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Sources confirm plans for a smaller, ultra-thin form factored MacBook Pro
Posted December 4th, 2006 06:57:00 AM (GMT) by Alexandros Roussos
MacScoop has obtained reports from sources believed to be very reliable, claiming that Apple is developing a smaller and ultra-thin form-factor MacBook Pro.
The new laptop should be even thinner and weigh less than the current models in the MacBook Pro line-up. In spite of this very tiny and lightweight form-factor, the miniaturized MacBook Pro should keep its built-in optical drive and sport a dual-core processor, providing unequalled size/performance ratio in the PC industry, sources told MacScoop.
As it was claimed in former reports we obtained, Apple should use the 12 inch form factor while the use of "widescreen" a aspect ratio sounds obvious.
Sources added that the exact price tag for this product is not defined yet, but discussions with people who are very well informed on Apple's pricing strategy for current and forthcoming products brought us in the conclusion that Apple's new laptop could be priced in the $1700~$1800 range.
Release timeframe remains the most uncertain point in all the reports we could gather, as no information has filtered from manufacturing sources. Some sources even believe that Apple hasn't yet placed any orders to its suppliers, as the product is said to be in the final stage of its development. Though manufacturers might have kept mouths closed regarding this project, current information makes us believe that the ultra-thin MacBook Pro shouldn't be expected before February 2007.
Back in February late March of this year, we were the first to report that Apple was working on an ultra-thin 12 inch sized Mac laptop based on the Intel architecture as a replacement of the, now defunct, PowerBook 12 inch. At the same time, most of the Mac-centric publications claimed that Apple would abandon the smallest form factor in the MacBook Pro line-up, in favour of the entry-level 13 inch MacBooks.
Since that first report, some analysts also pointed out that Apple should enter the sub-notebook market next year but provided no details and release timeframe on the products. Moreover, we can note that in a "market share gains strategy" context, Apple could certainly benefit from providing more choice to its customers and widening its target market.
Any further information is welcome and you can be sure that we'll keep you updated if we obtain more details.
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Great news, if its true.
Great news, if its true. Apple have to keep innovating, and while we all know the Apple laptops are the best, that isn't always obvious to less perceptive PC users! Making something this cool will bring Apple products into the news yet again.
I Hope that Apple uses a
I Hope that Apple uses a amazing display, like sony's TX series -wxga 11.1 (1366x768). And all other cool features like isight and backlight keyboard.
And Wifi N-band!!!
And Wifi N-band!!!
I just don't see Apple going
I just don't see Apple going this direction at all. It seems like a wast of time and money. The screen being so small and what processor what be in it at what speed and what price? The source makes an estimate. Although the last 12" was not a huge success wide would they do it again? My self being an ex Apple employee. I know the figures. This is why they didn't do it in the first place. If anything they would improve the line they have now. Perhaps this is the new shell they are speaking of to replace the existing one that has been on the the macbook pro that was on the powerbook. Instead of a new machine.
You are right on the Ball!
You are right on the Ball! It's going to be a new type of computer me thinks or some type of user interface. Not a MBP at all. Sorry guys just my 2¢!
I disagree. The best way for
I disagree. The best way for Apple to move forward is to keep its product line as inclusive as possible without too much overlap. Having a small, thin, light alternative to the MacBooks would be a great second machine. Ditto the xMac (smaller form factor Power Mac). What would really tie it all together is a powerful synchronising/backup solution via .Mac...
??? You make no sense
??? You make no sense whatsoever
aaaaaaaaraagarargaaaarggg! It
aaaaaaaaraagarargaaaarggg!
It's exactly what I want! Please Apple!
I think these are great
I think these are great news! I love the PB/MBP form factor but the 15 inch display is just to large for my needs (I commute by train some 15-20 hours a week...) so I´m still hanging on to my 1,33 PB G4. I´d be the first to buy an Intel-based, 12 inch MBP.
Me too, me too! I'm not a
Me too, me too! I'm not a big person, so carrying around a 15" notebook feels like I'm carrying around a bunch of coffee-table books. I love my 12". I bought it as a "second" computer, but once I started using it, I gave away my desktop G4.
I can't wait until the this new rev comes out!
I'm in love with my 12" PB.
I'm in love with my 12" PB. The only thing that bums me is that the optical drive went south and the screen is comparatively dim. But it's fast and sweet, so bring on a successor.
Same here. This is the
Same here. This is the product that is still missing in the Apple product range. I'm also holding on to my G4 12' until Apple releases this new powerbook. The MacBook lacks a slot for a modem card, the 15' powerbook is just too big when you travel a lot and have a desk top at home and office.
Just can't wait.
A 12" macbook would be
A 12" macbook would be exactly my choice as a second Mac
yeah - please do it! i love
yeah - please do it!
i love my 12" powerbook because it's the only one you can take it with you. but the power is not longer enough and i can't run aperture...
i will pray for this macbook ;o)
They're going to sell like
They're going to sell like pan-cakes!
I hope they won't be Intel GMA powered.
In other news, pan-cake
In other news, pan-cake sales reach a new low today as consumers flock to more popular hot-cakes.
lol, pancakes are soooo last
lol, pancakes are soooo last year!
I hope that too
I hope that too
I think a GMA graphic chip
I think a GMA graphic chip with shared memory would make of this product a non-sense.
The GMA Graphics card is a
The GMA Graphics card is a great card with lot of performance.
You're kidding right?
You're kidding right? :)
Integrated video is a joke for just about everything except basic office tasks (email, word, etc.)
Apple at least capped the GMA at 64MB so it doesn't suck down ram. The windows driver actually allocates up to 230MB+ of RAM depending on the task.
I can also say from experience using the Macbook that the redraw is sluggish. Windows feel like you're dragging them through jello. Its subtle, but its definitely there. Text also blurs quite badly as you scroll.
My 12" Powerbook blurs too, but no where near what the 950 GMA does.
Just guessing, but it sounds
Just guessing, but it sounds like this would be the first Apple laptop with LED backlighting instead of the less expensive cold cathode flourescent backlight. LEDs will be more colorful, thinner, and use less power, but for now more expensive, so they would start with the small screens and give the suppliers a chance to improve the manufacturing process. In a couple of years LED backlights will be widespread, even big screen LCD tv/monitors.
Making an ultra-thin 12 inch
Making an ultra-thin 12 inch laptop with a built-in optical drive will be quite a challenge.
Yeah, it can't be
Yeah, it can't be done:
http://www.dynamism.com/g1/main.shtml
PLEEEEEEASE .... my pwbG4
PLEEEEEEASE .... my pwbG4 12" is dying, won't buy a macbook 13", I want my 12"PRO !!!!!!!
Sony makes ultra-thin
Sony makes ultra-thin laptops with dvd-r drives in them. It wouldn't be that much of a challenge. This is something Apple can and should do. I would definitely buy one--their decision to ax the 12" was terrible!
at the moment we have two
at the moment we have two powerbooks g4 and ... a samsung which is soooo light and slim (and even more expensive than the MBPs) the samsung is the choice if you want to travel light ... the only thing I don't like about it is ... the XP on it :-)
would jump at a MacBook Light :-)
That would be my next Mac
That would be my next Mac too.
I have the 12" PB. I've been
I have the 12" PB. I've been waiting so long for the 12" MBP that I've stopped beleiving - I've started looking on EBay to buy another 12" PB! 12" PB is the PERFECT form factor - Apple, we're begging now! PLEASE!
I totally agree: the 12" PB
I totally agree: the 12" PB is the perfect form-factor. I still use mine on an everyday basis. I´ve been looking at the MBP but 15" is simply too large for everyday duties on the road. The 13" MB´s are nice but I cant´t let go of the aluminium feel/look of the PBs and MBPs. I´d buy the 12" MBP as soon as it come out. Any chance of them having those gourgeous back-lit keyboards...???