New MacBook And MacBook Pro Updates Represent Solid Value-Added, But No Revolution Yet
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
by Charles W. Moore
In the ‘Book Mystique a couple of weeks ago, I asked readers “so what would you like to see in the next MacBook Pro? Practical workhorse or sleek fashion statement? Something in between? I’d be interested in hearing your ideas.” The responses I received appear below with my interpolated comments, but events have overtaken us, and the next MacBook Pro has now arrived, announced yesterday along with a refreshment of the MacBook.
The latest MacBook Pro revision was pretty much exactly what I expected. As I wrote in “The Agenda” on Monday:
“PC laptops sporting Intel’s new Penryn mobile CPU have been out for several weeks now, and Apple won’t want to be seen lagging too far behind.
“The operative question is, will the Pro machines get more than any speed bump and processor family change? I’m guessing likely not this time, and expect that the existing Mac will form factor will be returned to serve a while yet. It will be fun to see if I’ve called this one correctly. If there’s to be an announcement, it will probably be on Tuesday.”
It was and I did. Same form factor and Penryn CPUs, as expected, although the sweetening did go considerably farther than that with the MacBook Pro getting Apple’s Multi-Touch trackpad that debuted in the MacBook Air last month. Multi-Touch technology includes gesture support for pinch, rotate and swipe, making it easy to zoom and rotate photos and browse web pages.
The new processors are based on Intel’s 45nm CPU technology which currently supports speeds up to 2.6 GHz. The 2.4 GHz unit has a 3 GB L2 cache, while the faster chips have 6 GB. Penryn’s SSE4 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. Apple has chosen to make the 2.5 GHz variant standard in the high-end the MacBook Pro , but a 2.6 GHz Penryn is available as a BTO option, and Apple claims that with that CPU, the MacBook Pro is 50% to 74% faster than the original version MacBook Pro in early 2006.
Intel’s 45-nanometer process results in transistors so small you could fit a hundred inside a single human cell. With smaller distances for electrons to travel, and two execution cores designed to share resources and conserve power, the Intel Core 2 Duo achieves higher levels of performance without using more power (and hopefully producing less heat and providing longer battery life). Battery life is projected to be 30-60 minutes longer than on earlier MacBook Pro models.
MacBook Pro video support has also received a substantial upgrade, with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor units sporting up to 512MB of video RAM. The combination of a 16-lane PCI Express architecture and the powerful graphics processor kicks MacBook Pro video performance to a new level. The 16x full-screen anti-aliasing, 128-bit High Dynamic Range rendering, and texture fill rate of up to 8.2 billion textured pixels per second provide excellent picture quality, contrast and tone for contemporary 3D animation and games. Apple says the new MacBook Pro graphics performance is up to 2.3 times faster than that of the original Core Duo-based MacBook Pro.
This MacBook still uses the Intel X3100 integrated graphics processor, which annexes up 144 MB of system RAM for graphics support, rather than a real GPU with its own dedicated VRAM.
One of the notable aspects of this update is that, for the MacBook Pro, it’s the first refreshment in more than seven months, the last one in which Santa Rosa CPUs were introduced was way back in June, 2007. The MacBook had its Santa Rosa speed bump last November. Seven months is a long time between updates, and another noteworthy point is that to the best of my recollection this is the first Apple laptop rollout to take place in February.
The revised Macbooks still come with the familiar 13-inch glossy display, and still in three models which have been speed-bumped with faster processors and larger hard drives are standard. The new clock speeds are 2.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz with 120GB or 160GB 5400 rpm hard drives on the low-end and middle white models, and the top of the line black 2.4 GHz model comes with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive, previously only available as an option. The 2.4 GHz MacBook models ship with 2GB of memory standard, expandable up to 4GB across the line.
Every MacBook and MacBook Pro includes a built-in iSight video camera; Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking, built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth; analog and digital audio inputs and outputs; USB 2.0; FireWire and a built-in SuperDrive on all but the entry-level MacBook.
All Macs in the Apple lineup comes with iLife ‘08, featuring the latest versions of iPhoto and iMovie. On the downside, these new ‘Books no longer come standard with Apple Remotes, which are now a $19.00 a build-to-order option.
One enhancement I had expected that didn’t materialize is LED backlights for the 17-inch MacBook Pro (the 15-incher has that already), and the MacBook. Those models still come with conventional CCFL backlights. Display sizes and resolutions remain the same as before.
[UPDATE - I have discovered that a LED backlight is available in the 17" MacBook Pro , but only as a $100 BTO option. No LEDs backlights for the MacBook yet.]Returning good stuff includes built-in iSight video cameras, a backlit keyboard on the MacBook Pros, Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter and built-in 802.11n wireless networking.
All things considered, I would say this is a very solid value and performance-added update for both models.
While I’m not surprised that Apple is standing pat with the MacBook Pro form factor (the MacBook’s case design is the third-youngest in Apple’s lineup, so I would have been VERY surprised at it being changed) at this time, I have to say that I never would have predicted back in January, 2006, that the old aluminum PowerBook form factor introduced back in 2003, which human and even then was stylistically derivative of the 2001 Titanium PowerBook, would still be with us in 2008.
And while I suppose it is possible that Apple could spring a redesigned Mac MacBook Pro on us in late spring or the summer, I think it’s also entirely possible that the current design will be carried through to Macworld Expo 2009 or even beyond.
Anyway, the Pro ‘Book is nothing if not a classic, and I’m apprehensive that the next MacBook Pro designed could follow the same thinness extremism as the MacBook Air has. An aesthetic appealing to some, but of necessarily involving engineering and connectivity compromises that diminish the machine’s practical utility. Sometimes I think Apple’s industrial design enthusiasm loses sight of the fact that computers are first and foremost tools rather than fashion statements. There’s nothing wrong with looking good, but philosophically and temperamentally I’m a form-follows-function kind of guy.
Unfortunately, I seem to be swimming against the tide here. I’ve been amused by a flurry of rationalization going on with regard to the MacBook Air’s manifold practical shortcomings, and I dearly hope that sort of thing will not be necessary with regard to the next generation MacBook Pro, but it’s not a very lively hope, alas.
In a Low End Mac commentary this week on Apple Design in the MacBook Air Era, John Muir says:
“The aluminium PowerBook design, which the MacBook Pro still bears, dates back to the start of 2003 and my own rather quaint laptop. It has worn well - often considered a true classic among notebook designs - but the MacBook Air’s sudden arrival has given it something of a dent. I know it is controversial to suggest that the professional oriented MacBook Pro take a diet as radical as produced the Air, but I think looking forward a few years it is inevitable. The Air shows that the compromises needed right now are still too steep for its bigger brothers. I am certain, however, that this is precisely the direction they too will go in good time. Flash storage replacing hard disks, as it has done in all but one iPod now, optical drives becoming external peripherals, replaceable batteries exchanged for iPod-like integration, and ports being selectively culled or delegated to USB. Such changes aren’t necessarily as harsh as the Air itself has taken: there will be more room by definition on a 17” notebook, and professional machines may well hold on to select ports the Air has boldly dispatched. Thin, though, is certainly in. MacBook Pros today will look as oversized to their descendants as the Air does against them now.”
Reluctantly, I’m inclined to agree with John, and with that let’s turn to what readers had to say on the topic.
New MacPro--Son Of Pismo!
From Jerry
Hello Charles,
I read with interest andÊnostalgia you article,
“The ‘Book Mystique
What Would You Like To See In The Next MacBook Pro?Ê”Ê
Like you, I think the Macbook Air is really a great Apple take on a sub-notebook. But we’re a Pismo family (there are now 5 family members who have one or are getting one soon). I just paid $280 for a clean 500Mhz Pismo, 394 Mb RAM, 40GB HD in terrific shape. It’s going to a sister-in-law in Armenia of all places. She wants to compose music (Nope, garageband is not it - she’s actually writing music compositions, orchestration for classical music and jazz. ) These old Pismos are amazing, and you know why ;-o
The 500 Mhz models run Tiger at acceptable speeds. Perfect for most of our tribe’s needs. My G4 upgraded model with 1Gb RAM can do more serious creative work. I compose Keynote presentations, and some Photoshop Elements work without much lag time.
I love the ability to upgrade the processor. It’s such a cool idea in a notebook! I’m still onÊdial-up as are a few other family members so I connect with the Pismo. So I agree with you, I like the built in modem.
It goes without saying I concur with your article - Apple needs to focus on a true Pismo replacement. A portable with a built in modem. Yeah, there are still large areas in the Americas that only have a modem connection. Apple, are you listening??? Also, return of the removable device expansion bay, increase modularity and upgradability. I wish you had Steve’s ear so you could prompt him to look to the past for inspiration for the future Macbook Pro.
I also have a thing with the Newton. Just because Jobs didn’t think of it doesn’t mean he should’ve dumped it. But I’d like to see the next Macbook come with a wireless removable screen with a tablet option and the Newton style handwriting recognition and graphic digitation capacity. OSX has some measly handwriting recognition, but it really could be much, much more IMHO.
But mostly, I’m holding out for the next Macbook Pro to have the good things the Pismo has!
Regards,
Jerry
Hi Jerry;
Indeed I do know why... :-)
You and I are singing from the same page of the same hymn book.
If Apple built a “Son of Pismo” even as a retro exercise ( rough automotive analogies would be the VW New Beetle, the BMW Mini, the now discontinued Ford Thunderbird, the Chevy HHR, and perhaps most authentically, the Porsche 911, which never was out of production since its introduction in 1964 ), they would sell a lot of them. Personally, if such a machine was available, I wouldn’t even consider any other Apple notebook.
Of course, I’m still using two original Pismos, upgraded to G4 power and with SuperDrive modules, as production machines along with my 17” aluminum PowerBook.
With the Pismo’s tenth anniversary two years away, a commemorative edition would be great!
Charles
MacBook Pro - next revision needs
From Pat
Apple needs to admit they made a mistake with ExpressCard 34 and put in an expresscard 54 slot. Sometimes Apple is without a clue, and this is one of those times. Every single laptop being purchased by my employer is set up for logon by ID (CAC) card. The 34 slot is too narrow and would necessitate carrying around a dongle. Apple just needs wake up and widen the slot a bit. Very little extra space required with a big payoff in functionality. They need to put the slot in the MacBook as well.
Pat
Hi Pat;
I agree on both points and thanks for bringing it up, although I think the likelihood of an expansion card slot being added to the MacBook is very low, for marketing rather than engineering reasons.
In a way, it reminds me a bit of Apple putting a removable device expansion bay in the PowerBook 5300 and not making it big enough to accommodate a CD-ROM drive, when lots of PC laptops had CD-drives. That shortcoming was remedied with the PowerBook 1400, which had only a slightly larger footprint than the 5300, so why didn’t they get it right the first time around?
What worries me is that Apple might decide to extend their obsession with extreme thinness to the pro machines and dump even the ExpressCard 34 slot.
Charles
So what would you like to see in the next MacBook Pro?
From Robert
So what would I like to see in the next MacBook Pro?
I have a mid-2007 MBP with LED monitor.
My biggest disappointment with it comes when watching movies and TV on its glossy 15” screen. The picture quality is terrible, with blown out highlights and obvious banding.
More than anything else, I want a quality picture.
Oh, yeah. Better speakers as well. Right now it’s like listening to a pair of iPod earbuds -- from three feet away -- turned up real loud.
Robert
Hi Robert;
I expect you might be a lot happier with the matte display option than the glossy one.
Debate over that preference seems almost as irreconcilable as cat people vs. dog people. At least Apple gives MacBook Pro buyers a choice.
I don’t recall any of the internal speakers in any of my Macs over the years, laptop or desktop, being anything I would want to listen to music on. I have a pair of powered freestanding speakers at my workstation, and also use earphones or earbuds.
Charles
Re: So what would you like to see in the next MacBook Pro?
From: Robert
Hi Charles!
I bought the glossy screen because it was in stock. I am SO glad my 24” iMac has a matte screen, but the glossy is OK for the MBP because I normally use it with an external monitor anyway, and glossy is good when using it as a standalone movie player. I have THX-certified speakers at my workstation, and use Real Headphones when away from it.
I still own a 3400c, so I know that while compromise is inevitable with laptop speakers, there are degrees of compromise.
And the new Lenovo which Mossberg just reviewed? Same size screen as MBA BUT same pixels as 15” MBP! (Picture quality? I have little hope there.) So we have tiny screens with high pixel density and giant -- 17” MBP -- screens with high pixel density. What’s missing? The size most people buy.
In summation, there’s stuff in the parts bin which I wish Apple would choose...
and I will not buy another iMac until matte screens return!
Rob
Hi Rob;
Ah yes, the famous PowerBook 3400 “subwoofer”. The best built-in sound quality of any PowerBook I guess. Apple’s penance for the single mono speaker in the PowerBook 5300 perhaps? It did bulk things up though, so the locus of compromise was shifted.
Charles
MacBook Pro Wish
From John Klug
BlueRay optical drive
Hi John;
You’re the soul of brevity.
I think that one may be more likely now that BluRay has won the format war.
Actually, if you have a powerBook G3 (Lombard or Pismo), a PowerBook G4 Titanium, a PowerBook G4 Aluminum, or a MacBook Pro 17”, FasyMac can retrofit you with a BluRay drive now, although the $999 price tag is a bit daunting.
For more information, visit:
http://fastmac.com/drives.php
Charles
Ideas for MacBook Pro refresh
From Colynn
You’re right when you point out that the current MacBook Pro design is basically 5 years old. This points out where Apple will likely go with their next generation models - look to the modern design elements of Apple’s recent products:
- iPod Phone and iPod Touch: clamshell case design with glass framed by beveled aluminum metal; black, chrome
- MacBook Air: monocoque body; curved rather than flat case bottoms and tops; aluminum; large multitouch trackpad, chicklet keypad
- iMac: black, chrome and anodized aluminum; curved rather than flat back case; black and brushed aluminum; chicklet keypad
Put these design elements together and you get a glass-covered screen with a black bezel, a metal clamshell case which is slimmer at the edges, but a similar thickness in the centre, a black or white chicklet keypad, and a large multitouch keypad.
What I hope to see retained is a full suite of ports, albeit along a slimmer edge. I’d really like to say goodbye to the grey plastic bezel on the around the inside edge, which is simply too tacky for a pro model ... it should be anodized metal like the Touch. I’m not a big fan of the glare on the glass screens, so I hope Apple solves this problem. While on the screen, I’d like the hinge to open a bit further, too.
It goes without saying that the laptops have to be upgradable. There should be an option for easy drive upgrades, including future flash drives, and memory upgrades. SuperDrives are also a must, even though wireless should be an important feature (3G anyone?).
Longer battery life is expected with the new chips and LED screens, as is a modest weight savings.
Finally, I’d like to encourage Apple to get these new products to market sooner than later. They must keep their reputation for innovation intact in the face of competition from Penryn PCs and their own MacBook Air. They also have to make way for a refresh to their tower design (smaller) and the evolution of their iPhone and iPods. And finally, they have to leverage their MultiTouch interface into tangible products and third party software enhancements.
Colynn
Hi Colynn;
I pretty much agree with you on all points.
I do hope that a matte display version remains available in the MacBook Pro.
If I had to wager, I would expect at least one more refresh of the current MacBook Pro form factor with Penryn chips, with the next-gen Pro notebook coming later this year or at Macworld Expo next year, but what do I know?
Charles
So what would you like to see in the next MacBook Pro?
From grandPAW
A shipping date!
Hi GrandPAW;
I think we can all agree with that, and we've now had one,/p>
Charles
The new MacBook and MacBook Pro models are now shipping and will be available through the Apple Store ( www.apple.com ), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The revised model and specification lineups are as follows:
The 2.1 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,099 (US), includes:
* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling trackpad; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.4 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:
* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling trackpad; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.4 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:
* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling trackpad; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to up to 4GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a 160GB or 250GB hard drive, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:
* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 LCD display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 200GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.5 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:
* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 LCD display;
* 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.
The 2.5 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:
* 17-inch widescreen 1680 x 1050 LCD display;
* 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to up to 4GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 200GB (7200 rpm), 250GB (5400 rpm) or a 300GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple USB Modem, glossy widescreen display, 17-inch LED-backlit 1920 x 1200 high-resolution display and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
Additional build-to-order options for both MacBook and MacBook Pro include pre-installed copies of iWork ‘08, Logic Express 8, Final Cut Express 4 and Aperture 2.
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