MBP Name: Suspicions and Speculations

[TigerPRO]

I have no inside information, but as a keen observer of how Apple operates, I found it very uncharacteristic when they started using the current naming system for their notebook computers. Having the same basic title (MacBook) and just slapping "Pro" on the end for the higher end models doesn't seem like a very wise marketing decision. Even as a seasoned "Apple Geek" I find myself frequently mixing the names up by forgetting to say "Pro". Apple has never gone the way of confusing, gimmicky naming like other tech firms, and I have no reason to believe they are starting now.

Given these unusual factors, this was my suspicion: Apple knew they wanted to change the name of their notebook lines with the advent of the Intel chip transition. However without unveiling a next generation PowerBook design, as they did with the iBook, they weren't ready to give it an official new name yet. But for the consumer-based MacBook everything was in order: a new name to suit the new design and the new CPU. But with the PowerBook, things were only half ready: a new CPU, but no new design.

I'm speculating that the name "MacBook" is only intended as the new name for the consumer line of notebooks. Without being ready to give a new name to the PowerBook line, they decided to borrow the "MacBook" name and stick "Pro" on the end for now. Therefore, do you think it is possible that the next generation "MacBook Pro" will be given a new name?

 

[Eric374]

Hopefully, the new "Macbook Pro's" still have the same look, although updated. There's something sexy about the present look of the "Pro's", that the Macbook just happens to lack. The sexy "industrial" look of the aluminum case makes me just fall in love! If it does come with a new name, I don't think it will happen for at least a couple of years, but I've been wrong before on several occasions....

Eric

 

[dongmin]

Therefore, do you think it is possible that the next generation "MacBook Pro" will be given a new name?

No

 

[atticus1178]

No

I don't think so either, seeing as Apple is advertising their whole laptop line as a "family."

 

[liketom]

macbook pro was intro'd well before macbook

 

[2ndPath]

There is also the Mac Pro, which basically follows the same naming pattern. And then Apple stated that they want the word "Mac" to be part of every Mac's name. Given that the naming scheme seems rather consistent and I don't expect it to change soon.

But then of course you never know what they are really planning at Apple.

 

[TigerPRO]

There is also the Mac Pro, which basically follows the same naming pattern. And then Apple stated that they want the word "Mac" to be part of every Mac's name. Given that the naming scheme seems rather consistent and I don't expect it to change soon.

Good point. I'm probably completely wrong. iBook would have been a good name for them to keep though, even if it doesn't have the word "Mac" in it. Because iMac and iBook compliment themselves very nicely as rounding up the consumer side of things; both start with "i" and one describes a Macintosh desktop while the other encompasses idea of a Mac notebook.

I guess I'm one of these traditionalist hung up on the old names. PowerMac and PowerBook were such logical descriptions of their pro machines in portable and permanent form-factors, just as iMac and iBook were in the consumer space. It still seems like the perfect naming system; descriptive, uniform, and unique at the same time.

 

[blueflame]

Hopefully, the new "Macbook Pro's" still have the same look, although updated. There's something sexy about the present look of the "Pro's", that the Macbook just happens to lack. The sexy "industrial" look of the aluminum case makes me just fall in love! If it does come with a new name, I don't think it will happen for at least a couple of years, but I've been wrong before on several occasions....

Eric

I really wish that the Pro's would be redesigned, it needs a fresh breath. I can imagine something more of a hark back to the titanium. I would say a mix of the G1 Ipod nano and a titanium powerbook. thin. hard edges. probably black. although I do love teh aluminum color and would like it just as much.
A

 

[Eric374]

Yes, a black anodized aluminum MBP would be rather sexy, as long as it's a little more to the glossy side as opposed to a matte finish. Don't want it too shiney, as it's more likely to show scuffs and scratches. I just like the outward design of the present MBP, thin, elegant, and unlike anything else. (Vaio not withstanding!)


Eric

 

[bearbo]

given mac pro has the Al look, i doubt mbp will deviate too far from that, and most CERTAINLY not in black color... providing colorful choices in the pro line is not very pro in my opinion

(Vaio not withstanding!)

it's understandable that you, as a newbie, feel the urge to bash PC just to feel like you fit in here... well, you don't have to do that, ppl won't kill you if you don't criticize about PC in every post.

and if you truly think all PCs are crap, well then you are helpless

 

[Eric374]

Amazingly, I don't feel the need to bash PC's just to fit in here. I don't need to bash PC's at all, I have one. (and until Apple comes out with a decent Media Center equivalent, I'll still own one!) I've been into Macs since my first AppleIIGS (which I still have, BTW) After a short stint into PC's, I'm thinking of becoming a Mac owner once again. Oh, and for the record, I was referring to the fact that the Sony Vaio is similar in apperance to the Macbook Pro. Take it how you will. Oh, and another thing, find ONE post of mine where I "bashed" PC's, I'd like to know......


Eric

 

[iMeowbot]

This is a naming convention that was used with Apple software for a long time: QuickTime Player/Pro, Logic and Final Cut Express/Pro.

And then over in subsidiaryland, there's FileMaker Pro at the entry level, with "Pro Advanced" for the higher-end variety, just to make sure that everyone is paying attention

 

[TigerPRO]

This is a naming convention that was used with Apple software for a long time: QuickTime Player/Pro, Logic and Final Cut Express/Pro.

The reasoning for software doesn't cary over. QuickTime and Quicktime Pro are both the same program. The MacBook and MacBook Pro are entirely different machines. Their is a difference. Do you see what I mean?

 

[weslobombs]

guys what do you think of my brilliant idea that i had before they chose the names for the new notebooks?

MacTop and MacTop Pro

(play on LAPtop)

 

[Infinity]

guys what do you think of my brilliant idea that i had before they chose the names for the new notebooks?

MacTop and MacTop Pro

(play on LAPtop)

I would say that rings in more for iTV (personally I like iTV) but now I'm off-topic

 

[AHDuke99]

apple has already spent millions on marketing the macbook pro. it's unlikely for anyone to change the name of a computer after its already been out. besides, macbook and macbook pro go along with the entire line's name. "mac pro" etc... well, maybe not the macbook. the imac is still here, so if anything changes, the macbook will. mac pro and macbook pro are most likely here to stay. apple may not make a major caase redesign until santa rosa next year at MWSF or later, so dont expect one for the merom chips. but yea, actually keeping the name ibook would've made more sense to go along with the consumer imac.

 

[IlluminatedSage]

anything is possible, but to be honest i don't think so anytime soon.

apple is about to begin another shift many are speculating.
1- OS X 10.5 version coming soon
2- making all of their mac's HDTV compatible. introducing blu-ray or hd dvd
3- offering more movies and tv content. and even HD content

so why would they offer a laptop model, to rebrand it soon? the reason why they did it i believe is to differentiate the models from the power pc models. with exception of mac mini or imac.

they just wanted mac in the name for every computer they offer. with the exception of server models.