Next-gen MacBook, MacBook Pro spotted in matching outfits - Page 3

Lay down the crack pipe.

BookEndz has one and I would like it. Maybe it's because I'm one of those dyed in the wool conservatives? One reason I don't use my portable as a portable is that I have so much stuff plugged into it. Three external drives, a card reader, a scanner, two printers, Jawbone charger, external speakers, keyboard and trackball. A docking station would help make my MacBook be more portable again.

DisplayPort was supposed to be the to successor to DVI, but HDMI (which is really just DVI + audio) has become so popular that it may delay or intercept the intended move to DisplayPort.

The main reason for moving to DisplayPort is video DRM (for things like Blu-ray). It also offers an upgrade path past DVI/HDMI, but that's in the future, and DVI already supports resolutions in excess of Apple's 30" display.

If Apple added an HDMI port to the new MP/MBPs, it would allow users to simply replace their DVI cable with a common HDMI-DVI cable rather than carrying a dongle. MiniDVI (which is on the 12" PowerBook) is a bit of a pain because it is uncommon to find in a cable and therefore requires a dongle.

The other benefit to HDMI is that you get audio, so hooking it up to an HDTV or HDMI-based projector means you only have one cable rather than needing to plug in audio cables separately. HDMI also supplies the DRM necessary to license Blu-ray or to allow Apple to get the studios to okay HD movie downloads from iTunes for playback on the new laptops, just like the Apple TV.

The advantage to using a mini-DVI port is that it can supply analog VGA signals and also component video (although each requires a special dongle to extract the signals from the connector.)

By the same token, moving to FW800 or FW3200 and getting rid of the FW400 port would make a lot of sense, as FW800-FW400 cables are common.

GUI. Mice. 3.5" floppies. CD drives. Laptops. Trackball/trackpads. USB. FireWire.

Yeah, you're right. Apple has a terrible track record jumping into new technology before it's mainstream.

fire wire 1600 and 3200 use the same port as fire wire 800

usb 2 can't even hit it's full speed and usb 3 will need new cables and ports.

Firewire 1600 and 3200 use the same ports and cables as firewire 800.

I agree. I've always thought MacBook "Pro" sounds kinda cheesy.

Three sizes of MacBooks with two versions of each size, ranging in price from about $1000 to $2600 would be fine. Obviously, the more expensive models would have better features. Why stick a "pro" on the name to make it sound "impressive?"

I'm pretty sure that's a bad idea, I think that takes away host-powered devices.



Last I heard, combo drives cost just as much now, as in there is no or almost no cost on the manufacturing side to upgrade to a DVD writer on the manufacturer side. By now, it may even be just a firmware or solder bridge that makes a DVD burning drive into a combo drive. I think it's just an upsell device now, to get people to pay $200 more to get a better computer.



That might work, if you want to carry around an extra 8lb of batteries. The most extreme speed usually means extremely short battery life.

I think you are overreacting / misinterpreting on this. I don't think an adapter is really the problem here.

The way I read the article, it looks like they are going from two FW ports to one. That is pretty significant, especially when the advice for pro video is to have the firewire capture camera and target hard drive be on separate busses. Supposedly the devices are able to work on the same chain, but it doesn't always work that way, the reality is that they might interfere just enough to drop frames on occasion.

But this is all speculative. AI says this source has a long track record, but there maybe mistakes, misunderstanings, or even a ruse to flush out the leaker.

It doesn't look good for >3.xGHz or for Quad-Core mobile chips before Nehelam.


Intel® Core™2 Extreme (FCPGA6)
QX9300 — 2.53GHz - 1066MHz FSB - 12Mb L2 - 45nm - 45W TDP - $1,038
.Q9100 — 2.26GHz - 1066MHz FSB - 12Mb L2 - 45nm - 45W TDP - $..851
.X9100 — 3.06GHz - 1066MHz FSB - .6Mb L2 - 45nm - 44W TDP - $..851
.X9000 — 2.80GHz - .800MHz FSB - .4Mb L2 - 45nm - 44W TDP - $..851

Apple should, but won't, make them available as options for people willing to pay that much extra.

Right on. There's no way Apple will drop dual-link DVI performance. So many MBP users already use 30" displays, and that will only increase over time. I suppose there could be a move to Display Port or something like that, but you have to be able to get down to VGA at least. Maybe a mini-dual-link DVI?

Please make it a Quad-Core if possible!

The only one that looks feasible to me is the the 3.06 GHz chip for the 17" MBP.

There seems to be conflicting information on the internet as to whether HDMI supports the dual link which is necessary to run 30 inch monitors at maximum resolution. The last thing I want is to connect a 30 inch Apple or Dell monitor and have it only capable running at half the resolution.

Apple has burned people in the past with their ADC connector, Mini VGA, Mini DVI, and now their Micro DVI connector in the MacBook Air. It's about time they started using industry standard monitor connectors again. If the Micro DVI connector looks like DisplayPort, then will the MacBook Air be moving to DisplayPort, which it should have used in the first place?

I would guess Apple will trim the front of the Cinema Displays in black to match the iMacs (and more than likely to also match the new laptops), switch to DisplayPort for the video connection, add an iSight and maybe taper the edges like the MacBook Air…

As for the Mac Pro chassis, the only thing I could see as a functional change would be to reduce the height. Removing the handles is a start, but many like the handles since the chassis is pretty stout (especially when loaded up with HDDs & such). I think Apple should offer an option of either the handles or rack mount ears (or, even better, roll-out rack mount rails) pre-mounted from the factory.

HDMI 1.3 and up can handle the amount of data needed, but the problem is that it's a single link that's capable of a much higher data rate, is not a dual link connection. So if you hooked up a 30" panel that's not HDMI-aware to an HDMI connection, then you're only going to a reduced resolution.

I really wish that Apple would give us COLOR CHOICES for the MacBook Pros, just like the iPods! I'm so sick of having a silver MacBook Pro, just like everybody else. I want mine to feel more personal & unique by having a distinct color. I know that I can go to ColorWare PC, but that voids the warranty on the machines. Apple, please give us colors!

Just a guess, but I think that colours for MBs may be coming to help inspire people for this holiday season. I'd think that the MBP would only be silver, black and Product RED.

I disagree. I do not want the extra size and weight needed to support 45W processors. 35W processors are good enough. Nehalem will introduce 35W quad-core processors.

The daisy chaining is why I would like to see displayport. It's the only standard that supports multiple displays from a single source. No more issues with the Mini not supporting dual displays and who knows how many displays a Mac Pro could run.

Since there is a way to daisy chain them, there may be a DVI splitter so that you can drive two displays without having to buy displayport compatible monitors.

With Displayport you also don't pay royalties to some other company, which means cheaper computers.

I read that there will be a displayport to VGA adaptor. If you can get DVI-D to VGA adaptors and displayport to DVI, it should be possible.


The problem here though is that there are multiple standards. Apple were backing UDI before it died. What if they go displayport only and HDMI takes over completely? There will be adaptors but it means you'll always have to use them.

I'm sure people who bought HD-DVD players would have felt safe buying into that standard when it already had some decent market support but look at it now.

It won't be quite the same deal as there are adaptors and there were no native mini-dvi displays before so most people were always using adaptors anyway so I guess it's not an issue and the size of the port is a huge improvement.

Plus, they sell displays too so they could always update their Cinema display line to use displayport.

Firewire like you say is a good example of Apple adopting (creating really) a standard that didn't have massive uptake elsewhere and it took a while to gain solid ground but it got there.

Here's an interesting thing though. On the displayport site, the Radeon mobile chipsets support the standard outright. This chipset is also faster than the Intel integrated x4500:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Rad...00.9591.0.html

"Avivo HD (Blu-Ray etc), Hybrid Graphics Technology, PCI-E 2.0, Vari-Bright (adjust panel brightness automatically to save current), HDCP support, Display Cache (to save current when refreshing an idle screen)"

Almost double the speed of the x4500 and 4 times faster than the x3100 and just under 8 times faster than the Mini's GMA 950.

Still under half the speed of the 8600M GT (maybe not the underclocked Mac version though - the AMD is 40 x 500MHz and if it's cool enough they won't have to modify it) but a big step up from Intel's chipsets. Plus it's integrated so they can put a dedicated card in the higher end models. It supports hybrid SLI or whatever AMD's equivalent is called - basically uses both dedicated and integrated chips together.

Ahhh... thank you for mentioning it.
And the ability to have up to 8GB RAM would be very welcome as well.

Yes, they do. HP and IBM dominate the business market for laptops (here in the UK at least), and their docking stations are wonderful things. It is much better that you can leave your monitor, keyboard, mouse and power connected full-time to the docking station and not have to mess around with leads every day. It's tidier too (than having leads trailing all over the place), and it causes less wear on the laptop because you aren't forever attaching leads (that might also get pulled and twisted while they're connected).

Don't forget that Steve Job's next target is The Enterprise. He has said this a few times. I think we might see a few business oriented decisions coming our way.

So does this mean that the MacBooks will also have a backlit keyboard?

Maybe, but I think that (a backlit kb) will be one of the ways Apple will help distance it from the MBP and MBA.

As we discussed on an earlier thread a backlit KB is not a sign of being pro. Wish someone would come out with a easily replaceable backlit KB and kick their asses.

A pro feature is a feature that a pro media producer would use and a regular user wouldn't e.g. some type of audio/video port or special graphic designer's LCD or something.

I had a backlit keyboard once and after trying it out, never used it once. I don't type in the dark. How many really do?

One of the best things about the MacBook Pro is that it DOES have a lot of ports and I do NOT have to lug around a bunch of EXTRA adaptors just t be able to plug into standard desktop monitors, etc..

With Micro, or mini-DVI or HDMI, I'm going to need TWO adaptors to cover any situation; whatever-port-to-DVI AND whatever-port-to-VGA . That is unless desktop monitors and projectors start coming equipped with new connectors. Will it be the monitor I want? Who knows? That doesn't look like it'll happen soon.

Apple made USB mainstream, but USB was a pretty much unused standard already. it had been stuck into some PCs already, but wasn't popular. Apple gave it cachet with all the colorful iMac accessories that appeared. It's ridiculous for Apple to try and go it alone by announcing the new Apple Standard. There are anti-Apple forces who would use something else to fight Apple.

After the ADC debacle, Apple should certainly feel shy about committing to any new monitor connection "standard". it makes sense for them to stick with standard DVI until the whole question gets a bit more settled. OR try to put together some kind of tech company conference to decide as an industry, but of course that would break down into camps pro and con no matter which connector was "standardized".

It's a bit like the question about the silly docking station thing. It's a failed as a concept for the mass-market, like the tablet PC.

Does a docking station capable machine forgo standard ports in favor of a mega-port requiring some sort of big adaptor? Or will it still have Ethernet, FireWire, USB, etc. in addition to Mythical-Mega-Port? Or will I have to lug this mystery MMP adaptor around in addition to standard cables, adaptors and power supply?

What's the saying? KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid.

The backlit keyboard is nice luxury feature. It seems kind of magical. It's certainly not necessary, but can be useful on a plane or train.

I connect my MBP to my HDTV with a long video cable and use it in a semi-lit room. The backlit keys are a pretty cool thing.

...would love to see that connectivity and iSight happen. Don't really care one way or the other about the aesthetics, but wish they could wring out more accurate color from the top-of-the-line displays. What would really be killer if they'd build an ACD that doubled as a true pro-level HD monitor for video editing, but then I'd worry about premature wear from non-editing usage. And it would probably end up costing more than a Sony or Panasonic.


Personally, I love the handles, and have since the G4s. Keeps the tower off the floor. Very handy for when maintenance contractors come in over the weekend and wet-wash hard floors or clean carpeting in the work areas. Also handy if your work habitat is underground and prone to minor bouts of water intrusion following heavy rains.

If you are a PRO graphic designer, audio engineer or video editor you're not working in the COMPLETE dark either.

You might however watch movies and play video games in the dark so if anything this should be a MacBook feature and not a pro feature.


Yeah those are all general user 'fun' situations.

The one that's in the MBP seems to be pretty durable though. A two year old was standing on my notebook before I realized it. No ill effects noticed.


They do in a way. MBP offers optical audio inputs and outputs. I don't remember seeing that on competing notebooks. It offers dual link DVI, not a whole lot of notebooks offer a DVI jack (some now offer HDMI though), much fewer offer dual link. Most notebooks don't offer a powered firewire jack, Apple offers models with a full FW400 jack and a full FW800 jack.


I don't know, but I do on occasion. I have heard of event DJs finding the feature useful.

This is what the docking stations will look like.

http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/01/...notebook.dock/

Docking station that eliminates any laptop drawbacks. The next few months (all the way up to MacWorld SF), would be a good time to introduce this. With the new form factor of the macbook/macbook pro about to show up and the cinema displays also needing a refresh.

I've posted this link way too many times. Never gets any traction. Maybe someday it will actually happen I won't have to keep posting it.

The Pro at the end of the MacBook Pro isn't some set in stone assertion that every feature it has over the MacBook is for professional audio and video users. It's just a marketing term to differentiate the cheaper machine for the more expensive one. THe backlight keyboard helps with this division. As does an option for matte or glossy screens and the use of ExpressCard slots, even though they can found on machines cheaper than a MB.

For the love of God, don't lose the FW400 port on the MBP...

As a cameraman/video editor I use it every day to capture video, coupled with a 7200rpm FW800 drive as a scratch drive.

I could cope with a mini 4-pin 400, but not being able to capture AT ALL on a MBP would really screw over every mobile video editor I know.

*edit*

Maybe i was overreacting with "AT ALL".

I thought a FW400 could chain behind a FW800 device with a cable adapter. I did mention this a few posts back, but I also mentioned that doing captures this way can result in occasional dropped frames.

Exactly my point.

It's fairly low-cost to switch to an ExpressCard-adapter and eSATA external drive in lieu of FW800, and free up that FW port for vid capture (assuming there isn't an issue with that -- I frankly don't have personal experience going from camera FW out to FW800 in). The move to solid-state media for camcorders will likely make this a thing of the past. I know I love using my Sony SxS cards instead of digitizing video, although it precludes having eSATA drives connected to my MBP at the time. ExpressCard adapters for extra FW or USB ports are also readily available, and really cheap... about $20. (I know, Batman's utility belt... what are you going to do?)

Here's traction: I disagree about the physical connection into a "dummy imac", because the current air seems to have the "hearts and minds" of apple's style police and uses wireless for airdisk... the current mba has two huge, deal-killing, limitations:
- Not enough ports
- Too slow

Intel's July/August updates allows current technology in the mba form-factor, so the remaining deal-breaker is the lack of ports. Apple's solution on the air was airdisk; using an existing computer as a wireless dock for optical media, etc. The logical progression of this technology, though, would be a "dummy mini"-like box ('a brick') with all the ports... except instead of being a standalone machine for $500 it's an apple-tv like $200, and it wirelessly docks with the laptop using existing airdisk technology. Put the brick out of sight, and when the laptop's within range you're good to go because everything you'd ever want is already hooked up. No dock-connectors, ugly or otherwise.

One last thought: Dock-connector interfaces take up internal space in a laptop - the smallest laptop wouldn't have one.

OK - we have 4 sony HDV V1Es, plus 1 HDV handycam, and two HDV decks. HDDs for the Sonys are available, at a cost of about £700 each, or however much Firestores cost. I then have to buy four adaptors for the FW400 leads, plus 4 new eSATA drives, and 4 expresscards?

P2 cards et al are nice, but for low-end video makers DV and HDV are still the de facto standards. Ever tried to get footage off those hellish mini-DVD cameras into FCP or Avid?

Mind you, this is assuming we get 4 new MBPs at work, which is also unlikely...

I think the SxS concept is pretty nice, but the transition to file-based capture and storage is still only just getting started and ongoing. I expect it to take several years, who knows, maybe a decade to transition away from tape. We're what, a year and a half into SxS and Sony still introduced a new pro HDV camcorder like last month.