We have received some new information regarding Apple’s Macbook and Macbook Pro models, which have been long overdue for a design overhaul. Although the current case design is nearly flawless on both, rumors have continued to circulate about complete case refreshes for both machines.
We have spoken with a connected source close to us, and they tell us that the Macbook Pro will,
“100% have a Macbook Air-like keyboard. Feeling more like the Macbook’s current keyboard, yet offering backlight.” We asked about the track-pad but they shrugged it off as if it was no big deal. Almost indicating that the current track-pad might be sufficient in Apple’s opinion. We also asked if they could confirm a launch date, to no avail. We think it would only make sense for the Macbook Pro to inherit the Air’s track-pad. And based on Apple’s past history, the end-of-the-summer (right before school starts) launch date seems pretty accurate.
“With all Apple notebook systems due to ship with multi-touch enabled trackpads following this summer’s MacBook and MacBook Pro design overhauls, Apple is putting the finishing touches on a complete multi-touch framework that will ship as part of Snow Leopard.”
“Apple Inc.’s existing MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks will be the last of their breed, as both product families are destined for major design changes upon their next refresh.” Additionally, Apple Insider continues to explain that the Macbook Pro will “borrow several design cues from the aluminum iMacs and Macbook Air.”
Hopefully Apple is finally getting rid of the hatch closure on the Macbook Pro to fit it with the same magnetic closures that Macbook sports.
An infusion of some of the Macbook Air’s amazing features and design elements into the Macbook or Macbook Pro (hopefully both) will be very welcomed by the industry. We’re very confident in this rumor being true, yet there’s definitely a chance it remains what it is… a rumor.
Update: The above image is an interpretation/mockup. It’s not a true depiction of what the next gen Macbook Pro will look like. Though it may be similar.
6 Comments to “Macbook and Macbook Pro Design Overhaul rumors re-surface. New Keyboard 100%.”
One implication between the lines is that if Apple is releasing systems that will be fully compatible with Snow Leopard when it’s released, then Snow Leopard upgrades are being designed to be emphasized as a revenue stream.
After some initial caterwauling on Mac Forums, it’s clear that Snow Leopard WILL be loaded with new (and very keen) technologies AND have a ton of spaghetti code accumulated between 10.0 and 10.5 rearchitected at the core level from the ground up (speed, lack of bloat, native integration of functions are all huge features folks).
Cutting back a few million lines of code will also dramatically lessen the number of entry points for the black hats, thus increasing the security of OS X still leagues ahead of Windows. Exchange integration will be a must have for Mac users who don’t want to run a virtualized session of Windows just for that function.
And clearly there will closer integration between desktops and iDevices and cloud connections (as in MobileMe). I expect lots of cross-fertilization between OS X (no longer called Mac OS X by Apple recently) and OS X Mobile (I know it’s “OS X iPhone,” but the former name seems closer to the direction it’s going).
Anyway, long story short, maybe not much new OS-itself eye-candy, but maybe the most significant OS upgrade by any OS in years, and so I’m thinkin’ it’ll probably be marketed at or close to previous Mac OS upgrades prices after all. At least $79 or $99.
Meanwhile a MacBook with LED screen, multi-touch gestures, faster graphics and maybe a new material skin (and maybe 8-12 oz’s lighter and thinner). Unless a refreshed pro was just too compelling.
PS: I’m sure Snow Leopard will also be able to be sold to at least nearly all Intel Mac owners (both for their functionality and Apple’s bottom line), but it may do a few extra tricks on the latest hardware releases preceding its unveiling.
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I just want some kind of refresh for these guys. It’s been so long.
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I’m hoping the redesign does NOT look like that interpretation. Mainly, it too closely resembles the MacBook Air, especially the trackpad. I think it may confuse the not-so-technological consumers out there, and the differences between the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro won’t be as distinct, which I think is a confusing move for Apple if they decided this look. More than likely there will be a case redesign soon, but maybe not a black keyboard, maybe white, or even keep the consistent “full aluminum” feel for Apple’s professional line of products.
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I noticed that the Apple Store’s refurbished MAC section now only has one 15″ MBP listed. This follows the last month when there were many options listed.
I do not know if this is an indication that the new versions are imminent or not.
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Actually Dave, I got a weird email from Apple stating the new deals in the refurbished section of the Apple Store online. I don’t know if the amount of refurbished notebooks is any good indication to Apple’s future refreshing or overhauling plans of these products.
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1. I can see the magnetic latch going as it’s been nothing but a headache for years, in fact, I’m surprised it’s taken tis long.
2. Keyboard will be silver but still glow. The black just looks distracting compared to the silver. The current keyboard isn’t metal, but it’s still silver.
3. Trackpad I can see becoming a MBA pad, I just hope a hack is posted online for current users much like a hack was posted to make non-scrolling tarackpads scroll.
-Brian
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