Briefly: More sightings of mysterious metallic grey MacBooks

[AppleInsider]

As next month's Macworld Expo rapidly approaches, sources are reporting additional sightings of an unfamiliar MacBook model floating around Apple's Cupertino-based campus.

Most recently, a source described a "dark grey" or "gunmetal" colored notebook of slender proportions making the rounds in an area where Apple traditionally conducts stress tests.

Though noticeably thinner but otherwise similar in size to the company's 13-inch MacBooks, the notebook appeared to have a metallic sheen to it, which set it apart from the current black MacBook.

This most recent sighting seems to fall in line with earlier reports that a slender pair of notebooks were making their way around Apple's campus, clad in both traditional and black aluminum enclosures.

Still, there has been no definitive evidence to link these sightings the company's sub-notebook project, which has been detailed (1, 2, 3) by well-respected sources over the past year and is due to culminate early next month with an introduction at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

Additionally, it should be noted that sightings of particular colors and enclosures at Apple ahead of a product's release are not always fail-safe indicators of that product's final appearance. Apple is also likely working on more slender consumer MacBooks, which could at times be confused with the upcoming sub-notebook.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[reboylin]

It's about time for a redesign and to achieve a thinner Macbook aluminum would be a prime candidate. Annodized aluminum would alow variations in color that can distinguish Macbooks from Macbook Pro lines. I would bet that thinner Macbooks will drop plastic enclosures.

[wessan]

Unify MacBook and MacBook Pro line. Pleeeeease. Put them into Al.

[smashbrosfan]

I suspect more that the Macbooks will start to match the colored iPods. Red anodized aluminum Macbooks all around!

[thebeat]

They were for 15.3" dawgs... a gun metal colour for MACBOOK PRO is coming, not macbook or the sub notebook... but MACBOOK PRO. I know this because I was there.

[FuturePastNow]

Originally Posted by wessan

Unify MacBook and MacBook Pro line. Pleeeeease. Put them into Al.

I think that's what is going to happen. They dropped white plastic in favor of aluminum for the iMac, now they're going to do it for the Macbook.

[Zweben]

Originally Posted by FuturePastNow

I think that's what is going to happen. They dropped white plastic in favor of aluminum for the iMac, now they're going to do it for the Macbook.

An all aluminum lineup though? I think that might start to seem a little dull. Although if they threw in black anodized aluminum, that might help.

[elt_rbd]

I just bought a new Macbook last weekend!
I love the plastic encloure so the looks of the new line up its
not going to be much of a concern. But, does anybody know
if the new Macbooks are going to have more advanced techonology
like an integraded memory card or a faster processor???
If it does i'm going to be sad

[amac4me]

I think MacWorld will be a major Mac event this year. Unlike the 2007 event which focused on the iPhone, Apple will direct more attention to the Mac in 2008.

[PB]

Originally Posted by elt_rbd

If it does i'm going to be sad

Don't be so hasty to be sad. There is nothing special available, hardware-wise, to make the Macbook so much more advanced than the one you have got now.

Only open card is the graphics. But as of now, there is zero indication that Apple would move the Macbook to dedicated graphics so soon, if ever.

[Duddits]

Originally Posted by elt_rbd

I just bought a new Macbook last weekend!
I love the plastic encloure so the looks of the new line up its
not going to be much of a concern. But, does anybody know
if the new Macbooks are going to have more advanced techonology
like an integraded memory card or a faster processor???
If it does i'm going to be sad

Typically, when Apple upgrades their computers, they become less (not more) advanced than the models they replace. If you're familiar with "Moore's Law," you may be aware that the speed of processors slows down by around half every 18 months. In addition, storage space decreases by half every year! So rest assured, whatever you already own is easily going to trounce whatever new products Apple has in the pipeline.

That is the great thing about buying technology: whatever you buy today will be faster and cheaper than whatever you can buy down the road!

So turn that frown upside down, my friend, and enjoy your new mac. Spec-wise, it's all down hill from here!!!!

[PB]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

As next month's Macworld Expo rapidly approaches, sources are reporting additional sightings of an unfamiliar MacBook model floating around Apple's Cupertino-based campus.

Most recently, a source described a "dark grey" or "gunmetal" colored notebook of slender proportions making the rounds in an area where Apple traditionally conducts stress tests.

So, are you saying that someone from inside spilled the beans directly to AI?

[PB]

Originally Posted by thebeat

They were for 15.3" dawgs... a gun metal colour for MACBOOK PRO is coming, not macbook or the sub notebook... but MACBOOK PRO. I know this because I was there.

OK then, you certainly can tell us something more.

[elt_rbd]

Thanks a lot fo all your help
I was already thinking of returning
my Macbook and wait until MWSF
but I won't
Plus I really like it

[merdhead]

This makes sense. Doing a (very) thin laptop in plastic is not very practical, it's just not rigid enough. Aluminium is stronger and dissipates heat better, a serious problem in this size.

Other practicalities mean that the following design decisions would have to be made for a sub notebook, if it is the rumoured 1/2" think, or about 13mm thick:

- no optical drive, that's obvious. An SD or other card slot would make sense as removable media. CDs are going the way of floppy disks and flash is replacing them.

- no removable SSD drive, but flash soldered directly to the motherboard. It makes no sense installing drive modules since they take up a lot more room and are just another component Apple would have to manufacture or purchase. Apple has huge buying power in flash chips and they would most likely have developed their own ASIC to improve read/write throughput performance for flash, which lags disks badly. I can see maybe a 32G low end and a 64G high end model.

- a port concentrator, but not a dock. I think they might go with a single plug for external video, firewire, sound in and out and ethernet, maybe with USB on board in mini size. The prospective thickness of the bottom of the laptop, probably around 8 or 9mm would make having normal ports difficult.

- no removable battery, or at least not as we currently know it. This may mean that to replace the battery you need to unscrew the bottom of the device, on a par with replacing memory. Apple have a history of limiting battery access for the sake of a few millimetres, I can't see this being any different.

- the processor will most likely be a slower version due to heat limitations, but not the ultra-low power versions. Apple want to maximise battery life, but not at the expense of making a machine that is usable. A fan is a no-brainer.

- the screen will probably be 12". 13" is more practical, but would make the machine less attractive compared to a MacBook.

A lot of people in these forums have pretty wacky ideas of what is possible and practical and also quite often represent fairly niche buyers. Apple very clearly is going after large mainstream markets these days. That means no 10" 'ultra-portables', no tablets (although a larger iPod touch is probably on the cards) or hybrid models. Apple designs for what most people want and need, with the minimum of fuss or gimmicks.

[mrtotes]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

sources are reporting additional sightings of an unfamiliar MacBook model floating around Apple's Cupertino-based campus.

Sweet! so that's how Apple are going to get around the heat most of us have to endure on our laps. Floating MacBooks!

[PB]

Originally Posted by mrtotes

Sweet! so that's how Apple are going to get around the heat most of us have to endure on our laps. Floating MacBooks!

Yeah, but for now they are hunting the spy. Helmet on and run.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by wessan

Unify MacBook and MacBook Pro line. Pleeeeease. Put them into Al.

I don't think it makes sense, I'm not sure there's enough separating them. The desktop units are quite clearly delineated, it's much less so with the notebooks.

[steviet02]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

I don't think it makes sense, I'm not sure there's enough separating them. The desktop units are quite clearly delineated, it's much less so with the notebooks.

It would make sense from a thermal standpoint. The aluminum may be almost a necessity if they shaved off thickness and increased speed.

[MiMiC]

Originally Posted by amac4me

I think MacWorld will be a major Mac event this year. Unlike the 2007 event which focused on the iPhone, Apple will direct more attention to the Mac in 2008.

Agreed. I think Leopard has much to do with new tech coming out this year and next ('08 & '09). Seems to be more under the hood upgrades to set a new foundation for new tech.

I just hope the sub MB has a backlit keyboard. Without getting flogged for the comment; i do a lot of typing in poor light and that feature would be great in all MBs. I would LOVE an Apple desktop keyboard with the same!!.

Anyway, hoping the iPhone gets more storage and the sub MB is here next month.

[Duddits]

Originally Posted by steviet02

It would make sense from a thermal standpoint. The aluminum may be almost a necessity if they shaved off thickness and increased speed.

The plastic looks cooler, though.

Perhaps Apple is experimenting with a new material altogether, like organic hand-milked spider silk, which is flexible and strong. Or perhaps they have decided to forgo solids altogether in favor of a gaseous exterior which would, of course, be even better from a thermal standpoint.

[FuturePastNow]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

I don't think it makes sense, I'm not sure there's enough separating them. The desktop units are quite clearly delineated, it's much less so with the notebooks.

Graphics and processor speeds separate them.

[unruhbrady]

Originally Posted by elt_rbd

Thanks a lot fo all your help
I was already thinking of returning
my Macbook and wait until MWSF
but I won't
Plus I really like it

you do know he is being completely sarcastic and trying to tell you that no matter when you buy one there is always going to be a better one right around the corner

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law

[elt_rbd]

Originally Posted by PB

Don't be so hasty to be sad. There is nothing special available, hardware-wise, to make the Macbook so much more advanced than the one you have got now.

Only open card is the graphics. But as of now, there is zero indication that Apple would move the Macbook to dedicated graphics so soon, if ever.

Originally Posted by unruhbrady

you do know he is being completely sarcastic and trying to tell you that no matter when you buy one there is always going to be a better one right around the corner

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law

That wasn't me stating Moore's law.... plus its obvious
you can't just stop time and pretend that techonlogy isn't going to
advance just because you don't want to have an obsolete computer or other
hardware.

[Macbones]

Originally Posted by Duddits

Typically, when Apple upgrades their computers, they become less (not more) advanced than the models they replace. If you're familiar with "Moore's Law," you may be aware that the speed of processors slows down by around half every 18 months. In addition, storage space decreases by half every year! So rest assured, whatever you already own is easily going to trounce whatever new products Apple has in the pipeline.

That is the great thing about buying technology: whatever you buy today will be faster and cheaper than whatever you can buy down the road!

So turn that frown upside down, my friend, and enjoy your new mac. Spec-wise, it's all down hill from here!!!!

Well, I think it is unlikely Apple will intro a major upgrade to the entire line 2 weeks after xmas.We might see a bump, and the intro of the "thin" model. I don't think they are going to intro something that will make folks who just got one for xmas feel bad. I think the Macbook thin will lack an optical drive, will have a solid state HD that is smaller than current offerings. The consolation to folks who bought a macbook will be either lower pricetag and optical drive on the low end macbook, or more storage and an optical drive on the high-end. I think you'll see a major upgrade to the Macbook Pro in March.

[Marktrek]

Originally Posted by Duddits

The plastic looks cooler, though.

Perhaps Apple is experimenting with a new material altogether, like organic hand-milked spider silk, which is flexible and strong. t.

Spider silk would be light weight, strongest material they could use. It would not be firm enough to to hold hard drives, screens, etc. It would however be excellent on the world wide web.

[Kolchak]

Originally Posted by Zweben

An all aluminum lineup though? I think that might start to seem a little dull.

Obviously, you don't remember the Powerbook G4s. 12", 15", 17", all aluminum.

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally Posted by Duddits

Typically, when Apple upgrades their computers, they become less (not more) advanced than the models they replace. If you're familiar with "Moore's Law," you may be aware that the speed of processors slows down by around half every 18 months. In addition, storage space decreases by half every year! So rest assured, whatever you already own is easily going to trounce whatever new products Apple has in the pipeline.

That is the great thing about buying technology: whatever you buy today will be faster and cheaper than whatever you can buy down the road!

So turn that frown upside down, my friend, and enjoy your new mac. Spec-wise, it's all down hill from here!!!!

Could you spread any more FUD? What a waste of someone's time. They asked a simple question and you sarcastically mocked them.

Yes we always see incremental improvements in the area of GPU, CPU, HDD relative to Apple's previous models.

We don't see the leaps of those three people seem to think Apple should add, but then again we tend to see stuff like GigE, FireWire 800 and 802.11n Wireless before the rest of the Industry.

With the upcoming Penryn we all know the next versions of the entire Mac lineup will change, including the Integrated Graphics.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by elt_rbd

Thanks a lot fo all your help
I was already thinking of returning
my Macbook and wait until MWSF
but I won't
Plus I really like it

Just enjoy it (and, I have no doubt you will), and move on......

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by merdhead

A lot of people in these forums have pretty wacky ideas of what is possible and practical and also quite often represent fairly niche buyers. Apple very clearly is going after large mainstream markets these days. That means no 10" 'ultra-portables', no tablets (although a larger iPod touch is probably on the cards) or hybrid models. Apple designs for what most people want and need, with the minimum of fuss or gimmicks.

They also create and define markets. Open your eyes man. A phone with only one main button and a touch screen was a very brave and quite revolutionary move, especially for Apple (they had a lot to lose if it all went wrong). As will the 11" Mac touch. As for hybrids? I can't think of a more un-Apple thing to do. If you don't think Apple's going to do a tablet computer within the next two years you're asleep as far as I'm concerned.

Steve Jobs didn't tout Multi-touch for no reason, the iPhone was just the first page in this rather large and revolutionary novel. First step, show MT to the world, in a way they can understand. Next, bring MT to the iPod. Third move, bring MT to the Mac. "Touch" is where it's at, and Apple knows it.

This isn't just about a tablet for the sake of it, it's about changing the game forever. Apple's going to make it seem last century to use a mouse in the next few years, and the Mac touch will be our first real taster of that. I am so confident a device like this is coming out (before 2009 is over, and maybe even in 2008) that I'm holing off buying an Mac notebook for this reason.

It's a bit like the time I said Apple was most definitely going to do a phone. It didn't take a genius to work out it was only a matter of time. Just like Apple doing a TV, the Mac touch is just a question of when.

[WJHMH]

As long as they figure out how to get them to run cooler but that might me asking for a bit much.

[Rolo]

A brand new MacBook that I ordered for my wife was just delivered an hour ago. I'm setting it up now. I don't want to hear about new MacBooks since they were just recently updated to Santa Rosa. Whatever slim 13.3" notebook is being seen now will be a new MacBook Pro, not a MacBook. The MBP line is due for a major update which includes a new case design and Penryn chips. The existing MBP/PB design has been around since 2003. I got my 15" PB in September, 2003, and I want a new MBP with a new case and Penryn. Please, let that be introduced on Jan 15.

[Lifino]

But the public message is great. Apple is so green, when you're read to buy a new machine in two years your old one is recyclable because they made it out of aluminum!!!

The real irony is that Apple is moving back to a line of Grey Boxes - exactly what the Mac Fans have berated the PCs about for so many years... I say, but you're welcome to disagree, the color of the box has nothing to do with the performance of the machine.

[iPoster]

Originally Posted by Duddits

So turn that frown upside down, my friend, and enjoy your new mac. Spec-wise, it's all down hill from here!!!!

Well, sure, the MacBook looks impressive, don't touch it, but I predict that within 100 years, computers will be twice as powerful, 10,000 times larger, and so expensive that only the five richest kings of Europe will own them.

Originally Posted by Ireland

This isn't just about a tablet for the sake of it, it's about changing the game forever. Apple's going to make it seem last century to use a mouse in the next few years, and the Mac touch will be our first real taster of that. I am so confident a device like this is coming out (before 2009 is over, and maybe even in 2008) that I'm holding off buying an Mac notebook for this reason.

Touch has it's applications, (graphic arts, 3D/architecture design, iPhone, iPod, browsing CoverFlow, so on) but IMHO it will never completely replace the mouse. It just doesn't have the functionality or accuracy.

[elt_rbd]

this is ridiculous I asked a simple
question and all I get is a wave of
sarcastic comments that actually
makes me think you know less than I do

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by elt_rbd

this is ridiculous I asked a simple
question and all I get is a wave of
sarcastic comments that actually
makes me think you know less than I do

There's a difference between sarcasm and playfulness.

[elt_rbd]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

There's a difference between sarcasm and playfulness.

True, but i haven't seen a sense of playfulness in here....

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Ireland

They also create and define markets. Open your eyes man. A phone with only one main button and a touch screen was a very brave and quite revolutionary move, especially for Apple (they had a lot to lose if it all went wrong). As will the 11" Mac touch. As for hybrids? I can't think of a more un-Apple thing to do. If you don't think Apple's going to do a tablet computer within the next two years you're asleep as far as I'm concerned.

Steve Jobs didn't tout Multi-touch for no reason, the iPhone was just the first page in this rather large and revolutionary novel. First step, show MT to the world, in a way they can understand. Next, bring MT to the iPod. Third move, bring MT to the Mac. "Touch" is where it's at, and Apple knows it.

This isn't just about a tablet for the sake of it, it's about changing the game forever. Apple's going to make it seem last century to use a mouse in the next few years, and the Mac touch will be our first real taster of that. I am so confident a device like this is coming out (before 2009 is over, and maybe even in 2008) that I'm holing off buying an Mac notebook for this reason.

It's a bit like the time I said Apple was most definitely going to do a phone. It didn't take a genius to work out it was only a matter of time. Just like Apple doing a TV, the Mac touch is just a question of when.

Wow, you recite Apple marketing drivel as if it were gospel. Apple already do a tablet, the iPod touch and iPhone. Phones are a big mainstream market, and they had a unique product, that's why they entered it. As far as touch screen only phones, its not a new concept, have a look at the mockups people like Synaptics have done for the touch screen technology they sell. Multi-touch is nice, but hardly the cure for world hunger. What would adding it to a laptop bring, exactly, besides added expense? It's be nice to touch the screen, but I'm not sure its worth it. It may require a glass substrate, for instance, meaning it would make it much heavier. Touch screen technology has still got a long way to go before it can replace a keyboard and mouse, if it can at all. Maybe wait until 2015.

As I said, you can have all the fantasies you like, but practical machines for practical people is a different story entirely.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Rolo

A brand new MacBook that I ordered for my wife was just delivered an hour ago. I'm setting it up now. I don't want to hear about new MacBooks since they were just recently updated to Santa Rosa. Whatever slim 13.3" notebook is being seen now will be a new MacBook Pro, not a MacBook. The MBP line is due for a major update which includes a new case design and Penryn chips. The existing MBP/PB design has been around since 2003. I got my 15" PB in September, 2003, and I want a new MBP with a new case and Penryn. Please, let that be introduced on Jan 15.

That's almost guaranteed. After 5 years the MBPs need new styling and a new keyboard. They'll probably all be a bit thinner. I think the new thin machine will be a MBP, I can't see why they wouldn't charge a premium for it, $1500 seems a bit cheap.

[Celco]

Touch has it's applications, (graphic arts, 3D/architecture design, iPhone, iPod, browsing CoverFlow, so on) but IMHO it will never completely replace the mouse. It just doesn't have the functionality or accuracy.

Prove it. You are defining touch by apps based on previous UI constraints not multi touch methodology. Apps will become more visual, think Bento, Delicious Library. Even spread sheet apps could benefit. Btw graphic arts is one of Apple largest sectors. The mouse is NOT accurate. Spend some time with a Wacom Cintiq and you may see how the mouse is flawed. Btw apple makes the worst mouse out there. The mighty mouse scroll pea is a joke.