just rock don't we? and macs arent made for gaming either.

 

[Demosthenes X]

I think rumours of the 13" Pro's death have been greatly exaggerated. As has been said, it's Apple's bestselling model. The 13" Air might be just as good, but it's more expensive, so unless they drop the price on it to match where the 13" Pro is now, I don't see it stepping into that role.

Instead, I see the 13" dropping the optical drive and (finally) getting discrete graphics. That would give Apple three distinct 13" notebooks:

MacBook: retain the optical drive and integrated graphics. Basic machine for students/home users/etc.
MacBook Pro: lose the optical drive in favour of dedicated graphics and better battery life (also hopefully a flash-based boot drive). This might boost the price a bit, but that's OK because it will finally be significantly different enough from the plastic Macbook to warrant a higher price.
Macbook Air: ultraportable.

 

[Penn Jennings]

My guess is the the Optical drive removal goes hand in hand with the Mac Store. If the Mac store takes off, I can see the optical drive going away.

I don't mind the DVD drive going away *IF* the space is used for a better GPU and other performance improvements.

Getting rid of the DVD drive also allows more space for SSD memory. If the cost is only slightly higher, then it all makes sense. We can buy third party Blu-Ray/DVD drives with FW800 interfaces... or USB 3.0 when it is supported.

Removing the current drives in favor of only SSD not only saves weight and makes space of other components (more SSD, GPU,etc) it also reduces heat and power requirements.

The Mac Store and SSD prices are big keys I think. it will still be a big shift. Consumers aren't always predictable. And Steve Jobs is wrong from time to time.

 

[animatedude]

the next MBPs refresh is so predictable:

-OMFG!!!FACETIME camera instead of iSight.
-crappy wedge design like the one on the Air.
-better display resolution.
-Sandy Bridge

that's it don't expect anything major.i wouldn't be surprised if they got rid of the Optical Drive though.

 

[doberman211]

i honestly hope they do. it will make the 2010 MBPs go down in price by 200$ at futureshop xD.

 

[Jayomat]

I have the 11.6 currently....didnt mean to offend anyone, I just meant that I feel like the next MBP will be significantly more powerful negating the close gap between the MBA 13 and MBP 13.

I also think that it is very possible that the 13 inch MBP will disappear....actually I think that is a very likely option!

Apple's procedure is always the same: update one product at first, like when the macbooks got the last update. It will make the now "outdated/not updated" product look "bad" in comparison and increases the value of the new product. now everyone goes crazy about the last updated.

After the first hype wore off, the next update is imminent. Lift the new one's value above the last updated, so that now, everyone wants to get the new one.

It's always the same, really.. and it's not rocket science, but actually pretty good marketing and timing of product releases. Eco 101

 

[yoak]

There is (at least for now) a very handy FW800 port on the MBP, that lot of professionals have use for.
I think the MBP 13 is here to stay.
I don´t understand people that have a problem with there being too many 13" Apple notebooks. When was choice a bad thing?

From personal experience, I wanted to buy my wife a MBA, but she liked the look of the white MB and got that instead.

 

[doberman211]

firewire is a joke. maybe three things on the planet use it. and im not even sure what. its outdated and usb3 will be just as fast anyway.

 

[darngooddesign]

steve said no USB 3.

the 13'' MBP is the most successful Macbook according to Apple why would they discontinue it? get real.

At one point he also said no to tablets.

If its success drops significantly due to the Air then they might drop it.

 

[lasuther]

Optical drives are certainly on their way out, but it's not happening at the next refresh. As long music, movies, and video games use CDs and DVDs in high quanties the optical drive will survive in the MBP.

The next 13" MBP will have an internal CD/DVD drive, large hard drive options (500GB+), and a significantly more powerful processor and graphics. The MBA doesn't satisfy this need. While you might not need those things, there are certainly people who do and are willing to pay for it.

 

[doberman211]

honestly the only thing i want from apple now is a netbook-sized macbook plastic. and bring back the options to have it in black or white. and yes, include a damn SD card i do **** with my camera for godsakes and it has no usb mini. they already charge you for a new laptop that is overpriced and now they want you to get a whole new...everything. (im speaking of that half-a-mac MBA 11")

 

[gonnabuyamacbsh]

I don't think the mbp 13 will be discontinued but it would make sense if the pro line had 15" and 17" and he air had 11" and 13".

for the next refresh they should upgrade everything with core iX processors and better graphics card, but only the air has the ssd and no optical drive. I think the 15 and 17 will still have it for a while because professionals probably still have use for it.

 

[rnb2]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that the next MBP refresh will add a flash drive to each, with the 15" and 17" retaining a spinning HD for mass storage. Whether the flash drive will just be 64GB or will have BTO options is hard to say. All MBP will retain the optical drive - they are used as primary machines by too many people to omit it yet.

The 13" MBP will be flash drive only, with the space savings allowing the update to iX processors with discrete graphics. 128GB will be standard, with the 256GB a BTO option.

 

[mattcube64]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that the next MBP refresh will add a flash drive to each, with the 15" and 17" retaining a spinning HD for mass storage. Whether the flash drive will just be 64GB or will have BTO options is hard to say. All MBP will retain the optical drive - they are used as primary machines by too many people to omit it yet.

The 13" MBP will be flash drive only, with the space savings allowing the update to iX processors with discrete graphics. 128GB will be standard, with the 256GB a BTO option.

13" MBP, 128GB "Instant-On" SSD, i5, 330M, and no optical drive. 10 hr battery.

My dream computer. I'd buy it on day one.

 

[rnb2]

13" MBP, 128GB "Instant-On" SSD, i5, 330M, and no optical drive. 10 hr battery.

My dream computer. I'd buy it on day one.

That would be a sweet machine, but I doubt Apple will drop the SuperDrive in the next refresh of the MBP - there would be too little functional difference between the 13" MBP and 13" MBA under this scenario.

The MBP will retain the SuperDrive for "do everything" portability, with the MBA keeping the ultra-portable features to itself. Pulling the spinning hard drive should give them the room they need to upgrade the 13" MBP to the i3/i5 and 330M (or similar), and the current battery life would increase with the absence of the spinning HD.

 

[Scottsdale]

13" MBP, 128GB "Instant-On" SSD, i5, 330M, and no optical drive. 10 hr battery.

My dream computer. I'd buy it on day one.

Intel marketing at its best, but there is a better way to improve computers and our experiences and interactions with our computer. In addition, this will allow you to say yours is faster, but are you going to enjoy the computer that much more by saying it has a fancy Core i-series CPU in it? Steve says that Mac users are better off with a C2D CPU and Nvidia GPU systems... and he is right if Apple cannot fit that 330m discrete GPU in the 13" Macs.

I also think that AMD CPU/GPU/chipset model is much more in line with Apple's strategy with its 13" Macs. In addition, Apple has done everything within its power to resist the transition to an Intel IGP and chipset in the 13" Macs. We can tell just how resistant Apple is as it used a CPU that will be EOL'd in less than two months just so it could avoid the Intel IGP and chipset. AMD is working on better integrated systems than Intel can provide. These systems provide a much better all around experience and don't require Apple to cut the graphics experience by 75% or more to make the transition.

We will all see in time, but I believe the advertising of the new MBA shows that Apple isn't going to use Intel IGPs and chipsets in the 13" Macs anytime soon. I believe Apple updated now because it has provided a much better experience by tackling all of the real "issues" with computers today which feature improvements to everything that matters and left alone the one tech that really doesn't provide much of an improvement especially when the entire graphics system has to be downgraded to use the new CPU tech.

Since these MBAs have C2D CPUs and Apple is pushing them so heavily, I have to believe that there is almost no hope for 13" Macs with Core i-series CPUs anytime soon. Whether it means C2D forever, or AMD, or Intel with discrete GPUs, or negotiating a truce between Intel and Nvidia, I just don't know... but given all of the clues, I would say 13" Macs will not see Intel IGPs and chipsets in the next year or more.

I know it's your dream Mac, but that's all it really is, a dream at this point.

 

[The Samurai]

For all intents and purposes, the current 13" MBP is just slightly better than a plastic Macbook. I think we've seen the end of the 13" MBP's with the introduction of the 13" MBA.

+1.

I think the 13" MBP's will be phased out OR rebranded to 'Macbooks'...

 

[CaoCao]

Intel marketing at its best, but there is a better way to improve computers and our experiences and interactions with our computer. In addition, this will allow you to say yours is faster, but are you going to enjoy the computer that much more by saying it has a fancy Core i-series CPU in it? Steve says that Mac users are better off with a C2D CPU and Nvidia GPU systems... and he is right if Apple cannot fit that 330m discrete GPU in the 13" Macs.

I also think that AMD CPU/GPU/chipset model is much more in line with Apple's strategy with its 13" Macs. In addition, Apple has done everything within its power to resist the transition to an Intel IGP and chipset in the 13" Macs. We can tell just how resistant Apple is as it used a CPU that will be EOL'd in less than two months just so it could avoid the Intel IGP and chipset. AMD is working on better integrated systems than Intel can provide. These systems provide a much better all around experience and don't require Apple to cut the graphics experience by 75% or more to make the transition.

We will all see in time, but I believe the advertising of the new MBA shows that Apple isn't going to use Intel IGPs and chipsets in the 13" Macs anytime soon. I believe Apple updated now because it has provided a much better experience by tackling all of the real "issues" with computers today which feature improvements to everything that matters and left alone the one tech that really doesn't provide much of an improvement especially when the entire graphics system has to be downgraded to use the new CPU tech.

Since these MBAs have C2D CPUs and Apple is pushing them so heavily, I have to believe that there is almost no hope for 13" Macs with Core i-series CPUs anytime soon. Whether it means C2D forever, or AMD, or Intel with discrete GPUs, or negotiating a truce between Intel and Nvidia, I just don't know... but given all of the clues, I would say 13" Macs will not see Intel IGPs and chipsets in the next year or more.

I know it's your dream Mac, but that's all it really is, a dream at this point.

I agree, Apple should work on the real problems of mobile computing not sticking an iX chip. Very rarely do people actually need a powerful CPU, if they do they should get the 15" or 17" MBP. I am intrigued by 2011 for what it brings, does Apple go to AMD, keep C2D, Switch to Sandy Bridge or have Intel make them a custom chip?

 

[KPOM]

Intel marketing at its best, but there is a better way to improve computers and our experiences and interactions with our computer. In addition, this will allow you to say yours is faster, but are you going to enjoy the computer that much more by saying it has a fancy Core i-series CPU in it? Steve says that Mac users are better off with a C2D CPU and Nvidia GPU systems... and he is right if Apple cannot fit that 330m discrete GPU in the 13" Macs.

I also think that AMD CPU/GPU/chipset model is much more in line with Apple's strategy with its 13" Macs. In addition, Apple has done everything within its power to resist the transition to an Intel IGP and chipset in the 13" Macs. We can tell just how resistant Apple is as it used a CPU that will be EOL'd in less than two months just so it could avoid the Intel IGP and chipset. AMD is working on better integrated systems than Intel can provide. Whether it means C2D forever, or AMD, or Intel with discrete GPUs, or negotiating a truce between Intel and Nvidia, I just don't know... but given all of the clues, I would say 13" Macs will not see Intel IGPs and chipsets in the next year or more.

Apple switching to AMD would be big news. I think Apple might have concerns about their long term viability, though, unless that's the "strategic acquisition" they have in mind. Come to think of it, Apple buying AMD would be an interesting idea. It might raise some antitrust concerns (since Apple would control access to a processor that other manufacturers use), but if Apple guaranteed others access to AMD's chips, it would alleviate other concerns (as it would ensure that there is a viable competitor to Intel).

I think a lot of us were hoping for the Core i3 because it is actually quite a bit more efficient than the Core 2 Duo on multi-core processes. Hyperthreading lets the OS act as if it has 4 cores and not just 2. The Core i5 adds Turbo Boost, which speeds up single core processes. If not for the slow integrated GPU Apple would have switched to the Core i3/i5 a long time ago and we'd all be better off for it.

In the meantime, I'm guessing that Apple has placed a large order of Core 2 Duos to supply the current MacBook Air through its next refresh. I would not be surprised at all if the 13" Pro and Mac Mini switch to the Core i5 in January. There just isn't enough "space" between the high end MacBook Air and the 13" Pro right now. With a 256GB SSD, the 13" Pro costs $200 more than the "Ultimate" 13" Air, and the main things it adds are a 2.4 GHz C2D vs 2.13GHz, a FireWire port, a backlit keyboard, an ambient light sensor, and an optical drive.

 

[doberman211]

hardware changes i see happening for the MB MBA MBP lines are this. or at least i would like this. as well as likeable prices

13" MB core 2 duo/i3 (no major changes to keep it as base) - $899-999 US

11" MBA core 2 duo - $899 US
12" MBA core 2 duo - $1099 US (this one there only because it has room for SD card. its a BIG thing for ppl with cameras. trust me.)
13" MBA core 2 duo/i3 - $1299-1399 US

13" MBP core i3 - $1199-1499 US
15" MBP core i5/i7 - $1599-1799-2099 US
17" MBP core i5/i7/i9? (its on wiki not sure if its anything real) - $2299-2499-2699 US

All speculation but i do not expect the MB to remain at its current 999$ with a core 2 duo. sorry. and the i3 being smaller in size compared to the duo chips, i was surprised it was not included in the current MBAs. at least the 13".

 

[Scottsdale]

hardware changes i see happening for the MB MBA MBP lines are this. or at least i would like this. as well as likeable prices

13" MB core 2 duo/i3 (no major changes to keep it as base) - $899-999 US

11" MBA core 2 duo - $899 US
12" MBA core 2 duo - $1099 US (this one there only because it has room for SD card. its a BIG thing for ppl with cameras. trust me.)
13" MBA core 2 duo/i3 - $1299-1399 US

13" MBP core i3 - $1199-1499 US
15" MBP core i5/i7 - $1599-1799-2099 US
17" MBP core i5/i7/i9? (its on wiki not sure if its anything real) - $2299-2499-2699 US

All speculation but i do not expect the MB to remain at its current 999$ with a core 2 duo. sorry. and the i3 being smaller in size compared to the duo chips, i was surprised it was not included in the current MBAs. at least the 13".

Do you not understand that Apple isn't using Core i-series CPUs because it cannot use them without switching over to the Intel IGP as the graphics solution and an Intel chipset, or use a discrete GPU. Apple loves the Nvidia GPU/chipset, but Intel is trying to bully Nvidia out and force Apple to use Intel's IGP and chipset.

Apple would definitely prefer using Core i-series CPUs as people want them, but it doesn't want to stick its users with only the Intel IGP as the sole graphics non-solution. When Apple switches beyond C2D it will have to use Intel's IGP, or a discrete GPU, or AMDs CPU/GPU/chipset.

Intel's marketing is making everyone think they need a Core series CPU, but Apple is looking out for its Mac users whether they know it or not. We are much better off with a C2D CPU and Nvidia 320m than we are with a Core i7 CPU and Intel's IGP as the sole graphics non-solution.

Any ways back to the point, Apple cannot use the Nvidia 320m along with a Core i-series CPU unless it negotiates a deal to allow Nvidia to make GPUs/chipsets to work with Core i-series CPUs. It isn't likely as Intel is playing big dog/unfairly.

 

[efirmage]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8B117 Safari/6531.22.7)

Yes I imagine Steve Jobs is more pissed about this than us. Intel is bottlenecking their customers, and Apple is used to having that privilege.

 

[doberman211]

whatever to many ppl are morons in that side of production. and im not sure what you mean. the MBP had i5 and nvidia, so to me this is nonsense. its a chip.

 

[rnb2]

whatever to many ppl are morons in that side of production. and im not sure what you mean. the MBP had i5 and nvidia, so to me this is nonsense. its a chip.

Ugh, where to start? Best to move on and ignore - "likeable prices" was a tipoff.