Apple preps MacBook Pro updates, launches online outlet
Several bits of anecdotal evidence have turned up in recent days to suggest that it won't be long before Apple refreshes its professional notebook line with speedier models. Meanwhile, tipsters note that the company has launched its new online outlet store.
MacBook Pro updates
With last month's rather mild 13-inch MacBook refresh in the rear-view mirror, Apple is believed to be in the final preparatory stages of launching a more significant update to its professional line of MacBook Pro notebooks.
The new 15- and 17-inch portables, which AppleInsider began detailing back in January, are expected to borrow several architectural enhancements from Intel Corp.'s Santa Rosa platform while also introducing L.E.D.-backlit displays to the 15-inch models.
According to an industry source who has filed accurate reports in the past, Apple ramped down production of its current MacBook Pros a few weeks ago. The source notes that pending orders for new models in regions that require custom parts -- such as alternative keyboard layouts -- have been on backorder for a number of weeks with a estimated delivery date of "early June."
The source added that a similar series of events played out last year, ahead of Core 2 Duo updates to the then Core Duo 13-inch MacBooks.
At the same time, a second -- albeit unverified -- report claims that Apple this week accidently fired-off an email communication regarding the impending MacBook Pro updates to its major U.S. distributors and high level dealers.
The e-mail, titled "Setup info for new SKUs," purportedly contained new part numbers, product dimensions, palette makeup, and pricing information. The shipping weight for the two 15-inch MacBook configurations was listed at 10lbs (approximately the same as the 10.4lbs listed for current models), while the shipping weight for the 17-inch model was listed at 11lbs (compared to 11.6lbs).
A price list accompanying the communication was said to reflect no changes from today's MacBook Pro pricing.
Within minutes of sending the e-mail, Apple reportedly sent out a second communication calling the first message a "mistake" and asking that the information contained therein be discarded.
Apple Outlet Store
Meanwhile, Apple this week launched its Apple Outlet -- essentially a branded and remodeled section of its online store reserved for the sale of clearance items and refurbished products.
The update drew particular interest amongst tipsters, who noted that the outlet launched with a Mac section stock-full of refurbished Core Duo and Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro. Discounts on the refurbished notebooks ranged from 18 to 41 percent, hinting towards a final inventory clearing ahead of new models.
The Apple Outlet also launches amid reports that Apple has canceled monthly fire sales at some of its brick-and-mortar retail stores. This may imply that a larger majority of returns and open box retail items will now be funneled back through the company's Elk Grove facility in Sacramento for repackaging and sale online.
MacBook Pro updates
With last month's rather mild 13-inch MacBook refresh in the rear-view mirror, Apple is believed to be in the final preparatory stages of launching a more significant update to its professional line of MacBook Pro notebooks.
The new 15- and 17-inch portables, which AppleInsider began detailing back in January, are expected to borrow several architectural enhancements from Intel Corp.'s Santa Rosa platform while also introducing L.E.D.-backlit displays to the 15-inch models.
According to an industry source who has filed accurate reports in the past, Apple ramped down production of its current MacBook Pros a few weeks ago. The source notes that pending orders for new models in regions that require custom parts -- such as alternative keyboard layouts -- have been on backorder for a number of weeks with a estimated delivery date of "early June."
The source added that a similar series of events played out last year, ahead of Core 2 Duo updates to the then Core Duo 13-inch MacBooks.
At the same time, a second -- albeit unverified -- report claims that Apple this week accidently fired-off an email communication regarding the impending MacBook Pro updates to its major U.S. distributors and high level dealers.
The e-mail, titled "Setup info for new SKUs," purportedly contained new part numbers, product dimensions, palette makeup, and pricing information. The shipping weight for the two 15-inch MacBook configurations was listed at 10lbs (approximately the same as the 10.4lbs listed for current models), while the shipping weight for the 17-inch model was listed at 11lbs (compared to 11.6lbs).
A price list accompanying the communication was said to reflect no changes from today's MacBook Pro pricing.
Within minutes of sending the e-mail, Apple reportedly sent out a second communication calling the first message a "mistake" and asking that the information contained therein be discarded.
Apple Outlet Store
Meanwhile, Apple this week launched its Apple Outlet -- essentially a branded and remodeled section of its online store reserved for the sale of clearance items and refurbished products.
The update drew particular interest amongst tipsters, who noted that the outlet launched with a Mac section stock-full of refurbished Core Duo and Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro. Discounts on the refurbished notebooks ranged from 18 to 41 percent, hinting towards a final inventory clearing ahead of new models.
The Apple Outlet also launches amid reports that Apple has canceled monthly fire sales at some of its brick-and-mortar retail stores. This may imply that a larger majority of returns and open box retail items will now be funneled back through the company's Elk Grove facility in Sacramento for repackaging and sale online.
Comments
edit: first ever first post!
The Apple Outlet also launches amid reports that Apple has canceled monthly fire sales at some of its brick-and-mortar retail stores. This may imply that a larger majority of returns and open box retail items will now be funneled back through the company's Elk Grove facility in Sacramento for repackaging and sale online.
It was monthly? I've seen one and bought a few things last year, but I never saw them again. I assumed it was a one-off event.
Digg it
See you in a few days.
I am hoping for an ultra-portable announcement at WWDC. I've been waiting to replace my 12" PB since the switch to intel.
Yeah, the 12" PB is magical and classic now. There must be a replacement soon that replaces it with a bang. It must be in the 1kg (2,21 pound) class to be really ultra portable. That would be something for us. Sony does it with vaio... cmon Apple...
The e-mail, titled "Setup info for new SKUs," purportedly contained new part numbers, product dimensions, palette makeup, and pricing information. The shipping weight for the two 15-inch MacBook configurations was listed at 10lbs (approximately the same as the 10.4lbs listed for current models), while the shipping weight for the 17-inch model was listed at 11lbs (compared to 11.6lbs).
Wait a second, they detailed weight reduction for both models, 0.4 reduction for the 15" and 0.6 for the 17". That would suggest both models getting LED displays.
Sebastian
Wait a second, they detailed weight reduction for both models, 0.4 reduction for the 15" and 0.6 for the 17". That would suggest both models getting LED displays.
Sebastian
Or maybe eco-friendly packaging
See you in a few days.
THANK YOU.
-=|Mgkwho
Or maybe eco-friendly packaging
Yes I just reread it and checked Apple's site. By Shipping weight I assumed they meant the weight of the Macbook Pro itself. 10 and 11 pounds is far too heavy.
In that case, the weight reduction isn't enough.
Sebastian
While I don't mind the banning of people for improper posts, what is the reasoning behind banning people that post "digg-its"? is it because it is simply annoying or because the server gets blasted from the digg traffic?
A 'Digg It' post is an improper post. It provides zero contribution to the subject matter of the thread.
Yes I just reread it and checked Apple's site. By Shipping weight I assumed they meant the weight of the Macbook Pro itself. 10 and 11 pounds is far too heavy.
In that case, the weight reduction isn't enough.
Sebastian
Agreed. However I hope to purchase a 15" with LED santa rosa and... I hope firewire 800 and flash memory. 17" is just too big for me. I couldn't care less about built-in ATT EDGE because I use Verizon.
Wait a second, they detailed weight reduction for both models, 0.4 reduction for the 15" and 0.6 for the 17". That would suggest both models getting LED displays.
Sebastian
Or perhaps they did some creative rounding. Never trust integers.
/Adrian
Agreed. However I hope to purchase a 15" with LED santa rosa and... I hope firewire 800 and flash memory.
Current 15" models have FW800.
Also, how likely is it that we see a Blu-Ray or DVD-HD drive in this refresh? How likely for a enclosure redesign?
They have some 15" macbook pros for like $1,599 for the 2.16ghz model...thats pretty good right? I mean, what will this update really do? I'll have the student discount anyways, but i'd be saving like $300?! Someone help me make a decision, lol. I was going to buy a new MBP on July 13, but now idk if I should just get a refurb now.
Ah, i'd only save $200...and I bet they'll offer a free ipod soon too...
While I don't mind the banning of people for improper posts, what is the reasoning behind banning people that post "digg-its"? is it because it is simply annoying or because the server gets blasted from the digg traffic?
This should not have happened solely for a Digg link promoting. I apologize and have already reinstated Andrew.
Best,
K