Apple orders aluminum 13-inch MacBook shells, 3G iPhone chips - Page 2

I probably would have agreed before I started using that many. One USB drive, two firewire drives, a keyboard/mouse, a PSP on charge and a spare for my portable USB drive. I can't even fit some USB pens into a Mac laptop while also having an external mouse because the pen was too wide forcing me to copy files using the trackpad.

Two on either side is good so it doesn't matter if you are left or right handed. External mice can sit perfectly well on either side no matter how short the cable is.

I don't even use Wacoms, Palmtops, printers, scanners and all the other USB peripherals that people like to use. There's nothing wrong with having more ports and even bottom of the barrel Dell laptops have four.


The Macbook wasn't updated properly though, it was just a CPU bump and it doesn't have Penryn whereas the MBP does. The MB is also one of the last products to be environmentally unfriendly so it needs to move to metal and glass like the MBP.

So I don't think the MBP will be updated but I do think the MB will be. As I say, why would the enclosures be at the production plant if there wasn't an update coming soon?

Hello!!!
The MB was updated with penryn cpus as well. Since those penryn chips are pin compatible with merom on the santa rosa chipset.

I think that all Macs need to be updated to Montevina this summer (including the Mac mini). The update to penryn on santa rosa is just a stopgap.

The MB were upgraded to Penryn. They received the chip that cost the same as the previous chip from Intel's pricing plan. This is how Apple has been updating their MB and MBPs since switching to Intel. The MB is not getting updating.

As for these enclosures there are only two possibilities. Either Apple will be releasing a 13" MBP or this rumour is false.

I think we should agree that you use a lot of USB devices AND that you're not the average user.

three external hard drives and a redundant keyboard?

that would be awesome!! I would probably choose:
Yellow
Blue (light)
Red
Green (light)
Silver (default)
Black

they all come with a white keyboard, except for the silver and black, which come with the same color as the case.

i would buy a new MacBook immediately if the came in bright happy colors. Not sure what color I would buy though... probably the brightest and most vibrant color

I thought they made USB hubs for that.

Skippy just came out with a peanut butter that defies peanut allergies.

As a result, Jif (not jiffy) just went bankrupt.

In that case, yeah an update doesn't seem as likely. But still, the environmental reasons alone could be enough for an enclosure change. A 13" MBP would come into Macbook Air territory.

If for nothing more than to stop the issue of stopping the cases cracking and discoloration issues, I'd say a metallic enclosure is a very good move and should be done ASAP.

The Macbook is one of Apple's best selling models so it would be wise of them to keep the refreshes coming.


A lot of devices don't work over USB hubs. I forgot I had a USB headset for Skype (no internal mic input on the Mini that takes a standard mic) and that doesn't work properly on a hub.

The drive needs the power from two separate ports to get enough.....power.

To be sure, I'd love them. The silver would have a white keyboard though, just look at the new wireless keyboard for the clue there. Apple's new thing seems to be black keyboard means it's backlit, while white means it's not.

That's interesting. I never thought of that.

I never noticed that... yeah I think white would go better with the silver MacBook because of the keyboard

Ugh, I'm so tired of this metal product line. Sure, it was cool when I bought that Titanium G4 a hundred years ago. And it was still groovy when the first Aluminum G4 came home with me. But then, more aluminum this and more aluminum that... how long has it been, now? I'm thinking maybe 7 years? Maybe longer?

So, early on this year, tired of the same-old designs from Apple year after year after year after year after year, I purchased a black 13" MacBook. You know, something new, something different.

And I was astonished! After years of aluminum laptops, my shiny new plastic MacBook delivered more than double the airport range! I was in heaven! (Turns out metal does make for good signal shielding :-)

I could actually sit on my deck in the backyard, looking out over the park, and cruise the net! Reception through the plastic enclosure was significantly better than any metal laptop previously owned. And it was lighter, fit better on an airline seat back tray, and so far, has been one of the most durable Apple products I've ever owned - almost as tough as my old 180C.

But the question remains: what happened to Apple? How did the company that became so well known for churning out multifarious sexy designs end up with such an old, stultified, worn-out and tiresome laptop line for so long?

I hope they don't deliver more of the same. I hope there's something new, something innovative, something I'd like to buy!

Think anything different!

What do you have in mind? To go green Apple has to move away from plastic. Also, plastic cases have to be thicker than metal ones and are subsequently heavier for the same level or durability and rigidity. While not very Apple-like, I'd like to see a part of the notebook lid as a plastic piece for better reception, but that is very doubtful.

What do you propose Apple do? Outside of making anodized colours I think you are going be stuck with metal from here on out.

The evolution of design is a VERY interesting, and deep, topic to explore.

The cases Apple uses these days are very well designed. While it's true that aluminum is less conducive to radio use, the newer portables are much better in that regard than the older ones were.

Within the constraints of technology and cost, comes a design, and material choice, which is about perfect. Apple's cases are an example of that.

Truthfully, Apple's designs have come about as far as they can go. Apple has decided, except for the Air, to improve what is in the case rather than to come out with another design that will be different, but not necessarily better.

With the Air, we can see an effort on Apple's part to simulate what isn't entirely true. By making the edges thin out, it makes the model seem even thinner than it actually is.

But, now the case is actually wider, and longer, than it has to be, because there are no components that can go into those very thin edges. It's wasted space! People have noticed all of the extra case around both the screen and the keyboard. It's more of a fashion statement. The computer could have been shorter in both dimensions if a more conventional edging was used. They could have shaved an ounce or more off the weight as well.

Apple's other cases are more practical, and I prefer them for that reason. Not that the Air doesn't make a statement.

But, plastic isn't as sturdy as the injection molded aluminum cases of the MBP's. Carbon fiber can be stronger, but not always, and it costs even more, as it can't be formed into the three dimensional shapes that aluminum, or thermoplastics can. Therefore it must be a composit, with formed in place metal and plastic for interior walls and struts, for strength and attachments, that makes the manufacture much more complex and costly.

I think that Apple is doing the right thing by waiting until they can come up with a better idea.

I agree the designs have come as far as they can, they are old, worn-out and boring as hell. I want a new Mac laptop, but dammit, I want a new one! I can't take more of the same, over and over and over and over again.

I'm not in love with plastic but I bought it because after 3 consecutive metal laptops from Apple, I had to have something different. It's wearing better than my aluminum Intel did, and it's been tougher. The top doesn't scratch. My wife has a 3-month old MacBook Pro 15", and I can get airport reception on our deck, and she can't.

BTW, these are not injection molded aluminum cases, these are stamped and formed. No matter, they're still ancient, long in the tooth, over-used and should have been retired 3 or 4 years ago.

If the once design-savvy Apple is now bereft of new ideas, make the same stupid aluminum cases in a different color. But for the love of God, please, do something different. We're bored as hell and we want a new Mac laptop.

Evolution is no bad thing.

I see your point, but I have been bored with Porsche for several decades. Give me an Ariel Atom, Bugatti Veyron, Bently Continental GT, Maybach 62, or Rolls Royce Phantom. Note: These are all new and modern designs.

Never mind that all of them except for the Ariel cost significantly more than the Porsche, that none of them except for the Atom are sports cars in the sense that the Porsche is, and that the Rolls Royce Phantom looks about as modern as a Lotus 7.

So what you're saying is that you want Apple to make a 12-pound, 20" desktop replacement portable. Just so long as its modern.

You are so wrong. Only the grill looked "antiquish".



I'm not drawing any parallels between cars and computers. I'm commenting only the cars. I actually like the MacBook the way it is.

double post.

I'm mostly teasing that most of the cars you chose to counter the Porsche were big, even more expensive touring cars and sedans.

And be honest, the jump from this Phantom (1968-1991):



To the new Phantom really isn't that much larger than the jump from the Porsche 964 to the 997. Same general design cues, silkier execution. Those brands, as well as Apple, have hit upon several iconic design elements that they are more than happy to maintain in their design. I wouldn't expect any extensive overhauls to Apple's laptop line anytime soon - anything they do is likely to carry the DNA of the line going all the way back to the TiBook.

Ugh. Lost their mojo, did they?

Out of ideas, are they?

Year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year, the same old laptop look. After 7-8 years and three aluminum laptops later, when I walked back into an Apple Store to buy a new laptop, I couldn't believe that nothing in the Pro line had changed at all. I couldn't stand getting a new laptop that looked exactly like my old laptop. So, I bought the black MacBook instead of a Pro version.

Now, apparently, there will be little if any differentiation between the cases, eliminating any personality at all from the offering. It's like one gigantic never changing uniform, and all Mac laptop users must look exactly alike, sans individuality.

Infuriatingly boring.

Makes me want to throw a big hammer through the window of my neighborhood Apple Store.

The ancient line needs a refresh, badly. Switchers wouldn't notice it... yet. But long standing Mac laptop users like me do.

There's a saying in the electronics business: if you don't eat your young, somebody else will.

There is only so much you can do with a notebook design. What are you expecting? Aluminium is a durable material and great for thin casings. If you want pointless flash get an Acer Ferrari or Lamborghini laptop.

What would you expect Apple to do? They've made it thinner. They've updated all the really important stuff like the display and everything connecting to the mother board. I wouldn't mind anodized colours on the MacBook when they move to aluminium, but that is it.

Damn straight that's sexy. Same basic look, but nice touches.

as for precedence....anybody remember iTunes 5?

Yeah I get a bit fed up with the same designs too. It's worse when it's a design you don't particularly like. I've never been too keen on the Mac Pro design and it's been going for a while now. I actually don't like the black Macbook either - I had a white one and it just looks so much cleaner and eye-catching IMO.

The trouble is making sure that good aesthetic design doesn't compromise good technical design. The laptops have to remain cool and durable.

We already know about the discoloration and case cracking issue on the Macbooks so plastic enclosures have flaws that the MBP doesn't - plastic cases also get swirl marks in them quite easily, this may be just the white one I'm not sure. They also don't conduct heat nearly as well as the metallic cases so a metallic Macbook could make room for some higher spec components. The signal issues should be overcome with the 802.11n signals.

I think if they'd explore the possibility of colored anodized aluminium like the ipod lineup then the design can still be fresh and appealling. As long as they pick colors that work well. I wouldn't like to ever see a green Macbook. But of course, if the color is BTO, I guess even green could be in there so that people who maybe work for green-peace or some other organization with something to do with green can have an identifying color.

I too am so fed up of the current design.

It seems since the TiBook, I have upgraded to the very same machine, and each time I upgrade I get less of a 'Wow!' factor, to the point now that I am looking at other machines, if only for the variation!

The worst was from an Alu G4, to a 1.8ghz MBP, to a 2.1 MBP and a 2.1 C2D MBP through work. They all just felt the same, and also all wore pretty badly...

In fact, my personal 2.16 machine is so bad after 18 months or so, that I am disgusted by the build quality and the performance it has offered. Paint peeling, paint coming off keys, flickering screen, uneven backlighting, warped bottom case, you name it!

So, I am looking for a new machine, and the Macbook would be perfect... apart from the Integrated graphics, for me, it is a disgrace that Apple offer only the X3100 on a machine costing over 1000Euro!

I look at a dell Vostro 1500...

2.4ghz C2D,
Nvidia 8600M GT
250 Gig HDD
4 Gig RAM

All for 650Euro!

Apple needs to *badly* refresh the laptop lines...

"I'm making plastics now" is all I could think when I read that. Does this remind any of the AI old schoolers of anyone?

"To the new Phantom really isn't that much larger than the jump from the Porsche 964 to the 997. Same general design cues, silkier execution."

please... at least you can show something like this... (bit old... but loaded with fuel cells)...

http://www.wired.com/science/discove.../2003/11/61216

You know, after just short of a damned decade, I don't think it's "expecting" too much for Apple to innovate and introduce something different. They've lived off their laurels for far too long.

Again, I urge Apple to think anything different, we're all sick and tired of the same old same old.

Time for change, baby. Don't make us throw a big hammer through the window of our neighborhood Apple Store!

But you need a keyboard and a monitor and a mouse. The keyboard can't be behind the monitor and the mouse can't be in vertical position above the monitor. And while bamboo makes a really sweet wood floor it's not well suited for a thin, durable notebook. So, those examples aside, what ideas do you have to make notebooks functions the same or better than they do now based ont he physics of our universe and our physical requirements of being human?

I don't mind people complaining, but at least have some sort of resolution in mind when you do. Apple has changed to Intel, which is a huge internal revamping, They have added a camera, DVI, an IR sensor, altered the keyboard on several of there notebook models, are in the process of enlarging the trackpad for true multi-port gestures, replaced old cryptic keyboard glyphs with usable words, and, of course, added new ports and made the whole package more compact. Sure, these are minor when taken one by one, by there is no way you can look at the MB of today and mistake it for a PB from decade ago.

Again, if you have insight into how Apple could accomplish this please post it here. There are many of us that would love to here some fresh ideas.

Sorry, Apple doesn't pay me enough - or anything - to do their job for them. It's not my responsibility, it's not your responsibility. They need to do their job - the job they haven't been doing for quite some time.

I vote with my cash.

As soon as they stop dragging their feet, stop dishing out the same damned design like they have for the last 7 or 8 years, and get off their asses and design something new - [I}any damn thing will do![/I] - I just can't bring myself (nor can a whole bunch of other people, it seems) to buy another Mac laptop that looks exactly like my last Mac laptop, and looks exactly like the one I had before that, and exactly like the one I owned before that one.

PLEASE give us something different!

It's all gotten so boring...

Well, as far as a lot of people refusing to by Mac notebooks because Apple hasn't been diligent enough in updating designs, really doesn't seem to be case, given recent sales figures.

I don't know.

Apple does what it can. Notebook design is a mature category at this point. Apple has contributed (1) magnetic latches (although the latchless magnetic design would be nice on the next MBP revision); (2) backlit keyboard with ambient lighting sensors; (3) large multi-touch trackpad; (4) integrated isight camera; (5) magnetic power-cord; (6) slot-loading drives; (7) sturdy, low-standing hinge design; (8) thin form-factors; (9) next generation display backlights; (10) Sudden Motion Sensor.

Even the MacBook Air, Apple's most revolutionary notebook product in years, is only "evolutionary" because technology has evolved to the point where Apple could reduce the thinness of the device. I don't see notebook design changing all that much for the foreseeable future.

What you're looking for, it seems, is a revolutionary new product type.

Nahh. What he is looking for is change for change's sake. He has no plan or idea Maybe he will be happy with Ireland's colors...

Was not there, not long before, some rumor about gun metal notebooks sightings at Apple's campus? This is probably the new MBP.

But yes, without a clearer differentiation the aluminium MBs would easily steal MBP sales.

Well, rumors is us!

I've heard so many Apple rumors, I don't even bother to report them, except for a few times when they were from people I know within Apple, and that's only happened a few times over the time I've been here. Otherwise I ignore them. It's only when something is predicted for a specific time frame, and comes from sources that have proven to be fairly reliable, do I pay any attention. The gun metal rumors never rose to that level for me.

It's not their responsibility to make a one off device that suits your needs, and only your needs. As a public company it is their responsibility to grow the company.

The old adage "the customer is always right" is oft misused. Usually by a greedy customer trying to get more than is deserved but it holds true when you look at success of a product or company. In other words, if you have a product that the people want, they will buy it. SInce Macs are growing 2.5x the rest of the industry, they are the only ones with incresed desktop sales and have the most popular selling notebook model, and do all this without having to sell a bargain basement machine riddled with 3rd-party software money to offset the lowered profit margin, it looks like the people have made their decision.

You do vote with your cash, but agin, you are not the only one with cash. If you have an idea, patent it. If you only want to complain, well I can't stop you. But if you actually have something to add to the conversation that isn't an empty pipe dream of wanting something different but have absolutely no clue what that could be then you aren't going to find many allies here.

That's true, and I've already mentioned that here - the switcher who are buying up the laptops recently - spurring sales, a great thing for us stockholders - have not come back yet to buy their 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th Mac laptop.

In my case, I started with a 165, went to 180C, had a Duo, a 1400c, a 3400c, a Wall Street, a Lombard, followed by a Pismo; then a Ti PowerBook, then an Al PowerBook G4, then an Aluminum Intel, then another Aluminum Intel, then another Aluminum Intel, then lastly, a BlackBook. In between, over the years, I bought my daughters a combined 14 various Pismo's, Clamshells and iBooks.

So, I have a right to complain!

You go back and you look at that list of purchases from Apple and what jumps out at you are the fantastic design changes over the years... the 180C had a cool and rugged body, the Duo2300 was so utilitarian and the dock was the cool thing; the 1400 looked like a baby 3400, the Wall Street had the very cool black body, the follow-on models were different, thinner, keyboards were different colors; the iBooks were a new look (well, when first introduced) and kept changing from clamshells to what we have today (you know, before Apple stopped designing laptop looks) - although here as well, the line has not changed much from G4 to Intel.

Then the Ti came out, and while it looked cool, it was probably the worst Mac laptop I ever owned in terms of reliability. The body flexed so much that if you picked it up the wrong way, you could shut it down by twisting the frame.

When I saw the first aluminum PowerBook G4, I thought to myself, "man, that's cool looking, I gotta get me one of those." I haven't been able to say that about a Mac laptop for more than half a decade. I miss that!

That was essentially the last time Apple introduced a laptop that didn't look like the laptop that came before it. There were 7 speed bumps just to the PowerBook G4 15" - and all models looked exactly alike.

My God, I'm just so tired of this... but that's because I'm a repeat customer, and Apple's new switcher group of customers who are driving their sales haven't come back yet for their second helping.

Why wait 'til they do?

I've added a lot here. Unlike you, I'm not looking for allies, I could care less if anyone agrees with me or not.

All I want is a Mac laptop that doesn't look exactly like the Mac laptop I bought before that Mac laptop, and exactly like the one I bought before that one, and exactly like the one I bought before that one.

You see, when I buy a new laptop, I'd like to think I'm actually buying a new laptop for my $3000, and not the same old same old same old thing we've all been force fed for the many years that have dragged on for this never ending product line.