MacBook Pros running dry in the channel ahead of refreshes

[AppleInsider]

Inventory of MacBook Pros has become severely constrained over the past three weeks, with some reseller now reflecting backorder status on the soon-to-be refreshed Apple professional notebooks.

Apple retail partner and online reseller Best Buy has recently run out of 15-inch models, and lists on its online store wait times of one to two weeks for availability.

Meanwhile, other large Apple resellers have managed to maintain availability of the Intel-based Core 2 Duo notebooks, but have informed AppleInsider that their flow of incoming and forward looking orders has decreased significantly over the past month, ahead of a product refresh.

"With each passing week, [MacBook Pros] are becoming harder and harder to come by," said one source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity. "Orders are still trickling in, but in quantities half those of December."

AppleInsider reported last month that Apple had delayed the planned MacBook Pro refresh by approximately four weeks in the months and weeks approaching Macworld Expo, but that the new models were still due to arrive shortly.

Among the enhancements expected as part of the impending release are processor upgrades to Intel's recently introduced 45-nanometer "Penryn" Core 2 Duo processors at speeds of up to 2.6GHz and the addition of multi-touch trackpads across the entire product line.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

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[Jimzip]

2.6GHz! Wowzers, I remember getting a 366MHz iBook.. How times have changed...
I always love a good refresh though, maybe I'll upgrade this time? Multitouch alone would be a nice upgrade.. SSD's would be nice too.
Meh.

Jimzip

[Rolo]

Although you can special order a 2.6 gig MBP now, it costs $250 more. The standard is 2.4 so with Penryn, the standard moves to 2.6 for the same price. Maybe a bit more efficiency for less heat and longer battery life? I wonder if the smaller package will be used for the CPU that's now used in the MBA? That was to be for the Montevina platform.

What I'd really like to see is a slightly thinner, lighter MBP with styling along the lines of the MBA.

Whatever happened to the idea of a special event on Jan 26? Will that still happen? Any chance the new MBPs are a significant enough upgrade to be rolled out then?

Latchless?
New keyboard?

[Jimzip]

Originally Posted by Rolo

Although you can special order a 2.6 gig MBP now, it costs $250 more. The standard is 2.4 so with Penryn, the standard moves to 2.6 for the same price. Maybe a bit more efficiency for less heat and longer battery life? I wonder if the smaller package will be used for the CPU that's now used in the MBA? That was to be for the Montevina platform.

Oh yeah, that's true just checked the store. Wow I haven't been keeping up to date as much as I thought..
Still, an update like this will be nicely received.

Jimzip

[scavanger]

Finally... I've been waiting to buy for 3 months.... maybe they'll finally add the magnetic latch with this revision.

[Chopper3]

...buying an air and there were no MBP's out on display at all...

[NasserAE]

The $3000 I have been saving for a MacBook Pro just got spent on replacing my car transmission. I hate Honda.

[Rogzilla]

Smart money is on MBP on Tuesday methinks, with the SDK on the 26th.

[Panu]

The MacBook Pro is the only computer in the line that does not have the new keyboard. It is also the only one in the line that has not been redesigned. It has the same case as the PowerBook.

I predict the new MacBook Pros will sport a new keyboard, possibly identical to the present Bluetooth keyboard, and a subtly new case that will have a family resemblance to the MacBook Air.

—Oh, yes, the magnetic latch and a new CPU, of course.

That's all straightforward extrapolation

[faxthat]

This is surprisingly good news for those of surviving at a Tuesday-to-Tuesday existence level.

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by faxthat

This is surprisingly good news for those of surviving at a Tuesday-to-Tuesday existence level.

Which I have to say, as someone not waiting on a MBP, I find this very exciting! I mean, has there been a single Tuesday so far this year where Apple hasn't released ANYTHING! Like, the least climatic was the pink iPod nano!

As a guy really hoping for the tablet rumors to ring true, it kinda sucks cause I know that such a device will not be announced without an event. COMEON JOBS! DON'T MAKE ME BUY AN HP! I WILL CRY!

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by Panu

The MacBook Pro is the only computer in the line that does not have the new keyboard. It is also the only one in the line that has not been redesigned. It has the same case as the PowerBook.

Could you elaborate?

[amac4me]

Another interesting tidbit ... Amazon has rebates on current MBP's that in order to qualify, a purchase must be made by Monday February 18.

Will we see new models on the 19th or at the event on the 26th?

[Jimzip]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

Could you elaborate?

I think he means as far as looks go, the MBP still very closely resembles the last line of powerbooks out there (PB G4). The only real difference is the I/O and the slightly less rounded corners on the MBP bezel and body.
Personally I love that design, it still looks as modern and impressive today as it did when I first bought one, but it would be nice to see an update in the form as well I suppose, possibly to tie it in some way to the direction of the air. No biggie really.
Correct me if I misunderstood you Panu!

Jimzip

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by amac4me

Another interesting tidbit ... Amazon has rebates on current MBP's that in order to qualify, a purchase must be made by Monday February 18.

Will we see new models on the 19th or at the event on the 26th?

Oh now this is just SCREAMING it. That's it, I am taking bets. :-P

[ToddziLLa]

Getting closer!

[Rolo]

Usually, if a Mac gets a case redesign, it's introduced at a media event. The MBP has the same case design as the PowerBook that was introduced in January, 2003, so it's 5 years old. So, if the MBP gets updated on Tuesday, the 19th, it'll probably have the same appearance as the existing model but maybe with minor changes. If it doesn't come out until the 26th at a media event, there's more of a chance for a more significant change in appearance.

[damien0013]

Yeah notice that "Want it delivered by Monday, February 18th?"

Great now I'm not going to be able to sleep till Tuesday to find out this fishy business

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Rolo

The standard is 2.4 [MBP] so with [Merom], the standard moves to 2.6 {Penryn] for the same price. Maybe a bit more efficiency for less heat and longer battery life? I wonder if the smaller package will be used for the CPU that's now used in the MBA? That was to be for the Montevina platform.

What I'd really like to see is a slightly thinner, lighter MBP with styling along the lines of the MBA.

Whatever happened to the idea of a special event on Jan 26? Will that still happen? Any chance the new MBPs are a significant enough upgrade to be rolled out then?

Latchless?
New keyboard?

I would like to see a magnetic version and the longer multitouch trackepad. I think you are dead on balls about the CPU upgrade if I recall the pricing correctly, but these will not use the 22x22mm FSS chip/chipset packaging. The tradeoff for using that smaller footprint is apparently "a higher core voltage to ensure proper power delivery to the chip," according to AnandTech. There just isn't a need for it when you consider the oversize of a 15 and 17" notebook.

The rumoured event is slated for Feburary 26th. I think it will be the SDK and other things that compliment the iPhone. And I'm hoping that Apple will announce a 3G iPhone due out in 6-8 weeks. Remember, it has to get through the FCC so it's going to be known from one source or another, so it might as well be from Jobs.

PS: If you haven't checked out their in-depth, twenty-three page review I suggest you do.

• http://anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=3226

Originally Posted by NasserAE

The $3000 I have been saving for a MacBook Pro just got spent on replacing my car transmission. I hate Honda.

What!? Honda engines and transmissions are great. I am trying to get the the frm specs on the Ariel Atom's chassis and suspension so I can build my own with Honda Civic Type-R engine with Rotex supercharger. The Atom is virtually impossible to come by in the States with a Type-R engine. Sometimes it's better to be East of the pond.

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Smart money is on MBP on Tuesday methinks, with the SDK on the 26th.

I would bet money that.

Originally Posted by Panu

The MacBook Pro is the only computer in the line that does not have the new keyboard. It is also the only one in the line that has not been redesigned. It has the same case as the PowerBook.

I predict the new MacBook Pros will sport a new keyboard, possibly identical to the present Bluetooth keyboard, and a subtly new case that will have a family resemblance to the MacBook Air.

I think a new keyboard could be in order, but they were redesigned when they moved to Intel. Everything was new from top to bottom, though there are many similarities to it and the PowerBook.

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Which I have to say, as someone not waiting on a MBP, I find this very exciting! I mean, has there been a single Tuesday so far this year where Apple hasn't released ANYTHING! Like, the least climatic was the pink iPod nano!

As a guy really hoping for the tablet rumors to ring true, it kinda sucks cause I know that such a device will not be announced without an event. COMEON JOBS! DON'T MAKE ME BUY AN HP! I WILL CRY!

Sorry, no tablet, especially when another highly portable niche device was just released from Apple.

2008 has already brought us: New Mac Pros, Time Capsule, AppleTV 2.0 w/ lowered prices, Movie rentals, Mac OS X 10.5.2, Mobile OS X 1.1.3, updates to most Apple-made apps, and larger capacity iPod Touch/iPhones. Did I leave something out?

Originally Posted by amac4me

Another interesting tidbit ... Amazon has rebates on current MBP's that in order to qualify, a purchase must be made by Monday February 18.

Will we see new models on the 19th or at the event on the 26th?

Perhaps they were told or deduced an answer based on supply information that we don't have, but I doubt it. Amazon seems to be getting it's advice from sites like Apple Insider. Last year they have iLife '07, iWork '07 and .Mac 5.0 webpages up weeks before the Keynote... these didn't come until several seasons later and were given the '08 epithet.

[amac4me]

Here's what the rebate says:

Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing
$150 Rebate
Promo ID: 08-102281
Valid Purchase Dates: 01/29/2008 to 02/18/2008
Last Submission Date: 03/18/2008

Rebate Rules and Conditions:
Limit 1 rebate per household.
To apply for your Amazon.com sponsored rebate online, you will need your Amazon Packing Slip. To apply for your rebate, simply go to www.rebateshq.com/amazon-rebates and complete the online rebate form. Here you will enter transaction information from your Amazon Packing Slip. After completing the online rebate form, you can return to
www.rebateshq.com/amazon-rebates in 24 hours to check your rebate status.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by damien0013

Image :: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...013/amazon.jpg

Yeah notice that "Want it delivered by Monday, February 18th?"

Great now I'm not going to be able to sleep till Tuesday to find out this fishy business

Welcome to AI, damien0013. Don't get impatient and get one before the refresh, even if it doesn't come on Tuesday.

PS: Would you mind using a link to your screenshot instead of that large image. Small images are fine, but those large ones are visually distracting and make it difficult for those of slower connections to load the page.

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Sorry, no tablet, especially when another portable nice device was jsut released from Apple.

2008 has already brought us: New Mac Pros, Time Capsule, AppleTV 2.0 w/ lowered prices, Movie rentals, Mac OS X 10.5.2, Mobile OS X 1.1.3, updates to most Apple-made apps, and larger capacity iPod Touch/iPhones. Did I leave something out?

Didn't Jobs say in the MacWorld KeyNote to expect a lot from Apple this year? So far, he has lived up to that. Why would the fact that they have releases every week evidence that they wont release a tablet device? I think this is going to be the year we see Apple make their strongest push so far, a tablet would only add to that.

And since I think the tablet will appeal to a different niche than the air, I don't see that as reason enough to believe it wont happen this year. If anything, it shows Apple is more willing to appeal to niches such as tablet users.Stake their claim into every major niche. Here are the ones they are in so far: Budget (Mac Mini), All in one (iMac...hell they really created this niche), Power house (Mac Pro), Consumer laptop (MacBook), Professional laptop (MacBook Pro), and UltraPortable Laptop(MacBook air). Adding a tablet to their range gives them one more way to appeal to the larger market. Will they add a consumer level customizeable tower niche? Not their style really...but you never know.

[damien0013]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Welcome to AI, damien0013. Don't get impatient and get one before the refresh.

Would you mind using a link to your screenshot instead of that large image. Small images are fine, but those large ones are visually distracting and make it difficult for those of slower connections to load the page.

Surely sir.

And I've been waiting patiently for.... hmmm.. what is it now? 3 MONTHS? I can wait a few more days.

Its the only reason I haven't spent my tax return yet

I visited the apple store recently actually and they STILL straight up denied the refresh coming. I had to use my "quote" fingers and a lot of IF's in my questions to get any real feedback. They said IF you buy one now and IF the refresh comes out... lol just as long as you don't open the old one there's no restocking fee. Of course I wasn't interested in buying one at the time.. just wanted to see their reaction to the questions... lol which went from play-stupid to Christ-other-customers-in-the-store-can-hear-this-conversation

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Didn't Jobs say in the MacWorld KeyNote to expect a lot from Apple this year? So far, he has lived up to that. Why would the fact that they have releases every week evidence that they wont release a tablet device? I think this is going to be the year we see Apple make their strongest push so far, a tablet would only add to that.

He says something along those lines every year. It's just your typical hyperbolical claims that all marketers make. Perhaps you are right, but I have seen no indication that Apple will be releasing another niche computer a month after the Air arrived. If there is one waiting in the wings, I think it will not be announced until the next MacWorld. I think the SDK and iPhone/iPod Touch related news are the most probable for the 26th, assuming that rumour coming to fruition. Isn't speculation fun?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by damien0013

Surely sir.

And I've been waiting patiently for.... hmmm.. what is it now? 3 MONTHS? I can wait a few more days.

Its the only reason I haven't spent my tax return yet

I visited the apple store recently actually and they STILL straight up denied the refresh coming. I had to use my "quote" fingers and a lot of IF's in my questions to get any real feedback. They said IF you buy one now and IF the refresh comes out... lol just as long as you don't open the old one there's no restocking fee. Of course I wasn't interested in buying one at the time.. just wanted to see their reaction to the questions... lol which went from play-stupid to Christ-other-customers-in-the-store-can-hear-this-conversation

Apple Store employees don't know anything about future Apple product unless they follow these sites, and still, its just an assumption. It's like asking a McDonald's drive-thru employee when the McRib will be back.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Panu

The MacBook Pro is the only computer in the line that does not have the new keyboard. It is also the only one in the line that has not been redesigned. It has the same case as the PowerBook.

I predict the new MacBook Pros will sport a new keyboard, possibly identical to the present Bluetooth keyboard, and a subtly new case that will have a family resemblance to the MacBook Air.

I hope not. I have the new wireless keyboard but I prefer the one in the current MBP. Even if there is a new case design, what I would take advantage of is an older reconditioned model. I like the features of the MBP, but I don't need the CPU power. I really don't need one yet though, just a desire.

[GregAlexander]

Originally Posted by solipsism

The rumoured event is slated for Feburary 26th. I think it will be the SDK and other things that compliment the iPhone. And I'm hoping that Apple will announce a 3G iPhone due out in 6-8 weeks. Remember, it has to get through the FCC so it's going to be known from one source or another, so it might as well be from Jobs.

I tend to agree - SDK focussed and anything related to that.

Sorry, no tablet, especially when another highly portable niche device was just released from Apple.

Unless the tablet runs the iPhone OS and thus the same SDK. While I think it'd be weird for Apple to hold off a tablet release from MacWorld, it would target an entirely different niche to the MBA.

Apple called the iPod Touch their "Mainstream Wi-Fi Mobile Platform", we don't know what else is on that platform. An iPod Touch that is 50% bigger is entirely possible, perhaps even 100% bigger but I think there's value in keeping the short edge of a new Touch the same size as the long edge of the current Touch/iPhone.

Back to MBPro topic.... it's great to hear that a product refresh is likely soon. Perhaps we'll see it in a Tuesday update, if Apple is trying to keep its messages simple.

[riversky]

I bet it will have the same black keyed keyboard as the MacBook Air. Makes financial sense to supply the same across the line as well as the larger trackpad. New processors, bumped graphics GPU but that is about it.

[onceuponamac]

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Oh now this is just SCREAMING it. That's it, I am taking bets. :-P

this means they're two weeks out - so that apple won't have to upgrade all the units sold on rebate!

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by onceuponamac

this means they're two weeks out - so that apple won't have to upgrade all the units sold on rebate!

Why would the Apple Store's 14 day return policy apply to Amazon.com?

Besides, its Amazon offering those rebates, not Apple. Apple isn't loosing any money there. Besides, Amazon does this just before the last product upgrade, didn't they? I recall hearing similar rebates that ended the day before speed bumps were announced.

[NasserAE]

solipsism
What!? Honda engines and transmissions are great. I am trying to get the the frm specs on the Ariel Atom's chassis and suspension so I can build my own with Honda Civic Type-R engine with Rotex supercharger. The Atom is virtually impossible to come by in the States with a Type-R engine. Sometimes it's better to be East of the pond.

Unfortunately, it was my bad luck. I have the 2001 Odyssey model with the bad transmission. They actually extended the warranty 7 years or 109K miles for that particular model of Honda due to factory defect in the transmission for Odyssey and other models. Mine have 113K miles, that just show you how bad my luck is.

[ros3ntan]

I dont get it.. Amazon is not associted to apple besides business partner. So Amazon should have their own stock of computers and is not affected by Apple's shortage. So how is this two linked?

[solipsism]

Some MacBook Pro movkups while you wait...

• http://www.engadget.com/photos/macbo...is-you/644845/

Some are sexy and some are humourous. If there is a change to the case I think that Matthew W. (pic 10 of 16) has the closest design, sans the F-22 Raptor lines.

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by GregAlexander

I tend to agree - SDK focussed and anything related to that.

Unless the tablet runs the iPhone OS and thus the same SDK. While I think it'd be weird for Apple to hold off a tablet release from MacWorld, it would target an entirely different niche to the MBA.

Apple called the iPod Touch their "Mainstream Wi-Fi Mobile Platform", we don't know what else is on that platform. An iPod Touch that is 50% bigger is entirely possible, perhaps even 100% bigger but I think there's value in keeping the short edge of a new Touch the same size as the long edge of the current Touch/iPhone.

Back to MBPro topic.... it's great to hear that a product refresh is likely soon. Perhaps we'll see it in a Tuesday update, if Apple is trying to keep its messages simple.

I will mention this one last time and allow this to die in this thread. This is what I expect, though it would be a more powerful version of the iPhone OS. A halfway point between Leopard and OStouch. I don't think we will see platform larger than 7" for a while and I don't think it will ever have an interface like a regular Mac unless it was docked. And yes, speculation is fun. As a writer/illustrator, I find my active imagination is ripe for it.

*loads his gun, aims and fires at the tablet topic*

OK, moving on. So yeah, MacBook Pros on tuesday?

[mdotdubz]

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Didn't Jobs say in the MacWorld KeyNote to expect a lot from Apple this year? So far, he has lived up to that. Why would the fact that they have releases every week evidence that they wont release a tablet device? I think this is going to be the year we see Apple make their strongest push so far, a tablet would only add to that.

And since I think the tablet will appeal to a different niche than the air, I don't see that as reason enough to believe it wont happen this year. If anything, it shows Apple is more willing to appeal to niches such as tablet users.Stake their claim into every major niche. Here are the ones they are in so far: Budget (Mac Mini), All in one (iMac...hell they really created this niche), Power house (Mac Pro), Consumer laptop (MacBook), Professional laptop (MacBook Pro), and UltraPortable Laptop(MacBook air). Adding a tablet to their range gives them one more way to appeal to the larger market. Will they add a consumer level customizeable tower niche? Not their style really...but you never know.

expect the stock price to climb with each announcement

gonna be a great year, even in a bear market!

[Posty]

I called our local Apple store located in New Hampshire. I asked off the record if they could tell me if I should wait because I was interested in purchasing a Macbook Pro but didn't want a newer version released days later. He told me there was nothing definite, but if I were to purchase a Macbook Pro today I would have 14 days to return it. "IF" there was a new release I could exchange it without paying a restocking fee also. If you were to purchase one tomorrow your warranty would cover you until the end of February.

I don't mind waiting, but I don't want to wait another month to get a Macbook Pro. Does anyone know what the latest "release" date is now? 18th? 19th? I'd love to at least get an idea when I should visit.

[kpluck]

Currently, Apple's onine store says all new MacBook Pro models ship within "24 hours." Shouldn't that say something like 3-5 days if they were going to announce new models this coming Tuesday? Would they risk a bunch of people wanting to return their machines if they purchased over the weekend and wanted the new model?

-Keith

[tuneman07]

Whatever the update is I hope it has some serious flaws so I can get a refurb quicker

[Panu]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

Could you elaborate?

When Apple did the switch to Intel, there was no change to the exterior, other than what was dictated by the innards. The iMacs stayed white plastic, and the MacBook Pros were identical in appearance to PowerBooks. I went to a meeting last weekend at which I had a MacBook Pro and the guy next to me had a PowerBook. Couldn't tell the difference.

The MacBook Pros are the only ones with the same design as before the Intel switch. I think they will be updated, but minimally. New keyboard, new case, new latch, all to match the rest of the line.

[ecking]

Looks like I gotta put mine up for sale sooner than I thought.