Apple has introduced new versions of it notebooks — Macbook & Macbook Pro — with a little more speed, more hard drive and memory, but the same price. Tell me you are as underwhelmed as me by this announcement. These speed bumps are business as usual in the PC business, thanks to Moore’s Law.
The new MBPs have a trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support similar to that of the Macbook Air, but that’s all. I was hoping for a redesign of Macbook Pro. And the new notebooks use Intel Core Duo 2 Penryn processors, which makes me wonder: Will the new machines run cooler? (Frankly I will settle for cool enough for mobile computing.) And will they have better battery life, as suggested by Intel’s claims of energy efficiency?
The Macbook Pro is a solid design. Not sure why you would want a redesign. If there was one, we would have to sit out for a year while people whine about issues with the first generation of the new design.
I agree with D. Fuller. The design is great for the MBP and I’m not sure why a design overhaul is necessary. If by asking for a refresh, Om, it is in regards to the fact that the Air has the same form factor of the MBP I can see what you’re saying.
The Air is a middleman between the MacBook and MBP and therefore a higher priced machine would not have the same general form factor or be made of the same materials.
However given that we are on the cusp of WWDC I don’t foresee any major overhauls coming up and that we won’t see a MBP design refresh until fall. That’s my $.02
I don’t think they were trying to overwhelm anyone. They simply upgraded some machines on their site with very little fanfare. If this was a Macworld announcement then I’d be underwhelmed.
Underwhelming? How jaded we are. Agree with Desmond, The design has another 3-4 years in it. What would you redesign in the MBP? Written from my Powerbook 1.67 15″, remember those?
@trixareforkids
I was hoping to see a MBP design overhaul, ala Macbook Air. So from that perspective this is a marginal upgrade, or rather business as usual.
@ David Evans, I remember the PB. I wish I could get my 12-inch Powerbook back and use that for work. I have so many problems with the “heat” on these new machines.
Seriously Om, it was not meant to be anything other than an minor upgrade. There is no reason for a full redesign, especially since the air has only been around for a short while and has received only marginal reviews. That design needs to prove itself before being considered for any other models. Besides, what is wrong with the current MB and MBP designs? Other than the heat dissipation problem.
Jobs is on record as stating that they pretty much nailed the design of the MBPs and the MBs are a legitimate bargain for $999. It’s totally preposterous that people are making a stink about the refresh of the existing lineup. The only legfitimate complaints are from those who recently bought a MBP or a MB in the last 45 days.
I’m confident that Apple IS working on a refreshed design of the lineup and that they hold a special event to launch any serious redesign of their core lineup. Clearly they can slim down the screen based on the MBA design and taking some of the girth of the lineup is probably on the way as well. I’d also love to see a redesigned MBP or MB that has the option to eliminate the built-in super drive for weight savings.
I’ll end with a general comment on blogs…. I’m starting to loath the gadget-mongering of engadget and gizmodo (less so) and really appreciating the editorial content of some of the more refined networks. Thanks Om, et. all.
There has been conflicting news regarding a 7200RPM drive being made available – does anyone have the final verdict?
The new MBPs come with a 200GB 7200RPM drive available as an option but the default option is a 250GB 5400RPM drive.
I just ordered a new MBP this morning to replace my two-year-old one. It’ll be very nice to have a nearly 3X increase in hard disk capacity and 4GB of memory. Also will be nice to not hear the fan whine when the machine gets too hot and to have a power supply that doesn’t fall apart every six months. (I’m assured of satisfaction this time around because I sprung for AppleCare like a good little soldier.)
“I was hoping to see a MBP design overhaul, ala Macbook Air. So from that perspective this is a marginal upgrade, or rather business as usual.”
Apple doesn’t release “design overhauls” in February via press release. Those are saved for major press events (MacWorld, etc). Its this constant “hoping” that drives the hype and I, for one, am getting tired of it. This is business as usual because -it is- business as usual. So keep hoping – you will be disappointed every day.
Why would anyone buy a MBA if the MBP was the same size? Think a little.
AHHHHH I bought a MB on Saturday…. ohhh well figures this would happen!
@T: Umm, yeah..try looking over the specs of the two models. Even if they made the MBP look like the MBA, it would still be a different machine. Most people, not all mind you, do not buy a computer just on its size.
Where’s the choice for people who don’t necessarily like WinPC, but can’t get what they want from Apple (yet)? For example, where’s the Macbook convertible?
why you did not include Linux? Is it dead?
I am using Win PC (addicted for long time), I don’t see any big reason to move Mac but planning to buy one (for my wife, just a try). 10 years ago, I thought Linux would dominate in both desktop/server/Mobile market….hmmm anyway I still strongly hope that WILL happen
thanks.
You so called pundits ALWAYS over wish and predict so that new product announcements underwhelm or disappoint you with Apple products. Get a BETTER crystal ball. Be satisfied being a “journalist”. Why do you guys want to be prophets TOO? There are just TOO many of you moody guys.
Well, I was hoping for a new keyboard layout for the MacBook Pro; similar to the MacBook Air – the new, recessed (but still backlit) keys. I also wanted to see the magnetic latch, and maybe a more rounded curved case. Oh yeah, and an option for a black case. (I still think my favorite Mac laptop was the G4 Wallstreet)
And could we get a non-glossy screen option for the Air and MacBook?
@ Dave, dude not punditry, just wishful thinking 😉
anyway guys the point is that the noise to signal ratio around these machines and upgrades is way too high.
@Mike,
Macbook Air does have a non-glossy screen.
@ Jesse,
Now tell us what you are really looking for? That would help. 😉
Dear Om,
“I was hoping to see a MBP design overhaul, ala Macbook Air. So from that perspective this is a marginal upgrade, or rather business as usual.”
Yep, you are perfectly right. Well… they have always been like that, haven’t they?
I have a MBP (First version) 17 Inches 1GHz, 512 MB, 60 GB 5400 RPM HDD and 1X DVD Writer since Feb 2003. (It cost me a Fortune at that time, about 2 Lacks 80 Thousand Indian Rupees. My worst investment till now one of the most regretted too!, it’s still not paid itself yet. All Other investments have paid itself just in a couple of months…another story though)
Over the 5 years I have observed that Operating System has changed from 10.1.X to 10.5.X with over 55 “updates” and Apple “Tax” paid 4 times (4 * $120). Comparing the versions before(10.1.X) and now(10.5.X), there is hardly any core update as such except UI changes and a minor addition of some applications. For each of the upgrade, there was again huge hype created. Each time there have been upwards of “100” “radical” “improvements”.
On the hardware front, same story continues. In 5 years time, memory upgrade is from 512 MB to 4 GB, not really a drastic change from Windows based PC’s or industry standards, actually there is nothing special in that, most of other HW vendors have come up with same RAM in their laptops. So is the case with HDD. In fact Apple lacks behind the HDD world, HP’s and Dell’s got 500 GB HDD (2 times what Apple offers).
Other aspects that should have a notable mention is the power adapter plug changed, addition of camera module, screen resolution slightly improved, but not as good as Dell’s or Acer’s Full HD Screens and that’s about it.
As an when Intel comes up with new processors, apple comes up with New Models. There is no way the processors could be upgraded, unlike desktops. And each time Apple comes up with New Laptop’s there’s always a tremendous amount of rumors and equally high hypes.
In contrast, Apple MB Air was an innovative step, yet failed to appeal core MB Pro users to switch. I would rather call Mac Book Air as an internet tablet with full size keyboard and good features than a full fledged Laptop.
I personally was hoping for a solid state drive in the macbook pro, to go along with the LCD screen and cooler processor… I see it in the future though.
What do you think about APPLE MACKBOOK AIR?Is it goood or not?