The next MacBook Pro redesign (merged)

[meboy]

is there a chance Apple changes the keyboard to be closer to the one used in the Macbook? I tried out that new keyboard in the Apple store last week and did not like how flat/flush the keys were. I know the Pro will have more room for the keyboard, but one of the rumors mentioned a "flatter" keyboard.

There is not "a chance". You can count on it.

Most get used to it. You may be fine after a bit.
[doublepost=1474093519][/doublepost]This is getting pathetic.

I was hoping for a new Air like everyone else this spring. Didn't get that and had to buy the RMB figuring it would only be a few months and I would sell it and get the new Airs or Pro.
Now it's September and no updates in sight.
Skylake has come and gone for every other manufacturer.
Samsung put out the 13" Notebook 9 which is .42lbs lighter than the RMB with Core series CPU and very nearly as thin.

 

[inhalexhale1]

There is not "a chance". You can count on it.

Most get used to it. You may be fine after a bit.
[doublepost=1474093519][/doublepost]This is getting pathetic.

I really hope they don't put that awful MacBook keyboard in the pro. It feels so cheesy and cheap.

 

[myscrnnm]

I really hope they don't put that awful MacBook keyboard in the pro. It feels so cheesy and cheap.

For many years (primarily those of the first unibody MacBook Pro) I was against keyboards that didn't have a lot of travel. But the keyboard on the Retina MacBook actually allows me to type more quickly since they require less force to actuate. I think it takes a bit of getting used to, but the large size of the keys certainly helps with accuracy. I'm sure at some point most computers will have this kind of keyboard and we'll wonder why it wasn't always this way (at least for mobile devices).

 

[haydn!]

For many years (primarily those of the first unibody MacBook Pro) I was against keyboards that didn't have a lot of travel. But the keyboard on the Retina MacBook actually allows me to type more quickly since they require less force to actuate. I think it takes a bit of getting used to, but the large size of the keys certainly helps with accuracy. I'm sure at some point most computers will have this kind of keyboard and we'll wonder why it wasn't always this way (at least for mobile devices).

Completely agree, and it won't be much longer after that when all keyboards are touch screen with Taptic feedback. Allowing for instant and easy keyboard configuration on a per task basis.

 

[Hieveryone]

My guess would be they are going to put something really great in it. Some new features no one has come up with yet that people actually end up using regularly. I don't know what, but my hope is that Apple delivers.

Reason being, it has been so long since an update. I would be disappointed if all they did was a few updates.

 

[jozero]

Have to love Ars Technica

First pic on their Sierra review
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-the-ars-technica-review/

Thats gold Jerry, gold.

 

[Cougarcat]

I really hope they don't put that awful MacBook keyboard in the pro. It feels so cheesy and cheap.

They won't. They already redesigned the MBP's keyboard to use the "Magic" keyboard design.

 

[0388631]

Right now, I quite enjoy my Samsung ultrabook, but it's getting "old." Currently, the only two laptops I have in mind are the XPS 15 with the 4K display and all the gadgets and doodads which would place it slightly cheaper than a similar MBP, unless the upcoming MBP is really something amazing. I do need a Mac to run some specific software and that means saving several hundred a year on virtualization fees.

I simply wish Apple were reasonable about their hardware upgrade prices. It shouldn't cost a couple hundred more to double down on the RAM when it's not remotely expensive to begin with.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Right now, I quite enjoy my Samsung ultrabook, but it's getting "old." Currently, the only two laptops I have in mind are the XPS 15 with the 4K display and all the gadgets and doodads which would place it slightly cheaper than a similar MBP, unless the upcoming MBP is really something amazing. I do need a Mac to run some specific software and that means saving several hundred a year on virtualization fees.

I simply wish Apple were reasonable about their hardware upgrade prices. It shouldn't cost a couple hundred more to double down on the RAM when it's not remotely expensive to begin with.

If Apple releases a new design with the same ugly bezels, I will throw up. IMO, MBPs don't need a FaceTime camera. All iPhones can do FaceTime and take selfies well enough. Apple can leave the camera on their beloved MB if the must, but they need to take some design cues from Dell's XPS line and reduce the size of the MBP footprint--this does NOT mean thinner, just smaller. Then Apple might be relevant again.

 

[myscrnnm]

If Apple releases a new design with the same ugly bezels, I will throw up. IMO, MBPs don't need a FaceTime camera. All iPhones can do FaceTime and take selfies well enough. Apple can leave the camera on their beloved MB if the must, but they need to take some design cues from Dell's XPS line and reduce the size of the MBP footprint--this does NOT mean thinner, just smaller. Then Apple might be relevant again.

I know you prefaced it with "IMO," but Apple would have to be insane to omit the FaceTime camera on the next MacBook Pro, for a few reasons. Practically every notebook computer on the market today has a built-in webcam (and yes, I realize the irony of this argument seeing as Apple just omitted a very commonplace feature on their latest smartphone). You can't compete if you don't have it.

I know there's a very vocal faction on MR that MacBook Pros should only be for "professionals," but the fact of the matter is Apple cannot cover enough of the market if they only have the MacBook Air and Retina MacBook for consumers and make the MacBook Pro a purely "professional" machine (in the vein of the Mac Pro). Students, families, and business people still need this feature. If you don't need that feature, just put a Post-It over it. Apple can still make a beautiful bezel without removing the FaceTime camera.

 

[Val-kyrie]

I know you prefaced it with "IMO," but Apple would have to be insane to omit the FaceTime camera on the next MacBook Pro, for a few reasons. Practically every notebook computer on the market today has a built-in webcam (and yes, I realize the irony of this argument seeing as Apple just omitted a very commonplace feature on their latest smartphone). You can't compete if you don't have it.

I know there's a very vocal faction on MR that MacBook Pros should only be for "professionals," but the fact of the matter is Apple cannot cover enough of the market if they only have the MacBook Air and Retina MacBook for consumers and make the MacBook Pro a purely "professional" machine (in the vein of the Mac Pro). Students, families, and business people still need this feature. If you don't need that feature, just put a Post-It over it. Apple can still make a beautiful bezel without removing the FaceTime camera.

I don't know if Apple can't compete without a built-in webcam, but as you stated, if Apple is willing to pull the audio jack from the iPhone and is now considering whether to eliminate the audio jack in the MBP, why not eliminate the FaceTime camera too? I'll play devil's advocate and suggest it isn't a pro feature and that Tim Cook and Co. could market the iPad Pros as a viable alternative. Remember, they like being "courageous."

I am waiting to see what Apple does with the bezels. I find it difficult to think Apple will be able to shrink the bezels unless it either removes the camera or relocates it; however, there are drawbacks moving the camera to the area beneath the screen, as Dell has done, but I wouldn't care as I never use it on my MBA. [Dons flame retardant suit] I would just like to see a smaller footprint (e.g., a 15.4" screen in a 14.4" form factor) and smaller bezels is the only way to accomplish that. But this is my dream.

 

[PJF6387]

I don't know if Apple can't compete without a built-in webcam, but as you stated, if Apple is willing to pull the audio jack from the iPhone and is now considering whether to eliminate the audio jack in the MBP, why not eliminate the FaceTime camera too? I'll play devil's advocate and suggest it isn't a pro feature and that Tim Cook and Co. could market the iPad Pros as a viable alternative. Remember, they like being "courageous."

I am waiting to see what Apple does with the bezels. I find it difficult to think Apple will be able to shrink the bezels unless it either removes the camera or relocates it; however, there are drawbacks moving the camera to the area beneath the screen, as Dell has done, but I wouldn't care as I never use it on my MBA. [Dons flame retardant suit] I would just like to see a smaller footprint (e.g., a 15.4" screen in a 14.4" form factor) and smaller bezels is the only way to accomplish that. But this is my dream.

I'd be surprised to see Apple do away with a feature that it largely pioneered (front-facing cameras on notebooks). However, I'm all for a smaller bezel. Even with the camera, there's no reason why it needs to be that large.

 

[SeattleMoose]

I pray that the HP jack is removed on all Macs. I mean who needs it?

 

[Jjaro]

I hope we see different colors. Not that it makes any real difference, but it's just plain cool to be able to have a ne color Mac. I'm hoping for a black color, deeper than the "Space Grey" they have now for the Macbook.

 

[mayuka]

Sorry for the delay...

Hardly when they already have a concept of "Fusion". Still think we're a few years away from Apple using ARM chips to run lower spec MacBooks...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_Drive

That "Fusion"-concept is meant for mass storage. What I mean is that Apple is planning to use the term "Fusion" also for their processors, meaning they have the A10 cpus for iPhones, A10X for iPads and A10XX for the future Mac lineup.

Wouldn't they use A10X or something like that?

I guess the A10X is reserved for the upcoming iPads... Apple may have a different naming scheme. A10XX or whatever... What is so impressive about the new A10 Fusion cpus used in the new iPhone 7 is that they are faster than the intel cpu used in the current Macbook! Yes, I know that you can't compare two different architectures 1:1, but for many use cases that will also hold true for Macs. Just recently there was an article here on Macrumors on the future intel roadmap [1]. It becomes very clear that Apple must be very frustrated about the upcoming (or better non-upcoming) processor generation from intel - especially with the gpu as there are only very minor improvements to graphics. With the current pace Apple is developing and releasing all of their new processors (A10 for iPhones/iPads, M1 in the new AirPods, S2 in the Apple Watch) it is very reasonable that Apple is developing a cpu + dedicated gpu for Macs as well. Just look to prior job positions. Apple hired a lot of technical staff - the most prominent maybe Anand Shimpi from Anandtech. I am pretty confident that Apple has progressed far enough to announce new Mac processors of their own in the next few months.

[1] - https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/22/intel-mobile-roadmap-coffee-lake/

 

[boateng]

any ideas when the new macbook pro may be coming out?

 

[Roller]

any ideas when the new macbook pro may be coming out?

Who knows? The closest thing I've seen to a prediction was a rumor that there'd be a new MBP in the 4th quarter. You'd think that if there was going to be an October event it would have been announced or there would have been more buzz about it by now. Then there's the question of whether Apple will go with Skylake or wait for Kaby Lake, not to mention what they'll do about the MB Air. Disappointing.

 

[boateng]

Who knows? The closest thing I've seen to a prediction was a rumor that there'd be a new MBP in the 4th quarter. You'd think that if there was going to be an October event it would have been announced or there would have been more buzz about it by now. Then there's the question of whether Apple will go with Skylake or wait for Kaby Lake, not to mention what they'll do about the MB Air. Disappointing.

i dont even know what to do
i need a new laptop as i start uni in two weeks...my current one is on its last legs
however i dont want a to buy a macbook pro tomorrow and then in a weeks time apple annouce they are bringing out new ones...really dont know what to do tbh

 

[Roller]

i dont even know what to do
i need a new laptop as i start uni in two weeks...my current one is on its last legs
however i dont want a to buy a macbook pro tomorrow and then in a weeks time apple annouce they are bringing out new ones...really dont know what to do tbh

Two things are likely:

1. Apple will announce new laptops some time during the next few months
2. They won't be available in two weeks

So you can try to keep your current computer going until Apple makes its move or buy one now knowing that it'll be superseded by a newer model in the short term. Personally, I'd hold out as long as possible.

 

[boateng]

Two things are likely:

1. Apple will announce new laptops some time during the next few months
2. They won't be available in two weeks

So you can try to keep your current computer going until Apple makes its move or buy one now knowing that it'll be superseded by a newer model in the short term. Personally, I'd hold out as long as possible.

true lool
is this the same with iPads?
why does this always happen to me lol?
when do you think the new one may be out?

 

[Roller]

true lool
is this the same with iPads?
why does this always happen to me lol?
when do you think the new one may be out?

I honestly don't know. About the only hardware that Apple releases on a regular cycle is the iPhone. Computers have been much less predictable. However, the rumor mill usually becomes more and more active in the weeks before an announcement, especially if there's an Apple event.

 

[MDull]

I don't know if Apple can't compete without a built-in webcam, but as you stated, if Apple is willing to pull the audio jack from the iPhone and is now considering whether to eliminate the audio jack in the MBP, why not eliminate the FaceTime camera too? I'll play devil's advocate and suggest it isn't a pro feature and that Tim Cook and Co. could market the iPad Pros as a viable alternative. Remember, they like being "courageous."

I am waiting to see what Apple does with the bezels. I find it difficult to think Apple will be able to shrink the bezels unless it either removes the camera or relocates it; however, there are drawbacks moving the camera to the area beneath the screen, as Dell has done, but I wouldn't care as I never use it on my MBA. [Dons flame retardant suit] I would just like to see a smaller footprint (e.g., a 15.4" screen in a 14.4" form factor) and smaller bezels is the only way to accomplish that. But this is my dream.

I'd rat

I don't know if Apple can't compete without a built-in webcam, but as you stated, if Apple is willing to pull the audio jack from the iPhone and is now considering whether to eliminate the audio jack in the MBP, why not eliminate the FaceTime camera too? I'll play devil's advocate and suggest it isn't a pro feature and that Tim Cook and Co. could market the iPad Pros as a viable alternative. Remember, they like being "courageous."

I am waiting to see what Apple does with the bezels. I find it difficult to think Apple will be able to shrink the bezels unless it either removes the camera or relocates it; however, there are drawbacks moving the camera to the area beneath the screen, as Dell has done, but I wouldn't care as I never use it on my MBA. [Dons flame retardant suit] I would just like to see a smaller footprint (e.g., a 15.4" screen in a 14.4" form factor) and smaller bezels is the only way to accomplish that. But this is my dream.

I'd rather see smaller bezels giving us a 16" screen in the 15.4 form factor.

 

[izzyfanto]

There is not "a chance". You can count on it.

Most get used to it. You may be fine after a bit.

I sincerely tried for 6 months. Ended up hating it. Just sold it.

This is getting pathetic.

I was hoping for a new Air like everyone else this spring. Didn't get that and had to buy the RMB figuring it would only be a few months and I would sell it and get the new Airs or Pro.
Now it's September and no updates in sight.
Skylake has come and gone for every other manufacturer.
Samsung put out the 13" Notebook 9 which is .42lbs lighter than the RMB with Core series CPU and very nearly as thin.

I agree. Many people have been waiting, for quite awhile.

For many years (primarily those of the first unibody MacBook Pro) I was against keyboards that didn't have a lot of travel. But the keyboard on the Retina MacBook actually allows me to type more quickly since they require less force to actuate. I think it takes a bit of getting used to, but the large size of the keys certainly helps with accuracy. I'm sure at some point most computers will have this kind of keyboard and we'll wonder why it wasn't always this way (at least for mobile devices).

I disagree. Complete opposite of my experience. And I owned one for 6 months. Had trouble with rhythm and accuracy. My fingers would hurt after long sessions.

 

[boateng]

is there going to be a new iMac as well?

 

[AdonisSMU]

I prefer keyboards without key travel or very little key travel. The reason i make most mistakes is because I didn't press the keys hard enough. So I am thrilled with the MacBook's lack of key travel. I just wanted to purchase one with a larger screen and more powerful machine with more ram.