Apple Event - October 27th 2016 (New MacBook Pros/Airs)

Sad Professor

Confirmed by Recode and Bloomberg, should be made official today.

New, redesigned Macbook Pros, refreshed MacBook Airs with USB-C, and possibly refreshed iMacs and Mac Pros are expected. It's also been speculated that Apple may discontinue the 11-inch MBA.

The new MBPs are rumoured to be thinner, with MacBook-style keyboard and with "virtual" keys in place of the function keys at the top of the keyboard. Magsafe is expected to be replaced with USB-C.

Davexirl

Sad Professor wrote: »

Confirmed by Recode and Bloomberg, should be made official today.

New, redesigned Macbook Pros, refreshed iMacs, refreshed MacBook Airs with USB-C, and possibly refreshed Mac Pro are expected. It's also been speculated that Apple may discontinue the 11-inch MBA.

The new MBPs are rumoured to be thinner, with MacBook-style keyboard and with "virtual" keys in place of the function keys at the top of the keyboard. Magsafe is expected to be replaced with USB-C.

Good news, I'm looking forward to buying my first mac.

Sad Professor

Davexirl wrote: »

Good news, I'm looking forward to buying my first mac.

A new convert!

What are you planning to get?

drunkmonkey

Let's hope they have a GTX 1080 built into those new mbp's.

Sad Professor

It won't happen, but I'd love discrete graphics in the 13-inch. It would save me getting a PS4.

Davexirl

Sad Professor wrote: »

A new convert!

What are you planning to get?

Yes!!! I'd say a 13" mac book pro, ordered from apple.co.uk. Take advantage of the STG rate

Oafley Jones

I wouldn't be getting my hopes up for an iMac before march.

Sad Professor

It's official.

Sad Professor

Oafley Jones wrote: »

I wouldn't be getting my hopes up for an iMac before march.

They are overdue a refresh, but yeah you might be right. I've changed the thread title to just MacBooks since they are all we can really be sure of.

Graham

Oafley Jones wrote: »

I wouldn't be getting my hopes up for an iMac before march.

I hope you're wrong, been holding off on replacing mine for a while now.

IamMetaldave

Every time I read that "Hello Again" I hear it in Elliott's voice from Mr Robot!
My Macbook Air is grand but I could defo see myself getting a new one if they interest me! The old one is in mint condition so I'd have no bother getting at least half the cost of the new one (I hope haha).

QikBax

There's currently about a €400 difference in price between the top factory specced Pro on the UK site vs the Irish Site

Graham

QikBax wrote: »

There's currently about a €400 difference in price between the top factory specced Pro on the UK site vs the Irish Site

Roadtrip to Belfast and save €400 or a free weekend in London. Decisions decisions

Sad Professor

QikBax wrote: »

There's currently about a €400 difference in price between the top factory specced Pro on the UK site vs the Irish Site

Probably not for much longer though. Sterling has fallen against the dollar as well, so I expect Apple will take this opportunity to adjust their prices. For the new products anyway.

Graham

Sad Professor wrote: »

Probably not for much longer though. Sterling has fallen against the dollar as well, so I expect Apple will take this opportunity to adjust their prices. For the new products anyway.

Boooo.

You're probably right though

I wonder is it worth watching out for out-of-stock Macs then ordering one in the hope the price will be honoured but the spec bumped.

Sad Professor

Graham wrote: »

Boooo.

You're probably right though

I wonder is it worth watching out for out-of-stock Macs then ordering one in the hope the price will be honoured but the spec bumped.

No. If it was just a spec bump this might work, but in the case of the MBP these are redesigned models with different keyboards, different colours, different ports, different power connectors, etc. Even the Air will probably lose MagSafe for USB-C. There's all sorts of reasons why you might not want the newer model. They'll send you the old one and tell you to return it for a refund.

Losty Dublin

I was wanting a new MBP for ages now but I didn't move given the impending revamp. One thing I was worried about is that I currently use Firewire for an external sound card. Thunderbolt was adaptable but if they opt for just USB C then it's either a new sound card (More dosh) or a refurb, which still has me behind in the world. Decisions decisions

Sad Professor

OSI wrote: »

Would be a shame if they lost the MagSafe. I think it's one of the best ideas for a power connector that's ever been implemented in an electronics device.

Their thinking is probably that the battery life is so good that there's no need to connected to power while using the laptop, at least not while lying on the sofa or in bed or other mobile situations in which you are likely to trip over the cable.

That and they just don't have space for it anymore.

IamMetaldave

Have to say the MagSafe going would suck, I will step on that cable. I know me!

Albert_Camus

I moved from magsafe to USB C with the new MacBook.. I'm happier moving to a standard connection. Standards are good for me ☺️

Albert_Camus

Sad Professor wrote: »

That and they just don't have space for it anymore.

Is it because of space? If so could they move the magsafe to the power brick.

Sad Professor

Albert_Camus wrote: »

Is it because of space? If so could they move the magsafe to the power brick.

I don't think that work as reliably to be worth it. What if you stepped on the cable instead of tripping on it?

Zapp Brannigan

Be a shame to see MAgsafe go, saved my laptop on many occasion.

whiterebel

Zapp Brannigan wrote: »

Be a shame to see MAgsafe go, saved my laptop on many occasion.

Yeah, same here.

Royale with Cheese

Are there any reliable sources stating how many ports these are going to have? I need at least 2, probably 3. Have never owned an Apple product, was never a fan of the ipod/iphone etc. The only product of theirs I'd ever consider buying is the macbook, and now I'm about to do that they're talking about removing the ports on them that I need. I'm not paying 2k+ for a laptop that needs an adapter for me to be able to plug in the devices I need to use, will probably just stick with windows if they go down that route.

Paulw

macrumours.com are saying there will be 4 usb-c port. So, one will be used to power the unit itself, but you can power in and also device out. I think you can chain 4 devices per port. It's USB 3.1 combined with thunderbolt 3, so should be good for a lot of different types of devices.

http://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/22/kuo-october-2016-mac-predictions/

WhiteMemento9

Royale with Cheese wrote: »

Are there any reliable sources stating how many ports these are going to have? I need at least 2, probably 3. Have never owned an Apple product, was never a fan of the ipod/iphone etc. The only product of theirs I'd ever consider buying is the macbook, and now I'm about to do that they're talking about removing the ports on them that I need. I'm not paying 2k+ for a laptop that needs an adapter for me to be able to plug in the devices I need to use, will probably just stick with windows if they go down that route.

You mind me asking what has you considering a Mac this time around? I am seriously considering one this time around. I am waiting to see what Microsoft announce at their event which is the day before Apples on the 26th and then see what Apple offer and choose between the two. I am hoping for a Surface Book 2 will be launched which I would snap buy over everything but that looks unlikely so instead it will probably be either a SB 1 with updated Kaby Lake chip or a new Macbook. Coin toss at the moment.

I just have been quite lack luster about the leaks and what I think looks like a real lack of innovation on Mac's part. 3 years and the best they can come up with is an adaptive strip that is years old technology and looks like it won't be anything super useful or forward thinking. I think most people would agree Mircosoft have jumped ahead in design, innovation etc. I will say the Surface book has been plagued by problems as they have been essentially beta testing it on the public. Disgracefully so, the amount of problems with a premium machine costing around 2K is unforgivable but it does finally seem to be stable. The SB 2 should be perfect now they have worked through all the kinks but I can't afford to wait until next year so fingers crossed for the slight chance it has a 26th launch to gazump the Macbook.

Albert_Camus

Royale with Cheese wrote: »

Are there any reliable sources stating how many ports these are going to have? I need at least 2, probably 3. Have never owned an Apple product, was never a fan of the ipod/iphone etc. The only product of theirs I'd ever consider buying is the macbook, and now I'm about to do that they're talking about removing the ports on them that I need. I'm not paying 2k+ for a laptop that needs an adapter for me to be able to plug in the devices I need to use, will probably just stick with windows if they go down that route.

Why are you thinking of buying a mac?

Royale with Cheese

Live music performance. I'll be plugging a keyboard into the laptop and using various virtual instruments off that. You'll see a lot of bands/djs using macs but I think windows is just as capable of doing the job these days. However I've already got a high spec windows desktop so I don't really see the point in shelling out a lot of money for another windows machine. At least this would give me something different to play around with when I'm not using it for music.

I'll most likely need to use an external sound module on top of the keyboard so it's probably 3 ports I'll need (one for charging).

Sad Professor

Re: Magsafe, I've started paying attention to how often I trip or step on the cable causing it to disconnect. I estimate I do it 4-6 times a day. Most of the time I don't even notice I've done it. :eek:

Mind you, this is with a 2011 MBA that gets 3 hour battery life at most so I'm connected to power a lot. But still, the fact that I've come to unconsciously rely on Magsafe isn't good if these rumours are true.

Davexirl

Any new colours going to be available?

Sad Professor

Leaked images, or rather hidden images in Sierra, of the new 13-inch MBP:




http://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/25/images-of-new-macbook-pro-leaked/

Sad Professor

So, thinner bezel, side speakers, touch bar, butterfly keyboard, but overall the design is pretty similar. I don't think this is a huge surprise. The Macbook One was described as the future of the Macbook line-up and it wasn't drastically different either.

It'll be interesting to see if the Touch ID is an actual button.

WhiteMemento9

Well the Microsoft event was a non-event at least in terms of the Surface Book. No refresh, not even an update to Kaby Lake and no added USB-C port.

I need a laptop now. Looks like I am boarding the Mac train. Hyped for the event tommorow now

Sad Professor

Keynote is starting in 5 minutes and can be watched live on Apple.com.

http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/

NUTZZ

YouTube live link also;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xim-EvD-Obs

Kavrocks

All this clapping is getting quite annoying. It's not like they've actually announced anything yet.

Albert_Camus

Touch Bar eh... I'm kind of thinking of find it annoying.. Being a developer I probably work differently to designers but do most professionals not just know their shortcuts.

Be interesting to try I guess.

Star_Nupa

Touchbar looks awful. Be way easier to use a mouse. It's in an inconvenient spot too above the keyboard. It's even uncomfortable to hold your arms that way, especially when working on finer things.

MS killed it yesterday infairness. Targeting Apple's last 'secure' market - creative pro's.

Read an article on the other day on how Cook is essentially Apple's version of Ballmer. Not saying I agree necessarily, but good comparison and interesting article.

Albert_Camus

And for people who weren't happy with one port on the 12 MacBook... They now have 4 ports and a bag of dongles... Instead of just one dongle to provide all the ports..

I went with the 12 MacBook(suits me perfectly) and these wouldn't bring anything to the table for me. Obviously everyone's needs are different, just interested in whose needs are being filled with today's additions.

thecommander

Albert_Camus wrote: »

Touch Bar eh... I'm kind of thinking of find it annoying.. Being a developer I probably work differently to designers but do most professionals not just know their shortcuts.

Thought exactly that, every function they accessed would be much easier to do with a shortcut. New mail, make a font bolder, zoom in and out etc etc.

Sad Professor

Prices have gone up! Everywhere!

Budget 13-inch is €1,749.
13-inch with Touchbar starts at €2,099.
15-inch with Touchbar starts €2,799.00

For comparison the 13-inch Retina MBP used to start at €1500 and the 15-inch at €2,299.

Ouch!

Albert_Camus

Sad Professor wrote: »

Prices have gone up! Everywhere!

Budget 13-inch is €1,749.
13-inch with Touchbar starts at €2,099.
15-inch with Touchbar starts €2,799.00

For comparison the 13-inch Retina MBP used to start at €1500 and the 15-inch at €2,299.

Ouch!

Those prices seem odd.

Zapp Brannigan

Prices are mental!

Davexirl

Jasus checked Apple.co.uk and sterling is the same price as euro!!! The prices are mad.

Sorry I got that wrong!!

Albert_Camus

Davexirl wrote: »

Jasus checked Apple.co.uk and sterling is the same price as euro!!! The prices are mad.

Sorry I got that wrong!!

And the dongles aren't included ☺️

NUTZZ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPRkcczXCY

Sad Professor

US prices have gone up as well, though not as much. And the low end Pro is still the same.

I'd attribute Euro increase to Sterling problems. Looks like Apple spread the increase out across Eurozone instead of just hitting UK customers, which I guess makes sense from their POV.

Best solution for Irish customers is to buy from the UK - which hardly needs saying as everyone is already doing so.

Albert_Camus

OSI wrote: »

Watching that video, there's nothing the touch bar does that either keyboard shortcuts or trackpad gestures didn't already do, and do more conveniently.

Yeah, it's as if they are going out of their way not to just bang a touchscreen on it.

Sad Professor

Anyway, the touch bar is nice but I was more impressed by the new slimmer design, especially compared to the old 13-inch Air. For US customers this is a good upgrade. You get a new design and the touch bar for about a 100 more.

But the Euro price increase pretty much kills any chance of me getting one. I'd have considered the budget model with edu discount from Belfast, but the specs are disappointing.

Oafley Jones

Star_Nupa wrote: »

Touchbar looks awful. Be way easier to use a mouse. It's in an inconvenient spot too above the keyboard. It's even uncomfortable to hold your arms that way, especially when working on finer things.

MS killed it yesterday infairness. Targeting Apple's last 'secure' market - creative pro's.

Read an article on the other day on how Cook is essentially Apple's version of Ballmer. Not saying I agree necessarily, but good comparison and interesting article.

Balmer is an easy target for multiple reasons but on the whole the guy put out better products than Gates.

Meh to the new MacBook Pros.