Apple introduces Penryn-based MacBooks and MacBook Pros - Page 3

Sorry, I was referring to the MB, not the MBP.




Why does the MacBook have a smaller L2 Cache (now 3mb, previously 4mb)? Do we expect that to increase with the next gen processor?

Don't blame Apple for the price difference - Blame your Government! They impose the import duty and collect a huge Value Added Tax.

Wow! There is an anti-glare option!! No more glossy display or has that always been there?

Im amazed a few stuffs:
The new keyboard does not make a appearance in MBP, like WTH.
The touchpad look the same as the previous MBP and not like the MBA.
MBP did not get a magnetic latch
Apple Remote is now a buy to own (wth man, other company are offering the remote control for free and Apple is charging for it? What a Rip off!!)
MB still in plastic and no multi touch.
Screen is not LED as seen in MBA

Seriously, from my point of view, this stuffs is just minor and if Apple change it, it should be okay, it wont really to be worth being a big news unless they did a new design.

5-7 years on the same laptop? 4 years is pushing it with me for a laptop. 7 years is a long friggin time to wait to update!

But hey. If you can do what you want to do on it...thats all that matters. Who am I to say.

I've just found that by 4 years alot of software updates etc, start to make things difficult to run the things I want to run.

Oh my gosh.

Did I stuble upon a forum for "The Nanny" TV show?

What's with all these whiny little 6 year olds stomping their feet and yelling at their parents, "I told you I want an Escallade!"


I've been waiting for today for months. Minutes ago I just ordered my first MacBookPro to replace my buggy HP laptop. I'm loving the update. I love the multi-touch on my iPod Touch 32 and I can't wait to have it on the laptop too. It says 7 to 10 days for shipping.

Well, I can guarantee you that having 2gb RAM over 1gb RAM IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE!!!

Considering the current state of computer hardware and software, I'd have to say that 4gb of RAM is not overkill for the average+ user. I'll mention that aftermarket pricing on 4gb (2x2gb) laptop RAM is quite ready for the average consumer's budget. From NewEgg, @ <$100, 4gb laptop RAM is a great buy. I can personally recommend the G.SKILL brand.

Oh, and you won't regret the purchase in the short term, nor the long term.

i know what you're getting at. true, the price is pretax in the states but not all states pay that tax, my dad just bought the MacBook Air from the states and he didn't have to pay those taxes so the price i see on the apple website is the price i pay.

second of all, yes, the dollar has been plummeting for a while and its WORTH right now is about half that of the British Pound. so 1 pound = 2 dollars. however, at the end of the day the value of my money = double that of dollar. so if i order from the state i'd be Paying less. now as a consumer, do you think it makes a difference for me whether the price in the UK includes tax and the one is the state doesn't ?

at the end of the day am paying less for the same device. and thats with me adding shipping + new power adapter. and the issue that i was complaining about to begin with WASN'T the price. i don't mind *alot* paying abit extra. but what annoyed me was the LOWER specs of the UK version. and that too might be a mistake.

so all good and dandy.

What are you guys whining about?! Its about variety. If you go to BMW dealer you expect to find 3 series, 5 series, ...etc. You don't see 300 series BMW with the options of a 500 or 700 series!! It is all about more and more variety so more people will find what they want. If you want an option, pay for it. If you want a multi touch you have to pay for it. the $200 price difference between the 2.1 and 2.4 may not be much for some people, but maybe for a college student who uses flash drive more than the DVD it is considered big saving.

Apple remote... I have two of them and one I never opened. I never used Apple remote on my MacBook, I use it more on my iMac.

I think Apple did a good job this time. What I really care about are speed, storage capacity, and battery life. People are under estimating the 256 MB and 512 MB graphic card upgrade. I think they are awesome.

Um. All the MacBook Pros are LED EXCEPT for the standard 17". If you upgrade the 17" to the Hi-res display, that's LED too. The MacBooks, are, unfortunately, not LED. I don't remember Steve promising that they would be metal at any point.


MacBooks are not "usually updated in May." Apple portables are not "updated twice a year" as someone else suggested. Usually, any Apple line gets updated about once every 8-9 months. I know, because I buy a new machine every time it gets updated. I'm never out of warranty without buying Apple Care, and I always get a good price for my old machine.

Once in a while, there will be a VERY VERY minor revision that comes in between, like the MacBook Pros getting the 2.6 GHz option last November. But the last real revision was done last June. (8 months ago.) Don't expect the next revision, especially a whole new case design, etc., until at least 7 months from now (Christmas season, or more likely next year's Macworld). Otherwise, you're just going to be disappointed again.

The wait continues...I am utterly disappointed. The trackpad is multitouch but appears to be the SAME exact size as the current one Im using as I type this....no change to the keyboard or antyhing in the design at all.....and still a 8600 GeForce.....Guess I'll be waiting til late summer early fall for the next big update

Could someone give me or point me in the direction of (tried google of course) all the Vista Experience benchmarks raitings for the macbooks newer to my own as a comparison.

Looking to upgrade however I would need these details to justify the purchase.

Thanks in advance.

Macbook Mark I
1.8 GHZ
2GB RAM
60GB Hard disk

I beg to differ. I've been buying Apple ibooks and macbooks since 1999, and historically they see the most major updates in May and then Oct/Nov

Not at all in my mind. It is a solid update. The thing is the Intel processors that would be a suitable step forward and justify a major make over simply are not available yet. This is a good update to hold us in place.

Well Apple is always behind the eight ball with releases but that doesn't imply that this release will be a long standing one. The fact that this is a modest update means that it was inexpensive and can be easily replaced once new hardware is out.

Well it deserves to go a lot lower and likely will. That has little to do with this update though.

Why, look at it closely and you will see that it is a nice update and keeps the platform modern and performing well. Given what is available what more could you ask for?

Dave

The macbook pros are WAY overdue for a major case redesign...and the macbooks need to be transitioned to an aluminum case design to keep with Steve Job's promise to move to a more environmentally friendly makeup.

Apple just didn't want to steal the Airbook's thunder....couple that with the fact that intel's new chips won't be available till June....and this update makes sense.

Large enough to keep people buying....but minor enough to keep the Airbook looking like the radical redesign champ.

By June I believe Apple will FINALLY unveil the new case designs for the Macbook Pros and Macbooks.

They'll all have multi touch too. :-)

now it is time to start complaining.

I really think that the key to your requirements comes down to your personality, i.e.,(you like) to buy the "best" or "top of the line" products"

As such, you will probably be continually second guessing yourself if you decide to go for the MB over the Pro. Not that the MB will likely satisfy most of your needs, it is just the idea of not having the best.

If you are really serious, list the two side by side and relate their functionality relevant to your current needs. Then consider what just may happen if, and this happens more often than not, your use and needs expand. Will the lower model suffice? Only you can make that decision.

Overall, it will come down to affordability or value perceived.

In either case, the MB would appear to satisfy your needs for some time to come; thus saving you $500 that would be better spent on your better half, e.g., as a gift certificate, taking her for a grand weekend together or as a down payment for her own Mac Mini. As such, it is a win-win any way you look at it.

Aren't in a relationship? Get the Pro and enjoy it to its fullest.

$116 now


One that seems to be all to common now. The once expansive software bundles are gone as well.

This is hopefully just a small speed bump with totally redesigned notebooks coming this fall.

If you install after market RAM does this effect your AppleCare/Warranty?

No one expects the specs of a high0end car to trickle down to the low-end for many years, but for some reason people expect Apple to put their latest tech in their low-end right away. I don't get it.



The logical answer is that there will be no case redesign until later this year. The processor upgrade just doesn't warrant it.



So Apple should be able to release a machine containing processors that aren't even in production yet? Mobile Penryn has only arrived to other OEMs a couple weeks ago. Sure, they announced it and allowed pre-orders, but they weren't shipping until min-February. Apple is now ON:LY selling Penyrn in their notebooks, which no other OEM can say, so it might take Apple a little longer to get enough supply for its high- and low-end notebooks.




That is the weakest argument I've read on on any forum. I buy a new Mac about every 6 months. I have more remotes than I know what to do with. Except for the AppleTV they go completely unused. It's about time Apple stopped giving away with pointless accessory.



It depends on what you are running.

My solution: Go with the 2GB standard, and install iStat Menus to see how much RAM you are using. If it's over 80% on average then purchase 4GB from Newegg or OWC.



1) Multi-touch trackpads are new tech, you shouldn't expect it on the low-end machine before it had a run on the high-end?
2) The lower L2 is what Intel decided. I'm curious to see how the performance tests will turn out across difference applications.



Agreed.


You're in luck. If you just have to have that remote and can't stand paying $19 for it then you can you buy a refurbished Santa Rosa MB or MBP. You'll also get a price cut with this purchase.


If you don't like it, don't buy it. If you think there is an issue with after market RAM (though rare) just swap in the original 2GB and see if it's okay. If not, send that machine to Apple, if it is, then send the 3rd-party RAM to whomever.

BTW, the older mbp model is $1762 on Amazon. Comes with a free remote too!

The only thing worse is people who complain about complaints that haven't even been made.

--removed

For $2800 I expect that laptop to include a lot of stuff. Granted I'm not one to use a remote but the fact that Apple is unbundling its hardware, likely to increase profits even more, should be of concern to everyone.

It is one thing to pay a fair price for a machine it is another thing to add to a companies 18 billion in cash reserves. This is not to say there isn't value in Apples hardware and software but at times Apple seems to value their hardware more than is good for them in the market.

Now part of this might be that Apple sees a major recession this year and wants to keep profits high. After all it worked for them in the darker years. The problem is the dark times have passed and people have a good reason to buy. Well good if Apple were to watch its pricing closely. there is a fine line between being a good investment and a rip off. Sadly Apple doesn't have a good excuse for being a rip off any more.

Now I'm not negative on the hardware update as i actually think it is very good. What bothers me is the pricing. Apple really needs to look at its price points closely.

Dave

again, i wasn't complaining about the price, i was complaining about the LOWER specs posted online in the UK site compared with US ones bearing in mind that the UK version is also more expensive whether thats because of taxes is irrelevant, just means less value for money. and as i said before, i don't mind paying abit more aslong as i get the same specs.

again, the specs posted might possibly be a mistake on apples part.

oh, and another thing. i might be living in the UK but am an american. so, they're not my government.

This is stupid.
There are so many unsed remotes out there after years of including it for most people that don't need it, just go on ebay and buy one for 5 bucks.

What a bunch of little girls.....

hmmmmm...
I try not to be a griper. Things are what they are.
But this leaves me a tad disappointed.
We were thinking about getting a laptop to complement our desktop.
So we don't need mega processing power or storage, and were thinking about a black MacBook. But without multi-touch, no-go. Bummer.

Not optimistic about iPhone upgrade either if the point of it ends up being just 3G. Total waste. IMHO, the next rev needs to be a more nano-ish iPhone, lower cost, to start cranking up market ownership.

For the past year, my AAPL has kept my portfolio afloat while the market tanks. Now the opposite is the case.

Maybe Apple has just decided not to waste good product on a suckey consumer landscape, and are waiting until things turn around a bit before releasing anything buzz-worthy.

for those of you asking or waiting or speculating on a case redesign, take a close look at the image in this story:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/y...buys-database/

notice that the "out of stock date" for the brand spankin' new macbooks/MBP's is July 6th, 2008.
take what you want from this, but i'm assuming that today's speed bump will be superceded on that date.

No it doesn't. RAM is the one thing Apple lets you install. They offer specific instructions on how to do so on their site for each model.

Just don't agree. Maybe on overall specs, but as far as the multi-touch trackpad, I'm with those who say that Apple has to make this ubiquitous as fast as possible, and make it totally associated with Mac.
Afraid this was a mistake on AAPL's part.

No, it won't. That is Sunday.

The new trackpad has multitouch, which is rumored to require new hardware. Isn't that an upgrade?


Amen to that. I think the lack of multitouch on the MB is questionable, but sticking with a combo drive is just moronic.

Otherwise, these seem like good upgrades. With a new line of portable chips from intel (with a more radical chip redesign) expected in June, that's probably when we'll see a redesign.


Another excellent point - apple has two decent lines of laptop, why does their desktop line have such a pathetically outdated turd on the low end? The mini doesn't even have the faster wifi yet.

Here Here! (or is it 'hear hear'?)

Actually, I wish that manufacturers would simply give buyers an option to simply download codes for their remotes and make them ALL optional. I have a drawer full.

Too many Debbie Downers in the forums these days.

Count me as one of those who are very pleased with today's updates. A faster computer with more storage space and a neat new feature (the multi-touch trackpad) are good reasons to upgrade your computer IF you were already in the market to do so. Not every upgraded computer Apple offers can or need be mind blowing. Evolution of any product is both normal and acceptable. I, for one, believe that the MBP form factor still looks great and if it ain't broke, don't don't fix it. Are there features or options I would have liked added to the MBP? Sure, but it doesn't lessen the value of the refresh offered today. This is a very good product that Apple is offering to those who are interested.

And to anyone who is complaining about not receiving a free remote, I would love to hear you state how often you actually used your old remote and offer a compelling argument on how you cannot functionally use your new computer without it. Feel free to also identify any other laptops on the market that offer you a free remote control with their purchase.

yeah, the IN STOCK DATE is Sunday.
OUT OF STOCK date is in July.

READ, then reply. do not skip step 1.

Quite nice update, except for some little things you guys mentioned.

But why didn't they add the multi-touch trackpad to the MB?

By the way, hi. First post here

If you do everything perfectly, the answer us, "No," as tabled at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=13946 and get the facts.

But be careful as it also states, "However, if in the course of adding an upgrade or expansion product to your computer, you damage your Apple computer (either through the installation of, or incompatibility of the upgrade or expansion product), Apple's warranty will not cover the cost of repair, or future related repairs.

You wrote, "notice that the "out of stock date" for the brand spankin' new macbooks/MBP's is July 6th, 2008." I replied, that is a Sunday.

Out of Stock 06-JUL-2008 Sunday

I'm note sure where you posted about an in stock date.

The idea that Best Buy has an idea when Apple will start selling it's new MacBook revision is obsurd when Apple currently doesn't know that info because Intel isn't exactly sure when the chip production will be ready for Apple's requirements.

Another question I forgot to ask

Is it worth purchasing the Apple Care Plan. Would you recommend spending the extra $250?

If you had the ability to read for content you would have seen that I specifically said that I had no need for a remote that I don't use one.

You really need to get a grip. Apple is effectively lowering the cost of the MBP by this deletion and not passing the savings on to the consumer. Considering the cash on hand that is questionable. Maybe in your case it is the lack of balls to screw up the strength to question Apples pricing.

With the current economic climate even a modest attempt by Apple to adjust their price to consumers would be taken positively. As can be seen in this thread the more profits for Apple attitude the company has isn't being taken to positively.

Dave