Notes of interest on recent Apple MacBook case leaks

***AppleInsider*** · 10-09-2008, 07:15 PM

Lost among the flurry of speculation surrounding new MacBooks are a number of noteworthy observations about the portables that may lend insight into their design.

The most self-evident change between Apple's current MacBook lineup and the new models expected next week are the side expansion ports.

Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro that appear to have been photographed have extremely thin side areas which are just large enough to contain the ports themselves -- thin enough that Apple has had to shunt the port labels to the side. While neither system will be quite as thin as this, as Apple is believed to be using a tapered bottom that will add slightly to the height, the reengineering may contribute to a design which is predicted by some to be thinner overall than earlier models.

Port layouts have also changed, though without better photos and a view of both sides it's difficult to tell how many elements have been added or removed. Again, the MacBook Pro has potentially switched to mini-DVI output instead of the full connector from Apple's professional notebooks of the past several years, though why this would be chosen remains a mystery. Historically, Apple has opted for proprietary connections for its displays when space for other ports is an issue; the quintessential example of this has been the micro-DVI connector necessitated by the thin, small expansion door of the MacBook Air.

The next MacBook Pro's top and left sides.

Apple's rumored 13-inch MacBook as seen from its top and sides.

But while the 13-inch MacBook's top layout is widely expected to match that of its similarly-sized ultraportable sibling, extending to a larger trackpad, the MacBook Pro will carry more tangibly unique design changes besides the new keyboard tray. The speaker grilles bordering the keyboard are more finely perforated than today's system and, notably, no longer run to the edge of the notebook as they do now -- though whether these differences are for practical size purposes or simply a stylistic change isn't evident at this stage.

What may be clearer, however, is Apple's design direction for the top of its notebooks, which may have been tipped off by the company's own invitation for the introduction on its corporate campus. An observation at Boing Boing notes both that the edge of the display isn't that of the MacBook Air but also that the logo isn't necessarily proportioned correctly for the shadowed image to represent a 15-inch MacBook Pro.

The MacBook in Apple's press invitation, with the logo used as a guide for size. | Credit Boing Boing

Using the size of the logo on a present-day MacBook Pro as a reference, the site estimates that the logo is too large relative to the borders of the lid to represent a system with a screen larger than the 13.3 inches of the standard MacBook.

Apple in the past has changed the size of its logo and isn't necessarily using an actual future system as a template, giving some leeway for its teaser image to represent a different model or none at all. Still, the image is potentially the Mac maker's most direct hint yet of its upcoming design direction.

Virgil-TB2 · 10-09-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

... Using the size of the logo on a present-day MacBook Pro as a reference, the site estimates that the logo is too large relative to the borders of the lid to represent a system with a screen larger than the 13.3 inches of the standard MacBook. ....

I think this speculation on size is a bit thin.

When I saw the invitation image for the fist time I did the same calculation by overlaying an image of my 12" Powerbook as a comparison. Based on the logo being the same size (the same assumption I made) it came out to 14.173 inches wide for me which is the perfect size for a standard 13" screen on the other side.

There's also a margin of error that is probably going to be in the quarter to a half of an inch range for all of these jpeg based calculations, and there is (as you yourself note) no surety that the logo is going to be the same size anyway.

edit: I may have misunderstood what you are getting at. You are saying the image represents a smaller than 13" screen or larger?

edit 2: NM I just realised how stupid I am

as a 12" user I forgot that they don't make them this small currently. This is the new 13" MacBook Pro! (maybe)

Bageljoey · 10-09-2008, 07:33 PM

Well, if anyone thought that the short lead time to the 14th was going to lesson the frenzy, I guess we can forget that!
I expect to see the same 5 images in 30 or 40 more articles between now and then...

(Not that I'm complaining. But it would be nice if Apple leaked a few more for varieties sake.

)

SpamSandwich · 10-09-2008, 07:35 PM

First of all, the image shown on the invitation doesn't look like an actual product shot. The edges look like fake 3D created in Adobe Photoshop, so I wouldn't assume this is an actual product.

solipsism · 10-09-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Again, the MacBook Pro has potentially switched to mini-DVI output instead of the full connector from Apple's professional notebooks of the past several years, though why this would be chosen remains a mystery.

1) There is no evidence that Mini-DVI can support DL-DVI so this can't me a MBP or 30" displays will note function.

2) Hasn't there been plenty of discussion already that show that port size fits a 4-pin 1394a (FireWire 400) port, not a Mini-DVI port that bevels a the bottom?

JimDreamworx · 10-09-2008, 07:47 PM

If the logo is actually really, really big, then this might be the NetBook!

Zandros · 10-09-2008, 07:48 PM

*away*

zerfman · 10-09-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimDreamworx

If the logo is actually really, really big, then this might be the NetBook!

dont be stupid

if the logo is really big that makes the screen really big.... you want the logo to be tiny for it to be a netbook............

treestman · 10-09-2008, 08:11 PM

These MacBooks could very well utilize the newer 16:9 ratio screens. Since you lose vertical resolution, they're typically a bit wider to help make up for it.

The existing MacBook's 13.3" screen at 1280x800 may be replaced with, say, a 13.8" screen at 1366x768. The picture might reflect an extra half-inch (more or less) of width for the new screen.

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:28 PM

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treestman

These MacBooks could very well utilize the newer 16:9 ratio screens. Since you lose vertical resolution, they're typically a bit wider to help make up for it.

The existing MacBook's 13.3" screen at 1280x800 may be replaced with, say, a 13.8" screen at 1366x768. The picture might reflect an extra half-inch (more or less) of width for the new screen.

Now that is an interesting observation, I guess we'll have to want and see.

Like I've been saying. Expect both the MacBook and MacBook Pro to come in aluminum, with cues taken from the Air, cause that's all we're getting. Don't expect a Daniel Eran-style glass trackpad, keep your feet on the ground. That would be a useless, and needlessly expensive.

And expect a white chicklet keyboard on the MacBook, and black, backlit ones on the ProBooks. Aside from that we could get a color surprise, which we should (really).

Not selling the 13" MacBook (new, aluminum) in at least 5 colors, including silver, would be a mistake in my view.
The color-factor alone is selling these Dell's and Eee's, the kids are eating that stuff up.

treestman · 10-09-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

And expect a white chicklet keyboard on the MacBook, and black, backlit ones on the ProBooks.

I hope they go with black on all of them, though of course the lower models would not be backlit.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 08:44 PM

The reason why you'd use a mini DVI or smaller ports generally is because as the machine gets thinner you can't stack things in the design, you have to put them side by side. So the motherboard has to take up less space toward the back as the front is used up by the battery. Because the motherboard is smaller you want to squeeze the ports together so that they all fit. Having floating ports on wires would increase costs and be less reliable.

Personally I think having small ports is good. The industry needs to get a clue and do away with all large connectors and start shrinking in earnest, or better still do everything in wireless.

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treestman

I hope they go with black on all of them, though of course the lower models would not be backlit.

Apple are moving to a black keyboard-means it's backlit-design (the black MacBook won't be rehashed).

An obvious area where this is been demonstrated in action is their desktop keyboards. There's no other good reason good why the new iMac keyboards aren't black-on-silver. After all the iMac is black and silver.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Now that is an interesting observation, I guess we'll have to want and see.

Like I've been saying. Expect both the MacBook and MacBook Pro to come in aluminum, with cues taken from the Air, cause that's all we're getting. Don't expect a Daniel Eran-style glass trackpad, keep your feet on the ground. That would be a useless, and needlessly expensive.

And expect a white chicklet keyboard on the MacBook, and black, backlit ones on the ProBooks. Aside from that we could get a color surprise, which we should (really).

Not selling the 13" MacBook (new, aluminum) in at least 5 colors, including silver, would be a mistake in my view.
The color-factor alone is selling these Dell's and Eee's, the kids are eating that stuff up.

Laptops aren't iPods, they're not purchased mainly by teenage girls. Having more colours means they're more expensive to produce and distribute, and for a low-end product and with a price drop, I don't see it.

Also the colour of the keyboard will be matched against the colour of the case. Apple always go for the best looking combination. The black MacBooks have black keyboards. The white has white.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Apple are moving to a black keyboard means it's backlit design (the black MacBook won't be rehashed).

Does it? You can backlight white keys.

tumbleweed · 10-09-2008, 08:53 PM

Good, god. Get a life, guys. All of this obsessing over what? An aluminum shell, ports, the size of a logo? Y'awl haven't told me a SINGLE thing that has any relevance at all to 99% of computer users. I want real details, not endless speculation on the packaging. Guess I'll have to wait to the 14th, since you folks haven't been able to come up with anything of substance.

treestman · 10-09-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

Apple are moving to a black keyboard means it's backlit design (the black MacBook won't be rehashed).

I didn't mean I want a black MacBook, I meant that I think all the keyboards should be black. It doesn't have to be backlit just because it's black. The white ones get too dirty after a while.

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Good, god. Get a life, guys.

I don't normally get this obsessed. I can laugh at it to, but I thought it was a bit of fun.

tripdragon · 10-09-2008, 08:56 PM

lame. Old tech is lame. iphone has it. But thats it. iphone has it, notebooks do not. Notebooks and the whole form factor are old hat.
Thats all I got. $500 notebook, then yeah thats cool. That worth it. But this economy does not like $1000 even 899 is to much for old hat now.

Is no one going to inspire the djs and graphic artists and everyone really with tasty new ideas? Hardware, mega iphone.. Plaster itunes all over it. Just the d@%m tablets out already.

I said my peace.

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treestman

I didn't mean I want a black MacBook, I meant that I think all the keyboards should be black. It doesn't have to be backlit just because it's black. The white ones get too dirty after a while.

I know what you meant, but you don't know what I meant.

Ireland · 10-09-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merdhead

Laptops aren't iPods, they're not purchased mainly by teenage girls.

That's not saying they should ignore that market but not adding a bit of color. I have several nieces, believe me, by not adding a splash of color they are allowing sales to slip away. So charge a $50 premium for color, they won't care as long as they get some color. And it's not just teenage girls, but girls in general. I'm not kidding. Besides, it's high time they brought back some color, it's been long enough without it at this stage.

I know someone here with a daughter, or even a son will back me up on this one. Big deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripdragon

lame. Old tech is lame. iphone has it. But thats it. iphone has it, notebooks do not. Notebooks and the whole form factor are old hat.
Thats all I got. $500 notebook, then yeah thats cool. That worth it. But this economy does not like $1000 even 899 is to much for old hat now.

Is no one going to inspire the djs and graphic artists and everyone really with tasty new ideas? Hardware, mega iphone.. Plaster itunes all over it. Just the d@%m tablets out already.

I said my peace.

Think July/August 2009, or even as long away as Macworld 2010. Yeah, it'll be a long wait for you - and for me!

abilstein · 10-09-2008, 09:13 PM

"thin enough that Apple has had to shunt the port labels to the side"

On my Macbook Pro, it looks like the labels are already to the side. Maybe side/top, but still side. Is this really that much of a difference?

That said, I'm excited. Clearly the Macbook's and Macbook Pros are following the same Chinese manufacturing process as the Air (all Aluminum). The move to all Aluminum is good no matter how you slice it. But if there really is an $800/$900 laptop, perhaps that is a new domestic product? I'd call it a long shot, but you never know. Otherwise, I think we're looking at 2009 before the manufacturing moves away from China, if ever.

Colors? Don't see it happening. You can always go to Colorware to get your fix.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

That's not saying they should ignore that market but not adding a bit of color. I have several nieces, believe me, by not adding a splash of color they are allowing sales to slip away. So charge a $50 premium for color, they won't care as long as they get some color. And it's not just teenage girls, but girls in general. I'm not kidding. Besides, it's high time they brought back some color, it's been long enough without it at this stage.

Maybe my logic was the wrong way around. If they get cheap enough, people will want colour, because the masses like that sort of thing. Having premium pricing for colour would certainly be very Apple.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripdragon

lame. Old tech is lame. iphone has it. But thats it. iphone has it, notebooks do not. Notebooks and the whole form factor are old hat.
Thats all I got. $500 notebook, then yeah thats cool. That worth it. But this economy does not like $1000 even 899 is to much for old hat now.

Is no one going to inspire the djs and graphic artists and everyone really with tasty new ideas? Hardware, mega iphone.. Plaster itunes all over it. Just the d@%m tablets out already.

I said my peace.

Can I have some of the drugs you're on? I like drugs.

merdhead · 10-09-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Good, god. Get a life, guys. All of this obsessing over what? An aluminum shell, ports, the size of a logo? Y'awl haven't told me a SINGLE thing that has any relevance at all to 99% of computer users. I want real details, not endless speculation on the packaging. Guess I'll have to wait to the 14th, since you folks haven't been able to come up with anything of substance.

There are not real details until the 14th. Jobs has been known to change things at the last minute (glass screen instead of plastic on the iPhone), so what are you talking about?

As for relevance, what is relevant to 99% of computer users? Colour, form factor, price. That's what is being discussed. Maybe you could propose a question instead of ranting.

ksec · 10-09-2008, 09:31 PM

Honestly, i think Apple should go to DisplayPort 2.0 once the spec has been established. It is smaller and thinner then Mini DVI, while offering much higher bandwidth for larger display.

mariofreak85 · 10-09-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treestman

I didn't mean I want a black MacBook, I meant that I think all the keyboards should be black. It doesn't have to be backlit just because it's black. The white ones get too dirty after a while.

I HATE black keyboards unless they are backlit. You can hardly see the keys in low light conditions. Back when the pro keyboards were black (iMac G3 days) I always had a hell of a time figuring out what keys I was pressing.

I've been using my PowerBook for 3 years now and I could never buy a computer without a backlit keyboard. I can't wait until the 14th when I can buy my 17" mbp!!

solsun · 10-09-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merdhead

Laptops aren't iPods, they're not purchased mainly by teenage girls..

Apple pulling away from competition in teenage mindshare
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...mindshare.html

Yes, winning teenage mindshare with iPhone/iPod/iTunes translates into Mac sales.

solsun · 10-09-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merdhead

Maybe my logic was the wrong way around. If they get cheap enough, people will want colour, because the masses like that sort of thing. Having premium pricing for colour would certainly be very Apple.

Not to mention, the original iMac and clamshell iBook came in a myriad of colors, and both models sold in much fewer numbers than todays Mac notebooks.

Cpt.Shenanigans · 10-09-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro that appear to have been photographed have extremely thin side areas which are just large enough to contain the ports themselves -- thin enough that Apple has had to shunt the port labels to the side.

Hey Mr. Appleinsider, take a closer look! The port labels are clearly visible at the upper left corner of each opening!

aplnub · 10-09-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

I don't normally get this obsessed.

6500+ posts and you don't "normally" get obsessed? Tell me another good one!!

Ensign Pulver · 10-09-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

the MacBook Pro will carry more tangibly unique design changes...

The word unique is not modifiable. Something can't be more tangibly or less tangibly unique. Something is either unique or it isn't.

teckstud · 10-09-2008, 10:18 PM

[QUOTE=t

teckstud · 10-09-2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treestman

I didn't mean I want a black MacBook, I meant that I think all the keyboards should be black. It doesn't have to be backlit just because it's black. The white ones get too dirty after a while.

Good god- why not one that's 1/2 and 1/2 like everything else these days?

JaylikeBird · 10-09-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

Good god- why not one that's 1/2 and 1/2 like everything else these days?

Are you referrring to American's next President, the fashion choices of ska fans, or my morning coffee? Is any conversation nor surreal anymore?

JaylikeBird · 10-09-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ensign Pulver

The word unique is not modifiable. Something can't be more tangibly or less tangibly unique. Something is either unique or it isn't.

What about "not unique?" 'Not' is indeed a modifier, and 'not unique' is a valid use. Your sweeping statement seemed quite grand though. It's not often I find such grand and incorrect statements on the internet, but it's hardly unique.

Ireland · 10-10-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aplnub

6500+ posts and you don't "normally" get obsessed? Tell me another good one!!

So I work from home I like talking Apple, so shoot me. I do my fair share of Apple bashing too, it balances out.

tumbleweed · 10-10-2008, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merdhead

As for relevance, what is relevant to 99% of computer users? Colour, form factor, price. That's what is being discussed. Maybe you could propose a question instead of ranting.

What kind of chip? At what speed? How much memory is standard? And the size of the standard disk drive? The quality of the display, and the type of backlighting? That's a start. Those are meaningful questions. Colour is not. (And if you can't answer those questions, any discussion of price is pointless. $899 for what? Yesterday's technology, or tomorrow's?)

As for form factor ... I've put off buying a new computer for nearly six months to see what Apple's going to do. I like the size of my Powerbook G4 and do NOT want a bigger computer. I don't care how light it is. If Apple doesn't offer enough goodies in the box to justify the bloated size of even the smallest MacBook, I'll be switching to something else. in my opinion Apple is making a huge mistake by not offering a SMALL and light notebook, but apparently they don't see it that way.

solsun · 10-10-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

in my opinion Apple is making a huge mistake by not offering a SMALL and light notebook, but apparently they don't see it that way.

Well Dell, HP and others DO have small and light notebooks, yet sales of Windows-based notebooks are reported to have fallen 1.5 percent in dollar share and 10 percent in units while sales of Apple's notebook lines shot up more than 35 percent year-over-year to claim 20 percent of the US retail market during the months of July and August.

Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but apparently, Apple knows what they're doing.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...0_percent.html

10-09-2008, 07:15 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	Notes of interest on recent Apple MacBook case leaks Lost among the flurry of speculation surrounding new MacBooks are a number of noteworthy observations about the portables that may lend insight into their design. The most self-evident change between Apple's current MacBook lineup and the new models expected next week are the side expansion ports. Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro that appear to have been photographed have extremely thin side areas which are just large enough to contain the ports themselves -- thin enough that Apple has had to shunt the port labels to the side. While neither system will be quite as thin as this, as Apple is believed to be using a tapered bottom that will add slightly to the height, the reengineering may contribute to a design which is predicted by some to be thinner overall than earlier models. Port layouts have also changed, though without better photos and a view of both sides it's difficult to tell how many elements have been added or removed. Again, the MacBook Pro has potentially switched to mini-DVI output instead of the full connector from Apple's professional notebooks of the past several years, though why this would be chosen remains a mystery. Historically, Apple has opted for proprietary connections for its displays when space for other ports is an issue; the quintessential example of this has been the micro-DVI connector necessitated by the thin, small expansion door of the MacBook Air. The next MacBook Pro's top and left sides. Apple's rumored 13-inch MacBook as seen from its top and sides. But while the 13-inch MacBook's top layout is widely expected to match that of its similarly-sized ultraportable sibling, extending to a larger trackpad, the MacBook Pro will carry more tangibly unique design changes besides the new keyboard tray. The speaker grilles bordering the keyboard are more finely perforated than today's system and, notably, no longer run to the edge of the notebook as they do now -- though whether these differences are for practical size purposes or simply a stylistic change isn't evident at this stage. What may be clearer, however, is Apple's design direction for the top of its notebooks, which may have been tipped off by the company's own invitation for the introduction on its corporate campus. An observation at Boing Boing notes both that the edge of the display isn't that of the MacBook Air but also that the logo isn't necessarily proportioned correctly for the shadowed image to represent a 15-inch MacBook Pro. The MacBook in Apple's press invitation, with the logo used as a guide for size. \| Credit Boing Boing Using the size of the logo on a present-day MacBook Pro as a reference, the site estimates that the logo is too large relative to the borders of the lid to represent a system with a screen larger than the 13.3 inches of the standard MacBook. Apple in the past has changed the size of its logo and isn't necessarily using an actual future system as a template, giving some leeway for its teaser image to represent a different model or none at all. Still, the image is potentially the Mac maker's most direct hint yet of its upcoming design direction.

10-09-2008, 07:33 PM	#3
Bageljoey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Jersey (new) Posts: 1,001	Well, if anyone thought that the short lead time to the 14th was going to lesson the frenzy, I guess we can forget that! I expect to see the same 5 images in 30 or 40 more articles between now and then... (Not that I'm complaining. But it would be nice if Apple leaked a few more for varieties sake. ) Progress is a comfortable disease --e.e.c.

10-09-2008, 07:35 PM	#4
SpamSandwich Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 8,453	First of all, the image shown on the invitation doesn't look like an actual product shot. The edges look like fake 3D created in Adobe Photoshop, so I wouldn't assume this is an actual product. "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground." —Thomas Jefferson Proud AAPL stock owner.

10-09-2008, 07:48 PM	#7
Zandros Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 460	away Last edited by Zandros; 10-09-2008 at 07:54 PM..

10-09-2008, 08:11 PM	#9
treestman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 17	A 16:9 Screen Would Be Wider. These MacBooks could very well utilize the newer 16:9 ratio screens. Since you lose vertical resolution, they're typically a bit wider to help make up for it. The existing MacBook's 13.3" screen at 1280x800 may be replaced with, say, a 13.8" screen at 1366x768. The picture might reflect an extra half-inch (more or less) of width for the new screen.

10-09-2008, 07:47 PM	#6
JimDreamworx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North America Posts: 859	If the logo is actually really, really big, then this might be the NetBook!

10-09-2008, 08:28 PM	#10
Ireland Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,557	Collecting my SSD iMac Fry-die. :D

10-09-2008, 08:44 PM	#13
merdhead Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 585	The reason why you'd use a mini DVI or smaller ports generally is because as the machine gets thinner you can't stack things in the design, you have to put them side by side. So the motherboard has to take up less space toward the back as the front is used up by the battery. Because the motherboard is smaller you want to squeeze the ports together so that they all fit. Having floating ports on wires would increase costs and be less reliable. Personally I think having small ports is good. The industry needs to get a clue and do away with all large connectors and start shrinking in earnest, or better still do everything in wireless.

10-09-2008, 08:53 PM	#17
tumbleweed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 3	Good, god. Get a life, guys. All of this obsessing over what? An aluminum shell, ports, the size of a logo? Y'awl haven't told me a SINGLE thing that has any relevance at all to 99% of computer users. I want real details, not endless speculation on the packaging. Guess I'll have to wait to the 14th, since you folks haven't been able to come up with anything of substance.

10-09-2008, 08:56 PM	#20
tripdragon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 57	lame. Old tech is lame. iphone has it. But thats it. iphone has it, notebooks do not. Notebooks and the whole form factor are old hat. Thats all I got. $500 notebook, then yeah thats cool. That worth it. But this economy does not like $1000 even 899 is to much for old hat now. Is no one going to inspire the djs and graphic artists and everyone really with tasty new ideas? Hardware, mega iphone.. Plaster itunes all over it. Just the d@%m tablets out already. I said my peace.

10-09-2008, 09:13 PM	#23
abilstein Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 61	"thin enough that Apple has had to shunt the port labels to the side" On my Macbook Pro, it looks like the labels are already to the side. Maybe side/top, but still side. Is this really that much of a difference? That said, I'm excited. Clearly the Macbook's and Macbook Pros are following the same Chinese manufacturing process as the Air (all Aluminum). The move to all Aluminum is good no matter how you slice it. But if there really is an $800/$900 laptop, perhaps that is a new domestic product? I'd call it a long shot, but you never know. Otherwise, I think we're looking at 2009 before the manufacturing moves away from China, if ever. Colors? Don't see it happening. You can always go to Colorware to get your fix.

10-09-2008, 09:31 PM	#27
ksec Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 328	Honestly, i think Apple should go to DisplayPort 2.0 once the spec has been established. It is smaller and thinner then Mini DVI, while offering much higher bandwidth for larger display.

10-09-2008, 10:18 PM	#34
teckstud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,115	[QUOTE=t

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