New Macbook Pros

brav

So it seems new Macbook Pros will launch tomorrow, 13inch will option for i5 and also ThunderBolt is rumored to be new name for LightPeak.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apples-light-peak-implementation-called-thunderbolt-coming-in/

Sad Professor

Rumour is they are going to finally discontinue the Plasticbook as well, which means a price drop for the 13 inch MBP may be on the cards.

opinion guy

Sad Professor wrote: »

Rumour is they are going to finally discontinue the Plasticbook as well, which means a price drop for the 13 inch MBP may be on the cards.

Lets hope so

horgan_p

I'm 2 gens back (13" corde 2 duo macbook pro) and would love to move up to a 15" screen mbp. Hopefully the prices will stay the same....

brav

So far according to rumors its seems only the 17" MBP will have price bump, so not too bad

barryj

Sad Professor wrote: »

Rumour is they are going to finally discontinue the Plasticbook as well, which means a price drop for the 13 inch MBP may be on the cards.

My guess is the plastic MacBook will be dropped.

There will be two 13" options, both alu/metal cases. Lower spec one will be same as existing MacBook/MBP 13 (1280x800), higher spec model will have the 1440x900 display (same resolution as current 13" Air, and current 15").
Matt option on higher res.

New 15" models will all have 1680x1050 displays. Glossy/Matt options.

- barry

silvine

Anyone else think the current MacAirs are a better buy?

Sad Professor

silvine wrote: »

Anyone else think the current MacAirs are a better buy?

Than the 13 inch Plasticbook? Possibly, if you've already got a desktop/primary machine and just want something light and portable for carrying around.

Otherwise I think the MacBook, plastic or otherwise, is the better choice.

barryj

silvine wrote: »

Anyone else think the current MacAirs are a better buy?

Than what?

I assume you mean 13" MBA vs current 13" MBP?

There is some crossover, if you purchase the higher spec options (2GB is pointless, non-upgradeable). But I think both serve different markets and there is room for both.

Sweet spot with the Air is probably the 4GB/128GB with faster processor, but it's a good deal more expensive the the current MBP13, and the battery life is much poorer.

That said, it's a sweet machine, I think a new 13" Pro with better spec will make a more significant difference. With a higher res screen on the Pro 13, I'd buy it in place of an Air.

- barry

DermoMIO

i'm hoping they will be similar price to current models im on a four and a half year old 15inch mb pro that has seen better days, screen on its way out ports not fully responsive etc and can afford the upgrade to a new model so will be in the market for the model 15inch when its out

Elessar

Hmm, tempted.

I have the latest model 15" MBP but would love to upgrade to the 17" depending on the specs.....will have to see if it's worth it.

opinion guy

I have a 2 year old 13" MBP that I spilt coke on about 6 monthsa ago and it continnues to run like a dream. I'm happy with what I have:D

barryj

Elessar wrote: »

Hmm, tempted.

I have the latest model 15" MBP but would love to upgrade to the 17" depending on the specs.....will have to see if it's worth it.

Out of curiosity, why?

I imagine the 17" is not a big seller - it's huge and - not practical for hauling around. I guess if you need a huge screen and something 'luggable', it's an option - but personally I'd chose an iMac and a 13" over a 17".

I have the 15" Late 2008 unibody, which I chose over the 13" only on screen resolution. If I was buying now I'd either choose the 15 with higher res screen, or the 13 with a 1440x900 (if it becomes available tomorrow) based on the weight. I move mine around a lot, and would appreciate the smaller unit.

- barry

Elessar

barryj wrote: »

Out of curiosity, why?

I imagine the 17" is not a big seller - it's huge and - not practical for hauling around. I guess if you need a huge screen and something 'luggable', it's an option - but personally I'd chose an iMac and a 13" over a 17".

I have the 15" Late 2008 unibody, which I chose over the 13" only on screen resolution. If I was buying now I'd either choose the 15 with higher res screen, or the 13 with a 1440x900 (if it becomes available tomorrow) based on the weight. I move mine around a lot, and would appreciate the smaller unit.

- barry

To be honest, my MBP is a desktop replacement. Since I bought my first back in 2006, it has left my house maybe twice. The 17" is the flagship with usually most of the upgrades as standard, so why not? I might just stick with the 15" though, depending on the specs we see tomorrow...

barryj

Elessar wrote: »

To be honest, my MBP is a desktop replacement. Since I bought my first back in 2006, it has left my house maybe twice.

Well I guess that would make a bit more sense then. Though I can't see the 17 being comfortable to use on your lap. And if you were to use it on a desk, I think an iMac would make a bit more sense.

Anyway, I guess if you've last years model it would be tough to justify a new one! I find the 15" a pretty good size for working on and reasonable to cart around. Would be tempted by a 13" with the same resolution though - keen to see what tomorrow brings.

- barry

barryj

opinion guy wrote: »

I have a 2 year old 13" MBP that I spilt coke on about 6 monthsa ago and it continnues to run like a dream. I'm happy with what I have:D

Now that's just not right - never settle for what you have - it's just not the Apple way. You must crave the newest and greatest even when you don't know what it is!

ollie1

I only bought a new MacBook Pro last week

barryj

ollie1 wrote: »

I only bought a new MacBook Pro last week

If you bought direct from Apple - you have 14 days to return it for any reason you like as long as you haven't damaged it. There won't be any quibble. Just don't leave it too late!

- barry

darragh o meara

When is the launch? I've itchy apple finger

BFassassin

Well the store is down so it could be very soon.

barryj

darragh o meara wrote: »

When is the launch? I've itchy apple finger

It's all rumour at this point - nothing official. Rumor has it that they won't be available until after Intel announce launch of Thunderbolt - which is apparently 10a PST (6pm Irish time).

Glad to see you're all ready to send some funds Apple's way.

- barry

barryj

BFassassin wrote: »

Well the store is down so it could be very soon.

Well looks like I may have been wrong about timing in my previous post. Unusual for Store to go down at this time of day - appears to be worldwide!

- barry

opinion guy

barryj wrote: »

Well looks like I may have been wrong about timing in my previous post. Unusual for Store to go down at this time of day - appears to be worldwide!

- barry

Only time I've seen this happen before is for new product release.
Thou seriously its Apple - you'd imagine they would have several back up systems and a pre-production system to tweak things on before release. I fail to see any need for downtime

Homer

opinion guy wrote: »

Only time I've seen this happen before is for new product release.
Thou seriously its Apple - you'd imagine they would have several back up systems and a pre-production system to tweak things on before release. I fail to see any need for downtime

True.. but it's the norm when they are adding new content/products.. All adds to the hype I guess!

barryj

opinion guy wrote: »

Thou seriously its Apple - you'd imagine they would have several back up systems and a pre-production system to tweak things on before release. I fail to see any need for downtime

I don't really think they need to do this - think it's all part of the hype plan - anytime the store goes offline, twitter lights up with expectation and the Mac faithful start polishing the credit card!

- barry

barryj

Seems like 15 & 17" models may be getting quad-core options!

http://www.macrumors.com/

- barry

Elessar

Quad cores and 6750m 1GB GPUs on the 17"....damn it I must upgrade!!! Time to sell the 15"!

No SSDs though...the 120GB one I currently have just isn't large enough....

Come on Apple!

opinion guy

barryj wrote: »

Now that's just not right - never settle for what you have - it's just not the Apple way. You must crave the newest and greatest even when you don't know what it is!

Hmm I must say I do want a solid state hard drive. Tsk.....spinning disks....so medieval:D

ollie1

barryj wrote: »

If you bought direct from Apple - you have 14 days to return it for any reason you like as long as you haven't damaged it. There won't be any quibble. Just don't leave it too late!

- barry

I bought it off the Mac Store its a refurbished MacBook Pro so was a bit cheaper than new.Do you think they would take it back? And thanks Barry.

opinion guy

ollie1 wrote: »

I bought it off the Mac Store its a refurbished MacBook Pro so was a bit cheaper than new.Do you think they would take it back? And thanks Barry.

Its worth a try.

FYI - that is something to watch out for. I've noticed more than once when you see lots of good deals on the store for refurbed products on a specific line - usually means a new release is coming up. I've been stung before like this myself - got a refurb'ed ipod nano a few years back literally days before they released newer sexier ones.

Elessar

ollie1 wrote: »

I bought it off the Mac Store its a refurbished MacBook Pro so was a bit cheaper than new.Do you think they would take it back? And thanks Barry.

Absolutely. All purchases from them have a 14 day return policy, ring them ASAP, or go online through your account and process the return there. They will send a courier free of charge to collect it. Do it NOW! Sometimes it's only 12 days before the cutoff.

ollie1

As soon as the prices are up for the New Macbook Pros I will ring them and see if I can change it. Thanks for your help guys appreciate it

Talisman

silvine wrote: »

Anyone else think the current MacAirs are a better buy?

I have been considering the Air for almost a year, the SSD compensates for the processor speed from what I've seen of their performance. My current reason for not biting is that it doesn't have a 3G facility, I could get a dongle but that would be a pain to work with on the move - given the premium price there should be an internal 3G antenna and a SIM card slot.

barryj

opinion guy wrote: »

Its worth a try.

FYI - that is something to watch out for. I've noticed more than once when you see lots of good deals on the store for refurbed products on a specific line - usually means a new release is coming up. I've been stung before like this myself - got a refurb'ed ipod nano a few years back literally days before they released newer sexier ones.

There are usually refurbs within about three months of product launch, so I wouldn't use that as a gauge to when new product is due. Better bet working on the product cycle and rumour mill.

- barry

Sad Professor

ollie1 wrote: »

As soon as the prices are up for the New Macbook Pros I will ring them and see if I can change it. Thanks for your help guys appreciate it

It's a refurb, they'll only do a refund. Return it and then order one of the new ones. If it's within the 14 days they should accept it no questions asked.

barryj

Talisman wrote: »

I have been considering the Air for almost a year, the SSD compensates for the processor speed from what I've seen of their performance. My current reason for not biting is that it doesn't have a 3G facility, I could get a dongle but that would be a pain to work with on the move - given the premium price there should be an internal 3G antenna and a SIM card slot.

I wouldn't hold your breath on waiting for 3G.

Regarding the current air - I used for a little bit and it's a cracking fast machine for browsing/office apps etc. Applications open so quickly it's very impressive. If my current machine was a bit older, I'd be very tempted.

- barry

barryj

ollie1 wrote: »

As soon as the prices are up for the New Macbook Pros I will ring them and see if I can change it. Thanks for your help guys appreciate it

Obviously you're not going to get refurb pricing on the new machine unless you wait a while - so you'll be looking at paying more most likely for the new machine.

- barry

Talisman

barryj wrote: »

Well I guess that would make a bit more sense then. Though I can't see the 17 being comfortable to use on your lap. And if you were to use it on a desk, I think an iMac would make a bit more sense.

The 17" is fine for working on your lap. Mine is a 2006 model and I use it nearly every day. I bought a Speck hard shell case to prevent scratches and it also acts as a heat shield.

If I want to use it on a desk, I have a Griffin Elevator stand, Apple keyboard and USB mouse - no need for an iMac.

It is a little too heavy for carrying around every day, but it only leaves the house when I need to visit clients.

opinion guy

barryj wrote: »

There are usually refurbs within about three months of product launch, so I wouldn't use that as a gauge to when new product is due. Better bet working on the product cycle and rumour mill.

- barry

3 months warning is plenty hen considering a big outlay like a Mbp I would have thought.

Sad Professor wrote: »

It's a refurb, they'll only do a refund. Return it and then order one of the new ones. If it's within the 14 days they should accept it no questions asked.

barryj wrote: »

Obviously you're not going to get refurb pricing on the new machine unless you wait a while - so you'll be looking at paying more most likely for the new machine.

- barry

Um, I thought it quite obvious that he wants to see the price of the new one before he wants to go returning his cheap refurb, so he knows what he wants to outlay for a new one when he does so

BFassassin

Store is still down but the specs are updated for the MBP
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

barryj

New specs are up. Store still down.

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

- barry

Talisman

Prices are here: http://www.apple.com/ie/macbookpro/specs-compare.html

barryj

Disappointed with new machines.

Shorter battery life - 7 hours across the range
Same display options as before
Poorer graphics on 13" than present.


Only advantages are faster cpus (which I guess = poorer battery life)
HD facetime camera is 720p
Thunderbolt port (nothing to connect to yet)
SDXC card slot (future proof I guess).

- barry

barryj

Talisman wrote: »

Prices are here: http://www.apple.com/ie/macbookpro/specs-compare.html

dollar (ex tax) == euro (incl tax)

- barry

Talisman

barryj wrote: »

I wouldn't hold your breath on waiting for 3G.

I live in hope!

A friend had a theory that the iPad was introduced to wipe out the Netbook market because the Macbook Air couldn't compete there. Once Netbooks were discarded in favor of Tablet PCs, Apple would add the missing Netbook feature to the Air and replace the regular Macbook with it. There are rumors that the next update will include 3G so he may have been right.

horgan_p

The high end 15" looks very nice , but its a very expensive outlay at the moment for me.
I think I'll play the long game and get one refurb when they turn up.
Or second hand on adverts or the like.

Talisman

barryj wrote: »

dollar (ex tax) == euro (incl tax)

That has nearly always been the case except for a brief period where Apple recognised that the US Dollar was monopoly money and adjusted the Euro prices accordingly.

barryj

Talisman wrote: »

That has nearly always been the case except for a brief period where Apple recognised that the US Dollar was monopoly money and adjusted the Euro prices accordingly.

I know we always get screwed on this, but the euro position has strengthened since they brought in the parity pricing - and they did adjust the mini pricing a while back, so was holding out a little hope!

- barry

Talisman

horgan_p wrote: »

The high end 15" looks very nice , but its a very expensive outlay at the moment for me.
I think I'll play the long game and get one refurb when they turn up.
Or second hand on adverts or the like.

There'll be another refresh before the end of the year and the new OS will be included.

Sad Professor

Good update IMO. i5 in the 13 inch means an iMac update can't be too far off. The reduced battery life doesn't bother me. 10 hours on the previous models was mostly bs anyway. As seen with the recent Airs, Apple have started being more accurate in their estimates.

barryj

Sad Professor wrote: »

Good update IMO. i5 in the 13 inch means an iMac update can't be too far off. The reduced battery life doesn't bother me. 10 hours on the previous models was mostly bs anyway. As seen with the recent Airs, Apple have started being more accurate in their estimates.

You're probably right on battery life - I survive pretty well on my 4 hours!

But I'm surprised they didn't bump up the display resolution - would love a 1440x900 13", like on the Air, but with a little more horse power. I'd probably not hesitate on getting one. It would be a half-kilo lighter than my 15".

- barry