"Introducing the new Macs..."

[deconstruct60]

The fact that they're still selling the displays says something about their intentions.

Apple isn't really selling displays anymore. They are selling docking stations that happen to have LCD panels in them.

An indicator that Apple was back it in the display business would be revising a model that takes more mainstream video signal inputs (e.g,. one or two mini Display port connectors and perhaps a HDMI input ) and did not supply power to Apple laptops. A USB 2.0 hub and webcam would be in line perhaps.

An even bigger indicator would be that they were "moving the bar up". Higher color gamut and/or significant increase in resolution for a large screen.

In short, there would be two models that were substantively different. The "docking station" TB display and something else that was clearly not.

That would remove the 'tail wagging the dog' discussions where a new Mac Pro "has to have Thunderbolt" because the "Thunderbolt display only has TB input". Mac Pros hooked to displays with free, dangling Mac laptop power connections is design and intent mismatch. There is zero intent oriented to the Mac Pro there.

 

[Moonjumper]

Good point on the Dual Core CPU's causing half the notebook line to be released at a later date.

In reality we most likely will see a staggered release schedule. I imagine everything will be upgraded and refreshed in time for ML. Barring the Mac Pro, they moved their entire line to Sandy Bridge within a couple of months of Lion, so let's hope they do the same again.

And if it has to be staggered then it should go:

Round 1: Mac Pro, iMac, 15" / 17" MBP
Round 2: 13" MBP, 13"/11" MBA (with possibly a redesign?)
Round 3: Mac Mini

I think the MBA is the least likely to see a redesign, with the Mac Mini alongside. They are both relatively new designs compared to the rest.

 

[deconstruct60]

More likely would be something like this.


1: Mac Pro ( perhaps in April 24th - May 1st timeframe ** )
2: iMac ( late May. 5 Tuesdays in May so can stagger by 4 weeks )
3: MBA ( demo only at WWDC *** )
4: MBP ( July after/with Mountain Lion. defacto double-up shipping with MBA )
5: Mini ( August due to logjam in July )

Well if Apple does wait till "late summer" to launch Mountain Lion (as commented in the quarter's conference call) then perhaps they can "flush the rollout queue" before it comes out. I can see putting stuff in a holding pattern till July but August/September is a long time unless there is some missing component ( magical screens ).

I still think they will spread them out though. Perhaps 2/month for May & June and then one early July and leave the straggler for post Mountain Lion.

ML would probably be a better release if they didn't try to push it out the door too soon. It may superficially look OK at the non OS level (Finder , some apps ), but that's not likely where the "show stopper" issues are hiding.

 

[24Frames]

Those dates look pretty realistic.
Tuesday 1st May for new Mac Pros, well I suppose we can wait until then!?

In terms of displays you can buy a couple of 1080p (1920 x 1080) displays for around half the cost of an Apple 27-inch display. For many power users this would seem to be a more useful configuration.

In addition those displays will also work with any computer, not just an Apple Mac with a TB output.

 

[scottrichardson]

It's almost the 1st of May (well it is here in Aus).

There's been plenty of time to let the dust settle after the iPad 3 release.

Could tomorrow be the day?

 

[Blue Sun]

It's almost the 1st of May (well it is here in Aus).

There's been plenty of time to let the dust settle after the iPad 3 release.

Could tomorrow be the day?

There hasn't really been any tell-tale signs that suggest an update is imminent. It seems like we could still be waiting in a few months time.

I don't mind if we have to wait a little more, but if Apple ends up killing the line I will be annoyed given that I've been waiting almost a year now for a refresh.

 

[Mak47]

"Introducing the new Macs..."

That's how I see it all going down towards the end of this month. Yet another speculation thread, but hey what else is this site for.

I imagine that given the timing, Apple will announce a completely new Macintosh lineup, with the much anticipated Mac Pros included running Sandy Bridge E, with everything else running on the new Ivy Bridge platform.

Would be a pretty cool thing to have a completely new lineup, something Apple could play on in their marketing etc.

Thoughts?

Scottie

I think you're going to be pretty close to right on the money with this.

I see the following:

Elimination of the MacBook Air moniker. It will simply be called the "New" MacBook and will go from 11" to 15". Form factor will likely be similar to the current Air.

MacBook Pro stays available in 15" and 17". Eliminates ODD to achieve slightly smaller form factor but still retains status as being more powerful, Pro caliber machine.

Mac Mini retains form factor, Ivy Bridge upgrade.

iMac loses ODD, resembles current Thunderbolt display.

and one of the following --

Mac Pro receives hardware upgrades, retains same form factor. Or...it is re-introduced with a smaller form factor, no ODD, Sandy Bridge E or high end Ivy Bridge chips and is rebranded as simply "Macintosh". Tim Cook loves the word Macintosh.

I can see all of these products launching at approximately the same time as Mountain Lion. Updating all of the Mac products would still require less legwork than updating the iPhone (3 sizes, two colors, dozens of carriers and they sell a lot more units).

I don't see Apple killing off the Mac Pro. As small as that market may be, it doesn't make sense for Apple to sacrifice it to the competition. If it goes away, it will be in name only and replaced with something of equal capability at a potentially lower introductory price point.

 

[valleydesign]

I think you're going to be pretty close to right on the money with this.

I see the following:

Elimination of the MacBook Air moniker. It will simply be called the "New" MacBook and will go from 11" to 15". Form factor will likely be similar to the current Air.

MacBook Pro stays available in 15" and 17". Eliminates ODD to achieve slightly smaller form factor but still retains status as being more powerful, Pro caliber machine.

Mac Mini retains form factor, Ivy Bridge upgrade.

iMac loses ODD, resembles current Thunderbolt display.

and one of the following --

Mac Pro receives hardware upgrades, retains same form factor. Or...it is re-introduced with a smaller form factor, no ODD, Sandy Bridge E or high end Ivy Bridge chips and is rebranded as simply "Macintosh". Tim Cook loves the word Macintosh.

I can see all of these products launching at approximately the same time as Mountain Lion. Updating all of the Mac products would still require less legwork than updating the iPhone (3 sizes, two colors, dozens of carriers and they sell a lot more units).

I don't see Apple killing off the Mac Pro. As small as that market may be, it doesn't make sense for Apple to sacrifice it to the competition. If it goes away, it will be in name only and replaced with something of equal capability at a potentially lower introductory price point.

One of the most logical things I have read on these forms in a while. Thank you.

 

[LachlanH]

One of the most logical things I have read on these forms in a while. Thank you.

Agreed, seems like a very plausible scenario. Whatever form the Mac Pro takes, I do hope it keeps the awesome 'easy to upgrade' internal design. Give me a modern machine with such a design and Apple has themselves a sale.

 

[InuNacho]

iMac loses ODD, resembles current Thunderbolt display.

and one of the following --

Mac Pro receives hardware upgrades, retains same form factor. Or...it is re-introduced with a smaller form factor, no ODD, Sandy Bridge E or high end Ivy Bridge chips and is rebranded as simply "Macintosh". Tim Cook loves the word Macintosh.

I've never understood Apple's Holy War against optical drives and why people are so supportive of it.

 

[Luba]

Makes sense . . .

BTW, how often does HP or Dell update their workstations? Every 2 years? If so, then Apple isn't really late.

I think you're going to be pretty close to right on the money with this.

I see the following:

Elimination of the MacBook Air moniker. It will simply be called the "New" MacBook and will go from 11" to 15". Form factor will likely be similar to the current Air.

MacBook Pro stays available in 15" and 17". Eliminates ODD to achieve slightly smaller form factor but still retains status as being more powerful, Pro caliber machine.

Mac Mini retains form factor, Ivy Bridge upgrade.

iMac loses ODD, resembles current Thunderbolt display.

and one of the following --

Mac Pro receives hardware upgrades, retains same form factor. Or...it is re-introduced with a smaller form factor, no ODD, Sandy Bridge E or high end Ivy Bridge chips and is rebranded as simply "Macintosh". Tim Cook loves the word Macintosh.

I can see all of these products launching at approximately the same time as Mountain Lion. Updating all of the Mac products would still require less legwork than updating the iPhone (3 sizes, two colors, dozens of carriers and they sell a lot more units).

I don't see Apple killing off the Mac Pro. As small as that market may be, it doesn't make sense for Apple to sacrifice it to the competition. If it goes away, it will be in name only and replaced with something of equal capability at a potentially lower introductory price point.

 

[Wild-Bill]

Steve was probably driving one day, took a sharp corner, and all his CDs were strewn about his vehicle. As he was on his way to Apple HQ and miffed about the "mess", he shouted once in the Apple HQ foyer: "NO MORE OPTICAL DISCS !!!!!!!!!". - and the Apple employees were compelled to oblige him.

 

[DisMyMac]

I've never understood Apple's Holy War against optical drives and why people are so supportive of it.

If they don't own it, then Apple is against it. It's that simple.

 

[theSeb]

Makes sense . . .

BTW, how often does HP or Dell update their workstations? Every 2 years? If so, then Apple isn't really late.

No. Even though the previous Xeon chips came out in 2010, new models were introduced throughout the last two years (slightly faster but same family). Makers like HP and dell have updated their line ups throughout this period.

 

[NMF]

I can see removing ODD from the iMac, but the Mac Pro? Come on now.

 

[theSeb]

I can see removing ODD from the iMac, but the Mac Pro? Come on now.

Physical media is dead... oh, no, wait... it's not

2011

IFPI reports today that trade revenue from global sales of all recorded music fell three per cent last year to $16.6bn. Digital revenues rose eight per cent to $5.2bn, while physical revenues fell 8.7 per cent to $10.1bn.

It's falling, but it's not quite dead yet.

 

[strwrsfrk]

I've never understood Apple's Holy War against optical drives and why people are so supportive of it.

I agree in part. I'm a proponent of removing the ODD from the MacBook Pro line (or, rather, I can see how it fits with my perception of Apple's marketing strategies).

The removal of the ODD from the Minis was a surprise, particularly since two HDDs were not then standard. I believe it's an early evolutionary step, but it seems like nothing is gained except perhaps eliminating a step in enclosure tooling and a several-dollar production savings.

But the removal of the ODD from the iMac or Mac Pro line would shock me. Period. My arguments that most ODD-related tasks are not done on the road (when debating the merits of ODD removal from the portable line of Mac products) supports the inclusion of ODDs in the desktop lineup. Many use their desktops as media centers - and this is true of the Mini - which still often includes many DVDs and CDs. And many folks aren't tech savvy or interested enough to rip their entire collections into iTunes or onto an HDD.

I won't argue against optical-less media and software distribution being the future; I think it is. And there are examples of precedent whereby Apple eliminated "obsolete" media and tech from its lineup. And I don't even own that large of a DVD collection (and haven't bought a CD in 10 years). But it feels too early to eliminate ODDs from the Mac desktop lineup.

 

[xgman]

There hasn't really been any tell-tale signs that suggest an update is imminent. It seems like we could still be waiting in a few months time.

I agree, and also feel that this is mostly because it is probably Apple's lowest priority. No shortage of parts, no big re-design, no special timing, just they will get to it when they get to it. (well, that or it dies which I'm starting to lean my weekly guessing towards)

 

[ORTOX]

I think you're going to be pretty close to right on the money with this.

I see the following:

Elimination of the MacBook Air moniker. It will simply be called the "New" MacBook and will go from 11" to 15". Form factor will likely be similar to the current Air.

MacBook Pro stays available in 15" and 17". Eliminates ODD to achieve slightly smaller form factor but still retains status as being more powerful, Pro caliber machine.

Mac Mini retains form factor, Ivy Bridge upgrade.

iMac loses ODD, resembles current Thunderbolt display.

and one of the following --

Mac Pro receives hardware upgrades, retains same form factor. Or...it is re-introduced with a smaller form factor, no ODD, Sandy Bridge E or high end Ivy Bridge chips and is rebranded as simply "Macintosh". Tim Cook loves the word Macintosh.

I can see all of these products launching at approximately the same time as Mountain Lion. Updating all of the Mac products would still require less legwork than updating the iPhone (3 sizes, two colors, dozens of carriers and they sell a lot more units).

I don't see Apple killing off the Mac Pro. As small as that market may be, it doesn't make sense for Apple to sacrifice it to the competition. If it goes away, it will be in name only and replaced with something of equal capability at a potentially lower introductory price point.

Couldn't agree more.

As for optical discs, how often do you REALLY use them. For games almost everything is digital download. Movies, digital download. Software, digital download.

Yes, I know it's still convenient to be able to install/watch/rip all of these things from discs, but I would much rather have no ODD and just have an external Blu-Ray/DVD drive. They cost $75. For how much I use them (rarely) I can just keep the drive in a desk drawer.

I have an 11 inch Air and love the form factor. I have a Mac Pro and actually removed the ODD for more HDD room. And I have an external DVD burner that cost $40 that I use for both. I feel this is the way to go.

But I do believe if they make a new line of Mac Pros, they should include a blu-ray burner (standard).

 

[YosemiteSam]

As for optical discs, how often do you REALLY use them.

ALL THE TIME. Literally, every single day. I totally understand that not everyone else does, but many do. It will be many many years before only a select few are "still" using optical. And even if one doesn't use it, it's not like the existence and inclusion of an optical drive is hurting anyone (particularly in the Mac Pro), so why the desire or urgency from some to get rid of it?

But I do believe if they make a new line of Mac Pros, they should include a blu-ray burner (standard).

Absolutely. Along with (at least) some basic blu-ray support in the OS. But it will probably never happen.

If Apple were a person, they'd have their eyes closed and hands over ears chanting over and over: "No one uses optical. No one uses CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray. What millions of people actually use and need today is 'obsolete.' Ignore all statistics. Everyone has infinite bandwidth now and forever. The only thing everyone truly needs is our iTunes Store, our App Store, and our Cloud. Proprietary is bad. Except for our properties, of course."

 

[xgman]

Am I the only one who was quite optimistic a couple months ago and now as each week goes by, all but given up hope?

 

[Flood123]

Am I the only one who was quite optimistic a couple months ago and now as each week goes by, all but given up hope?

Let me preface this by saying I do love apple computers.

I haven't given up hope, however I am growing increasingly irritated. They will release something. It's just a matter of when. If I wasn't so heavily invested in 3rd party hardware and software I might be willing to jump ship. Apple kinda has me by the twig and berries and I am starting to resent that fact. Admittedly, in the end its no ones fault but my own.

 

[Mike Valmike]

Am I the only one who was quite optimistic a couple months ago and now as each week goes by, all but given up hope?

Yeah I'm a bit irritated at this point. Back in January I was like "Nice, I can replace my 2009 iMac with a newer model, no point in buying the 8-month old 2011 iMac when they rarely let a refresh go any longer than that." Here we are at the ONE YEAR mark and I really do need to replace my iMac... it still works, but I am doing more with it than it's really specced to do... but like hell if I am going to pay a premium price for year-old computer hardware. I will wait, though it chafes me to do so.

 

[Flood123]

Yeah I'm a bit irritated at this point. Back in January I was like "Nice, I can replace my 2009 iMac with a newer model, no point in buying the 8-month old 2011 iMac when they rarely let a refresh go any longer than that." Here we are at the ONE YEAR mark and I really do need to replace my iMac... it still works, but I am doing more with it than it's really specced to do... but like hell if I am going to pay a premium price for year-old computer hardware. I will wait, though it chafes me to do so.

well said

 

[edoates]

Keep on waiting ...

OK: May 1: no new Mac Pro, iMac, MBP, MBA, displays, anything. Store is still open, so I guess not today.

Sigh ...