I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Simple. I compare the update to the old model, and to the price/features of comparable PC machines.
Overall, I think the update is good, but considering you can get a PC laptop with a DVD burner for under $500, I consider the lack of superdrive in the base model bad.
You can also get those $500 notebooks with many more USB ports, a modem port, larger display, more keys on the keyboard, x-in-1 memory card reader, and a built-in S-Video and VGA out without the need for a dongle.
I guess it depends on the purchaser. I'm glad we have a choice and that yesterday's MB is cheaper today.
Apple hasn't become complacent, they have become to big for their own good. Trying to enter into so many markets and gaining market share while trying to maintain that consumer to producer image, just isn't working anymore. Look at the demands we are placing on them and I am guilty of the same, while at the same time they're trying to please coffee sipping yuppies with MacBook Air and Starbucks stores on iPhone. I read that analysis article, and I hope it reminds apple it was the actual Mac community (not iPod or iPhone) that kept them afloat while they were struggling. It might be the shot in the arm they need and then we might get all these frills.
Although I'm still left wondering a little with the case design: keyboard and mag latch I can understand, but what would you do with the case? Thinner? It's a pro machine, it's not gonna get much thinner. A different material? What dissipates heat better than aluminum? Hells yeah the bottom of those things get hot because it's emitting heat instead of keeping it internally. The curved design of the MBA? I wouldn't want that as I'm sure many other people wouldn't either. They put an iSight in the screen bezel for god sakes. That thing is tiny and does an amazing job. I'm curious and very open as to hear what you and other want. Maybe you'd convince me, but all I hear right now is "Give me case redesign." "Well what do you want?" "I don't know...give me case redesign."
The MacBook Pro is iconic and easily recognizable in advertisements, movies or television shows. Indeed, the fact that it has endured as long as it has is a testament to its excellent design and aesthetics.
As you've mentioned, I think we need to all step back and appreciate what we are getting in this "refreshed" version of the MacBook Pro.
For example, the new Intel 'Penryn' processors are now more efficient (due to a larger cache) and include the SSE4 extensions, which when used with applications that can take advantage of it, significantly reduce the amount of time to render or transcode video (e.g. convert DV to MPEG-2 for DVD authoring use) for example.
Adding the multi-touch trackpad is very important. At least to me. Indeed, I use a trackpad only because I have to use it. It doesn't mean I like using it.
With multi-touch I can now "gesture" more easily than using a mouse. In fact, I may dispense with the mouse altogether, especially if Apple's new patent pending on more advanced gesture control comes to fruition.
It should be noted Intel will soon release their new mobile chipset called Centrino 2 (aka Montevina). This chipset is built using the same 45nm process as the new Intel Penryn CPUs. The upshot should be cooler operating temperatures and significantly longer battery life. Surely a good thing for the entire Apple laptop line, especially the MacBook Air.
Now, what I do find interesting is the resolution of all the displays are not higher. Indeed, there is an op-ed on the PC Magazine web site where Robert Strohmeyer is most upset about this apparent oversight:
"For people who like to keep more than one application window in view at a time, 1,440x900 is a paltry screen dimension. And 1,280x800 is practically unbearable. While I can certainly appreciate the reasons for sticking to a lower-res screen on the svelte MacBook Air, it seems downright absurd that neither of Apple?s two mainstream notebook lines offer display resolutions that a power user might call sufficient."
Hmm, methinks Mr. Strohmeyer doesn't know about (or has forgotten) Leopard's Spaces feature. Much more usable and viewable... says I a longtime Windows user!
[As a side-note, XP and Vista have available a Spaces equivalent called Microsoft Visual Desktop Manager, but it's not included as a standard feature in either OS. How strange...]
Who knows, perhaps Apple is saving a display update as part of the Centrino 2 refresh. In any case, I think it's a moot point on a 13" or 15" panel. 17" panel, maybe.
OK, if there is one criticism I have to level against Apple, it's the omission of the SuperDrive in the MacBook. Should be technically and cost feasible. If they omitted it so that they can promote product differentiation, bad move.
I'm satisfied with the refresh, although it would be nice to complete the set by having Centrino 2. But that's an Intel issue more than anything else.
Now, if you'll excuse me, time to go buy my new 15" MacBook Pro!
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Fine. OK, you iPhone hackers who've pretty much exploit all that was exploitable on that product, get to work on getting OS X to run on a Sony VAIO. Go on! Moveit, moveit, moveit!
lol true it is on the larger side but theres still the lighter fz series and even dells can be configured to ship with blueray drives! My point is that although I am a big apple fan I cant justify spending that much cash on one when I could have a much better spec pc at the same price! It seems like apple are playing catch up with this update and theres no good reason why it shouldn't have included a blueray option hdmi and the larger trackpad from the air, this is the pro after all!
...just wondering how many of you here actually need the power of the faster processors/extra ram/improved graphics memory etc etc?
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
You can also get those $500 notebooks with many more USB ports, a modem port, larger display, more keys on the keyboard, x-in-1 memory card reader, and a built-in S-Video and VGA out without the need for a dongle.
I guess it depends on the purchaser. I'm glad we have a choice and that yesterday's MB is cheaper today.
What about Firewire ports? Does it have optical audio output? Multitouch track pad? The display is bigger, but what about the quality of the display? What video card (or is it "integrated" video)? How about the quality of the rest of the components? What software does it include?
I wouldn't dispute that you can get a cheaper Windows PC. But pretty much every comparison I've ever read that made a true effort to compare similarly spec'd machines (not just processor speed, display size, and number of USB ports) have found that the prices are roughly equivalent. And let's not even get started on total cost of ownership vs initial purchase price!
Maybe you don't need Fireware, and that's OK. But that just means the problem with Macs isn't that they cost more than PCs. The problem is that Apple simply doesn't make the low-end computer that you want. If you don't want to pay for, or just can't afford, a Lexus, do you go to the Lexus dealer and complain that you can get a Chevy for 1/4 the price?
I expect the "MacBook Air 2" will include the Centrino 2 (aka Montevina) chipset, which should run cooler, longer and have a more powerful integrated Intel GPU, along with Penryn CPUs clocking up to 2.4GHz. Also, there may be more configurations available which may include double the memory (i.e. 2GB or 4GB of RAM, 80GB and 160GB hard drives or SSD storage).
Again, the above is speculation but seems like a logical roadmap.
It's hilarious that people are getting pissed off about the remote no longer being included. I don't know about the rest of you, but personally I have a handful of the damn things at home and rarely use them. if you're already coughing up the big bucks for your MBP who gives a shit about another nineteen bucks.
Also it's great to see an apple fan/news site so filled with people who are constantly upset and whining about Apple's choices.
If apple had dropped the price by 19$ so that people don't have to add to their collection of remotes, then that would be fine. But come on. the fracking thing costs like 50 cents to produce and they are selling it for 19$?
give me a break.
apple's prices have now reclaimed their 'way more than PCs' levels of like 5 years ago. it's a shame but true.
Apple is making more money per machine on this generation than before and not a cent of that price reduction is reflected in better specs or lower prices. instead they charge us 19$ for the fricking remote.
LAME.
plus, why not have BTO options with the biggest baddest HDs money can buy? Apple charges $1/gb for their HD upgrades. What a joke. the true cost of HD capacity is what? .30$ per GB? maybe less?
also, the speed increases since Core2Duos came out have been minor at best. yet more lameness. And what about making the MBP HD easier to swap? WTF?
...just wondering how many of you here actually need the power of the faster processors/extra ram/improved graphics memory etc etc?
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
I didn't need the speed bumps but I wanted Penryn for the additional battery life that it will supposedly yield.
Sucks I have to wait until next week to get my MBP.
What about Firewire ports? Does it have optical audio output? Multitouch track pad? The display is bigger, but what about the quality of the display? What video card (or is it "integrated" video)? How about the quality of the rest of the components? What software does it include?
I wouldn't dispute that you can get a cheaper Windows PC. But pretty much every comparison I've ever read that made a true effort to compare similarly spec'd machines (not just processor speed, display size, and number of USB ports) have found that the prices are roughly equivalent. And let's not even get started on total cost of ownership vs initial purchase price!
(snip)
A very important point about bundled software.
Unfortunately, many Windows based PCs come loaded with so much trial-ware, you can't see the forest from the trees! And it's TRIAL-WARE, which becomes useless in 30-90 days unless you buy it.
The iLife '08 suite is very usable software and comes free with the purchase of any new Apple computer or laptop. And for a measly $79 USD (in other countries your cost will vary), iWorks '08 is a very credible office suite. Especially Keynote, which runs rings around the latest version of Powerpoint.
Wow. This kind of sucks. I was hoping for a case redesign as well. Perhaps in 6 months. I do have to agree though, the MBP case is def starting to begin to appear dated. The MB case design is very nice and still relevant, doesn't need to change much. Perhaps MT & backlit keyboard would have been nice. The real loser here is the MBP though, because I know many of you were waiting for a case redesign to go along with the updates. Its sad that MBPs are the flagship portables of Apple & yet they don't have the cool innovative feature of the economy model (MB) or even the MBA such as the magnetic latch, new keyboard, etc...
I believe that's correct. HD playback requires (by license) that the video path is "secure" (ie, it can't be captured/recorded). Microsoft went draconian and put DRM throughout Vista to the point that the path from RAM to the video card can be locked down. Hopefully, Apple won't [need] to go so far because that could mean changes to the OS.
The HDMI connection on the AppleTV became HDCP (I think that's the right acronym) compliant with the Take 2.0 upgrade. Or at least it seems to get activated with rentals. I don't think you can implement HDCP on DVI (could be wrong), and that is what is needed for the player to handshake with the display/TV in order to establish a secure connection. So at a minimum, I think they'd have to start shipping computers with HDMI connections if you wanted to watch blu-ray on an external monitor. Who knows, the license to play blu-ray video may require that they implement HDCP even on the connection between the video card and the built-in display on laptops!
Correct.
The big thing about HDMI is that it can detect if ANY segment of cable is non-HDMI. (i.e. component or DVI cable anywhere along the path) and could therefore be tapped into for copying (bypassing DRM.)
If that's detected, then HDCP can enable its 'downrez bit' and only pass through, say, 480p to the monitor.
The important thing to remember is that HDMI is not the same thing as HDCP. But it IS a protocol that (in addition to allowing audio transmission on the same cable) provides a method of enforcing HDCP.
...just wondering how many of you here actually need the power of the faster processors/extra ram/improved graphics memory etc etc?
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
I see your point and agree..........BUT...............
What I wouldn't have minded in getting, at least with MB, was the LED display (battery life) and Multi-touch track pad (very innovated)......but mind you I feel that all the macs should have these features across the board.
Also since Blue-Ray has won, they should have introduced this as well. As for speed etc....I can see that being more of an issue in the high end MBP.
I guess I'll just wait to buy a MB (really only want a 13inch mac) that comes with these features, its a shame too b/c I've been holding out for about a year now b/c of the LED back-light, now who knows how much longer for the Mulit-touch track pad....oh well first time Mac user still waiting.....
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
In my business, it's all about usability. And time is money. If I can have a portable system that can render a DV project to MPEG-2 for DVD authoring in significantly less time, I'm all for it.
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Well, the fact that it comes with Vista rather than Leopard is a rather significant difference.
I am so happy. The MacBook Pro will be my first Mac. My Gateway laptop has an 800 Mhz Intel Celeron processor and a screen that doesn't work (that is attached to a 17" CRT monitor). I was hoping for a redesign, but I am not going to wait anymore. If I were getting a PC, I would not wait for a redesign, so I will not do it here.
Now, the only question is this: Should I get the base model or the middle model?
It seems to all boil down to the video memory (256MB vs. 512MB)
I plan to keep the computer for 4-5 years. I will be doing basic applications. I plan to do use music notation software (Finale with the processor/memory hog Garritan Personal Orchestra). If I do video stuff, it will be basic iMovie kind of stuff. I do plan to play some games, but they will mostly be strategy games like Civilization, Roller Coster Tycoon, Age of Empires, etc. However, if I do decide to pick up a heavier game, I want it to work well. Do you think getting the middle model with 512 MB of video memory is worth it for me?
Comments
And finally, those claiming that there are "PCs" that have more features and cost less, step forward and show them.
How about the sony vaio ar series?
(https://www.sonystyle.co.uk:443/Sony...02BC29B74)/.do)
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Simple. I compare the update to the old model, and to the price/features of comparable PC machines.
Overall, I think the update is good, but considering you can get a PC laptop with a DVD burner for under $500, I consider the lack of superdrive in the base model bad.
You can also get those $500 notebooks with many more USB ports, a modem port, larger display, more keys on the keyboard, x-in-1 memory card reader, and a built-in S-Video and VGA out without the need for a dongle.
I guess it depends on the purchaser. I'm glad we have a choice and that yesterday's MB is cheaper today.
Apple hasn't become complacent, they have become to big for their own good. Trying to enter into so many markets and gaining market share while trying to maintain that consumer to producer image, just isn't working anymore. Look at the demands we are placing on them and I am guilty of the same, while at the same time they're trying to please coffee sipping yuppies with MacBook Air and Starbucks stores on iPhone. I read that analysis article, and I hope it reminds apple it was the actual Mac community (not iPod or iPhone) that kept them afloat while they were struggling. It might be the shot in the arm they need and then we might get all these frills.
Although I'm still left wondering a little with the case design: keyboard and mag latch I can understand, but what would you do with the case? Thinner? It's a pro machine, it's not gonna get much thinner. A different material? What dissipates heat better than aluminum? Hells yeah the bottom of those things get hot because it's emitting heat instead of keeping it internally. The curved design of the MBA? I wouldn't want that as I'm sure many other people wouldn't either. They put an iSight in the screen bezel for god sakes. That thing is tiny and does an amazing job. I'm curious and very open as to hear what you and other want. Maybe you'd convince me, but all I hear right now is "Give me case redesign." "Well what do you want?" "I don't know...give me case redesign."
The MacBook Pro is iconic and easily recognizable in advertisements, movies or television shows. Indeed, the fact that it has endured as long as it has is a testament to its excellent design and aesthetics.
As you've mentioned, I think we need to all step back and appreciate what we are getting in this "refreshed" version of the MacBook Pro.
For example, the new Intel 'Penryn' processors are now more efficient (due to a larger cache) and include the SSE4 extensions, which when used with applications that can take advantage of it, significantly reduce the amount of time to render or transcode video (e.g. convert DV to MPEG-2 for DVD authoring use) for example.
Adding the multi-touch trackpad is very important. At least to me. Indeed, I use a trackpad only because I have to use it. It doesn't mean I like using it.
With multi-touch I can now "gesture" more easily than using a mouse. In fact, I may dispense with the mouse altogether, especially if Apple's new patent pending on more advanced gesture control comes to fruition.
It should be noted Intel will soon release their new mobile chipset called Centrino 2 (aka Montevina). This chipset is built using the same 45nm process as the new Intel Penryn CPUs. The upshot should be cooler operating temperatures and significantly longer battery life. Surely a good thing for the entire Apple laptop line, especially the MacBook Air.
Now, what I do find interesting is the resolution of all the displays are not higher. Indeed, there is an op-ed on the PC Magazine web site where Robert Strohmeyer is most upset about this apparent oversight:
"For people who like to keep more than one application window in view at a time, 1,440x900 is a paltry screen dimension. And 1,280x800 is practically unbearable. While I can certainly appreciate the reasons for sticking to a lower-res screen on the svelte MacBook Air, it seems downright absurd that neither of Apple?s two mainstream notebook lines offer display resolutions that a power user might call sufficient."
Hmm, methinks Mr. Strohmeyer doesn't know about (or has forgotten) Leopard's Spaces feature. Much more usable and viewable... says I a longtime Windows user!
[As a side-note, XP and Vista have available a Spaces equivalent called Microsoft Visual Desktop Manager, but it's not included as a standard feature in either OS. How strange...]
Who knows, perhaps Apple is saving a display update as part of the Centrino 2 refresh. In any case, I think it's a moot point on a 13" or 15" panel. 17" panel, maybe.
OK, if there is one criticism I have to level against Apple, it's the omission of the SuperDrive in the MacBook. Should be technically and cost feasible. If they omitted it so that they can promote product differentiation, bad move.
I'm satisfied with the refresh, although it would be nice to complete the set by having Centrino 2. But that's an Intel issue more than anything else.
Now, if you'll excuse me, time to go buy my new 15" MacBook Pro!
YipYipYipee
Penryn iMacs with 2 gig RAM across the board and no remote next Tuesday!
I think this is very possible. New iMacs should be released in the very near future.
How about the sony vaio ar series?
(https://www.sonystyle.co.uk:443/Sony...02BC29B74)/.do)
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
The estimated weight is also 3.9 KG
How about the sony vaio ar series?
(https://www.sonystyle.co.uk:443/Sony...02BC29B74)/.do)
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Fine. OK, you iPhone hackers who've pretty much exploit all that was exploitable on that product, get to work on getting OS X to run on a Sony VAIO. Go on! Moveit, moveit, moveit!
YipYipYipee
The estimated weight is also 3.9 KG
lol true it is on the larger side but theres still the lighter fz series and even dells can be configured to ship with blueray drives! My point is that although I am a big apple fan I cant justify spending that much cash on one when I could have a much better spec pc at the same price! It seems like apple are playing catch up with this update and theres no good reason why it shouldn't have included a blueray option hdmi and the larger trackpad from the air, this is the pro after all!
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
You can also get those $500 notebooks with many more USB ports, a modem port, larger display, more keys on the keyboard, x-in-1 memory card reader, and a built-in S-Video and VGA out without the need for a dongle.
I guess it depends on the purchaser. I'm glad we have a choice and that yesterday's MB is cheaper today.
What about Firewire ports? Does it have optical audio output? Multitouch track pad? The display is bigger, but what about the quality of the display? What video card (or is it "integrated" video)? How about the quality of the rest of the components? What software does it include?
I wouldn't dispute that you can get a cheaper Windows PC. But pretty much every comparison I've ever read that made a true effort to compare similarly spec'd machines (not just processor speed, display size, and number of USB ports) have found that the prices are roughly equivalent. And let's not even get started on total cost of ownership vs initial purchase price!
Maybe you don't need Fireware, and that's OK. But that just means the problem with Macs isn't that they cost more than PCs. The problem is that Apple simply doesn't make the low-end computer that you want. If you don't want to pay for, or just can't afford, a Lexus, do you go to the Lexus dealer and complain that you can get a Chevy for 1/4 the price?
I expect the "MacBook Air 2" will include the Centrino 2 (aka Montevina) chipset, which should run cooler, longer and have a more powerful integrated Intel GPU, along with Penryn CPUs clocking up to 2.4GHz. Also, there may be more configurations available which may include double the memory (i.e. 2GB or 4GB of RAM, 80GB and 160GB hard drives or SSD storage).
Again, the above is speculation but seems like a logical roadmap.
YipYipYipee
It's hilarious that people are getting pissed off about the remote no longer being included. I don't know about the rest of you, but personally I have a handful of the damn things at home and rarely use them. if you're already coughing up the big bucks for your MBP who gives a shit about another nineteen bucks.
Also it's great to see an apple fan/news site so filled with people who are constantly upset and whining about Apple's choices.
If apple had dropped the price by 19$ so that people don't have to add to their collection of remotes, then that would be fine. But come on. the fracking thing costs like 50 cents to produce and they are selling it for 19$?
give me a break.
apple's prices have now reclaimed their 'way more than PCs' levels of like 5 years ago. it's a shame but true.
Apple is making more money per machine on this generation than before and not a cent of that price reduction is reflected in better specs or lower prices. instead they charge us 19$ for the fricking remote.
LAME.
plus, why not have BTO options with the biggest baddest HDs money can buy? Apple charges $1/gb for their HD upgrades. What a joke. the true cost of HD capacity is what? .30$ per GB? maybe less?
also, the speed increases since Core2Duos came out have been minor at best. yet more lameness. And what about making the MBP HD easier to swap? WTF?
...just wondering how many of you here actually need the power of the faster processors/extra ram/improved graphics memory etc etc?
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
I didn't need the speed bumps but I wanted Penryn for the additional battery life that it will supposedly yield.
Sucks I have to wait until next week to get my MBP.
What about Firewire ports? Does it have optical audio output? Multitouch track pad? The display is bigger, but what about the quality of the display? What video card (or is it "integrated" video)? How about the quality of the rest of the components? What software does it include?
I wouldn't dispute that you can get a cheaper Windows PC. But pretty much every comparison I've ever read that made a true effort to compare similarly spec'd machines (not just processor speed, display size, and number of USB ports) have found that the prices are roughly equivalent. And let's not even get started on total cost of ownership vs initial purchase price!
(snip)
A very important point about bundled software.
Unfortunately, many Windows based PCs come loaded with so much trial-ware, you can't see the forest from the trees! And it's TRIAL-WARE, which becomes useless in 30-90 days unless you buy it.
The iLife '08 suite is very usable software and comes free with the purchase of any new Apple computer or laptop. And for a measly $79 USD (in other countries your cost will vary), iWorks '08 is a very credible office suite. Especially Keynote, which runs rings around the latest version of Powerpoint.
YipYipYipee
At least they updated it somewhat.
I believe that's correct. HD playback requires (by license) that the video path is "secure" (ie, it can't be captured/recorded). Microsoft went draconian and put DRM throughout Vista to the point that the path from RAM to the video card can be locked down. Hopefully, Apple won't [need] to go so far because that could mean changes to the OS.
The HDMI connection on the AppleTV became HDCP (I think that's the right acronym) compliant with the Take 2.0 upgrade. Or at least it seems to get activated with rentals. I don't think you can implement HDCP on DVI (could be wrong), and that is what is needed for the player to handshake with the display/TV in order to establish a secure connection. So at a minimum, I think they'd have to start shipping computers with HDMI connections if you wanted to watch blu-ray on an external monitor. Who knows, the license to play blu-ray video may require that they implement HDCP even on the connection between the video card and the built-in display on laptops!
Correct.
The big thing about HDMI is that it can detect if ANY segment of cable is non-HDMI. (i.e. component or DVI cable anywhere along the path) and could therefore be tapped into for copying (bypassing DRM.)
If that's detected, then HDCP can enable its 'downrez bit' and only pass through, say, 480p to the monitor.
The important thing to remember is that HDMI is not the same thing as HDCP. But it IS a protocol that (in addition to allowing audio transmission on the same cable) provides a method of enforcing HDCP.
...just wondering how many of you here actually need the power of the faster processors/extra ram/improved graphics memory etc etc?
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
I see your point and agree..........BUT...............
What I wouldn't have minded in getting, at least with MB, was the LED display (battery life) and Multi-touch track pad (very innovated)......but mind you I feel that all the macs should have these features across the board.
Also since Blue-Ray has won, they should have introduced this as well. As for speed etc....I can see that being more of an issue in the high end MBP.
I guess I'll just wait to buy a MB (really only want a 13inch mac) that comes with these features, its a shame too b/c I've been holding out for about a year now b/c of the LED back-light, now who knows how much longer for the Mulit-touch track pad....oh well first time Mac user still waiting.....
Is it all about numbers & specs and having the latest, or is everyone here actually working their MBP until it's red hot running 32 channels in Logic with multiple plug-ins, batch processing 60 RAW images in CS3 and editing three hour epics in Final Cut Pro?!
just curious....
In my business, it's all about usability. And time is money. If I can have a portable system that can render a DV project to MPEG-2 for DVD authoring in significantly less time, I'm all for it.
YipYipYipee
How about the sony vaio ar series?
(https://www.sonystyle.co.uk:443/Sony...02BC29B74)/.do)
I dont know about the us but in the uk the top model costs the same as the 17inch mbp and comes with 500gb hard drive, 4gb ram, penryn processor and bluray burner. Oh and tv tuner and full hd lcd screen! i personaly much prefer osx and wouldn't mind paying premium for it but the fact is the mpb's aren't as pro as they once were!
Well, the fact that it comes with Vista rather than Leopard is a rather significant difference.
<voiceover>
Macbook pro: $2799.
Apple Remote: $19
Never having to use Vista?..... Priceless.
</voiceover>
Now, the only question is this: Should I get the base model or the middle model?
It seems to all boil down to the video memory (256MB vs. 512MB)
I plan to keep the computer for 4-5 years. I will be doing basic applications. I plan to do use music notation software (Finale with the processor/memory hog Garritan Personal Orchestra). If I do video stuff, it will be basic iMovie kind of stuff. I do plan to play some games, but they will mostly be strategy games like Civilization, Roller Coster Tycoon, Age of Empires, etc. However, if I do decide to pick up a heavier game, I want it to work well. Do you think getting the middle model with 512 MB of video memory is worth it for me?
What would you buy in my situation.
Well, the fact that it comes with Vista rather than Leopard is a rather significant difference.
<voiceover>
Macbook pro: $2799.
Apple Remote: $19
Never having to use Vista?..... Priceless.
</voiceover>
hehe...
Just gotta say Mac Mini is over due for a redesign as well.