what is the thinking on the upcoming macbooks (due later this year or early 2008) design. for example macbooks have historically gone with a similar design to the imacs- white casing, smooth and clean for both products. does this imply that the new macbooks will move to aluminium casing like the new imacs?
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New MacBook design
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your remarks are puzzling for a couple reasons.
first you say that MacBooks are due later this year or in early 2008. where is that information coming from? Apple has not said a MacBook update is forthcoming.
secondly, you say that the MacBooks have historically followed the design of the iMacs. the MacBook has only had one design! yes i see your point about the plastic resembling that of the former iMacs' plastic, but to say that the MacBook has been tied to the iMac's design is silly.
similarly, you say the iMacs and MacBooks have a smooth and clean design. i think all Apple products have a smooth and clean design.
to answer your question: i don't think the MacBooks will see a design change. they have only been out for a little over a year and the design will likely stay with that model for at least another year.
first you say that MacBooks are due later this year or in early 2008. where is that information coming from? Apple has not said a MacBook update is forthcoming.
secondly, you say that the MacBooks have historically followed the design of the iMacs. the MacBook has only had one design! yes i see your point about the plastic resembling that of the former iMacs' plastic, but to say that the MacBook has been tied to the iMac's design is silly.
similarly, you say the iMacs and MacBooks have a smooth and clean design. i think all Apple products have a smooth and clean design.
to answer your question: i don't think the MacBooks will see a design change. they have only been out for a little over a year and the design will likely stay with that model for at least another year.
i'd bet all of my 440 AAPL shares that we'll see a MBP re-design before the MB.
MBP design hasn't undergone any aesthetic changes since jan 2003 (correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm sure the Al systems started shipping then with the intro of 12" and 17" Powerbooks) vs MB (mid 2006).
i reckon the MBP re-design will be accompanied by a 12"/13" sub-notebook. rather the 13"/12" sub-notebook introduction will usher in re-designed MBPs.
Macbook is a year old if anything a MBP revamp
Exactly - the MBP just continued off from the PowerBook styles.
I think he's obviously speculating. And I don't think it's puzzling. The MacBooks only received a minor update last revision.
The MacBook has had one design yes, but it is a continuation of the former iBook line, and the iBooks went from fruity and curvy to white and straight lines like the iMac. I don't think the idea that the iMac and the MacBooks more-or-less follow each other in design is a silly one. Even now, the new iMacs sport a keyboard design found originally on the MacBook, and on no other Mac.
The MacBooks followed the general iBook design, to the point where a MacBook and an iBook can be easily confused if seen from various angles. Of course, there were obvious changes also, but it's still the same general "white" (and now optionally black, but still the same) design we've seen with the iBooks since 2001.
I don't know if Apple will see fit to overhaul the MacBook's design, but I certainly hope we'll see some positive design changes in the MacBook soon.
i don't agree with you on most points. additionally, i think it's inappropriate to speculate that the MacBook is due for an upgrade soon. the MacBook was released only 15 months ago. if anything, the MacBook Pro design is more dated as it - moreso than the MacBook - carried over from its predecessor.
Because Apple usually announces their updates in advance?
Apple's consumer model theme has been white (except for the black MacBook) since around 2002 and pro models all-aluminum since around 2003. The current move to aluminum and black for the iMac may very well have design implications for the MacBook.
Inappropriate? This is Macrumors.
Since when has it been inappropriate to speculate?
Take a look at the first white iBook, and the PowerBook G4. There isn't a huge gap between the designs. They were both introduced in 2001. I'd say they *both* deserve an update.
Macrumors has discovered several hints that the macbook could have an update soon. They have uncovered patent applications, talks of very thin macbooks with 12 screens and possibilities of a winter release also. I know these are far from concrete facts about the macbook, but all new products have initial rumours arise at some point?
I think that Gamoes point about the macbook keyboard similarities on the new imacs is a good point to indicate the macbooks may have a design change when the new ones are released.
I think that Gamoes point about the macbook keyboard similarities on the new imacs is a good point to indicate the macbooks may have a design change when the new ones are released.
Dont think the Macbooks are going to be chaning much cosmetically in the near future but I do think that this sub-notebook rumor could have something in it.
Would be a cool introduction to the Mac portable line up!! Definately something you could see Steve announcing at Macworld 08.
Macbook Nano maybe lol sure thats been mentioned on here somewhere
Would be a cool introduction to the Mac portable line up!! Definately something you could see Steve announcing at Macworld 08.
Macbook Nano maybe lol sure thats been mentioned on here somewhere
Macbook is a year old if anything a MBP revamp
There's a good reason I'm not a designer (I have the visual style of a Microsoft developer) but the MBP/PB design is a classic. Compared to most other laptops from 2003, it still looks modern and sleek. Only the Thinkpad has the same classic appeal.
The MB will look outdated long before the MBP so I don't think we'll see a MBP redesign before a MB redesign.