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Is there gonna be a smaller MacBook Pro?
- Thread starter matthewcap
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The only major difference between the MBP and the MB is :
-The screen size
-The graphic chip (Nvidia GeForce 8600 instead of the integrated chipset Intel GMA950)
Obviously, the screen size cannot be on a smaller computer.
As for the graphic chip, the question is : can Apple keep the MBP spec, and the graphic chip, in a smaller computer ? Considering the MacBook Pro is already a the smallest laptop in is power category, they probably can't fit this in a smaller computer (lets say a 12'').
So, if they can't keep the same processing power in a smaller computer, what would be the difference between the MacBook and the 12''Macbook Pro apart from the name "pro" ?
My answer : there will be absolutely no difference.
Face it, the Macbook IS already the Apple ultracompact and ultraportable computer, the Macbook Pro is "Pro" exactly because it sacrifice some portability for more power.
-The screen size
-The graphic chip (Nvidia GeForce 8600 instead of the integrated chipset Intel GMA950)
Obviously, the screen size cannot be on a smaller computer.
As for the graphic chip, the question is : can Apple keep the MBP spec, and the graphic chip, in a smaller computer ? Considering the MacBook Pro is already a the smallest laptop in is power category, they probably can't fit this in a smaller computer (lets say a 12'').
So, if they can't keep the same processing power in a smaller computer, what would be the difference between the MacBook and the 12''Macbook Pro apart from the name "pro" ?
My answer : there will be absolutely no difference.
Face it, the Macbook IS already the Apple ultracompact and ultraportable computer, the Macbook Pro is "Pro" exactly because it sacrifice some portability for more power.
Your logic is severely flawed. Point and case- the 12" powerbook.
The ibooks had a 32 mb graphics card, 12" pb 64 mb dedicated card, 15-17" powerbooks 128 mb dedicated.
I can expect them to replicate that. UNLESS, they deem it to be unprofitable to do so. Ie: Macbook sales go down.
The ibooks had a 32 mb graphics card, 12" pb 64 mb dedicated card, 15-17" powerbooks 128 mb dedicated.
I can expect them to replicate that. UNLESS, they deem it to be unprofitable to do so. Ie: Macbook sales go down.
Hopefully we'll learn something come November but if I were to even expect anything it would be in January. I'm really in the market for a smaller MBP since I'm a student who also travels a lot for business. There was a market for the 12" powerbook so I do feel the same way for a smaller MBP. I just hope it comes sooner rather than later.
You've not owned and carried around a Pro machine have you?
There's a big difference in 'feel' of the machne that I'm willing to pay for.
Bring on the smaller mbp I say.
Just my opinion, but I fell like we lost the 12"PB because of the wide screen effect.
I use a 12" PB and my son has a MacBook. The form factor is not that big of a deal.
If it is the plastic case you don't like then that is another issue all together.
Again, just my opinion, unless you are doing some heavy lifting on the road like PhotoShop or FinalCut, go with a MacBook. (Games? Did someone say games? He's a student and traveling on BUSINESS! No time for games.)
Besides, even a low end MacBook eats my PBs lunch.
The 8600M's that are used in the MBP's can't be used in notebooks smaller than 15.4 inches, due to their physical size, I believe. If Apple were to make a smaller MBP (whether it be a 12" or 13.3"), they will likely have to go with an 8400GT/GS.
I've had two 12" powerbooks (867,1.33) and now a black macbook. tbh I just can't et along with the build/size/keyboard on the macbook for some reason. It's blindingly fast etc and I love the screen but I'd love this as a pro machine (with less border around the screen and a real keyboard).
If you carry a laptop around a lot then the size difference is more noticable.
I went from a G3 PB (my wife still uses it) to a G4 15" TiB to the 12" PB. I still prefer the G3 form factor (all the ports and swappable bay).
I do agree about the MB Keyboard. It takes some getting used to.
I totally agree. I'd trade in my 15" for a 12" in a second.
And a question for everyone: do you think there is any chance Apple will add any more USB ports to the MacBook Pro, specifically the left side.
I'm in the opposite camp. I owned (and enjoyed the heck out of) a 12" 1.5GHz PB for over two years and recently switched to the LED backlit 15" Santa Rosa MBP. The new one is thinner, just as light if not lighter, quieter and has a much better display. If you're not running an external display, the 12" is too small for heavy use IMO. I'd have a real tough time switching back.
There was a market for a 12" PowerBook, but size wasn't the reason why everyone bought a 12" PB. At the time a lot of people bought a 12" PowerBook because it was all they could afford, they needed a Pro machine but the 15" laptops were like $500 more (Canadian). Personally, I think if they come out with a 12" MBP, the prices of the 15" will go up (or, the 12" wil cost more than a 15", since it may cost more to produce. If you look around at PC laptops, the smaller the screen the more expensive they can be. It costs more for "portability".
I stand corrected. The new one is 0.8lbs heavier. And yes, I can easily hold it by the corner and type. I can't see using it, or the 12" for any extended period that way, though. I guess everyone has what they consider their "sweet spot" for screen size and weight. For me the 15" is damn near perfect.
I understand what you're saying. The size difference between a macbook and 12" powerbook isn't that great. That's actually why I'm hoping for a MBP ultraportable to see if there is something lighter because that'll make all the difference right now. I think the plastic is fine, just prefer the aluminum (I went from a 12" powerbook to a macbook). Also, I want a lighter MBP for the amount of moving around it will have to do. Not for power. I don't care if we get an ultraportable macbook or pro, the title of the thread was talking about a MBP.
Now for your business comment. That's just foolish. First of all I made no mention of games. I don't even play computer games. That's besides the point. Do you really think that studying and work would leave you with no leisure time at all? Lots of people have to work to get through college and it's definitely not as time consuming as you make it sound.
And yea, my MB eats my PB for lunch as well
I agree with you. The 15" was $500 more expensive which was why I chose the 12" over the 15" at that point in time. Not because of the size. Right now I do need something lighter though and I do think that others do as well. I have no idea what pricing Apple would use. It really depends on the parts. If they do make a MB/MBP ultraportable I just hope it's not above $2000 but like you said it could be even higher.
I think the smallest Apple can get a MBP with a "decent" video card is 14.1". They might be able to squeeze in an 8600GT at that size, and definitely an 8400GS. I think that if they try to create one in the 12-13" range, you'll end up with at best an 8400GS.
It seem a good possibility that we will see an Aluminium Macbook in the future, but a smaller MBP I really doubt it.
I think we will see a Flash Drive based system. Ultra portable, super thin. No built in Optical Drive. Maybe even touch screen. Maybe even a tablet.
Just My 2 Cents.
What ever comes along, I'm sure it will be too expensive for me anyway.
