[reader50]

We are once again considering merging the MacBookPro/PowerBook and MacBook/iBook forums into a single Mac Laptops forum. The machines have become very similar today, which causes duplication between the two forums.

The forums will not be merged until after the MWSF 2008 keynote, in case Apple should introduce a radically different laptop, such as an ultralite or tablet.

Comments are welcome.

[brassplayersrock²]

I'm for it. If you need another mod for the merged forum, let me know. yes I'm being serious

[MacosNerd]

I think its a good idea for the reasons stated.

We see enough questions asking about the MacBook in the MBP forum and vice versa I'm sure. At least that was the case early one.

[rickey939]

Perfect.

[analogika]

I propose waiting until after the 15th...

[TheoCryst]

Sounds good to me, I've been expecting this change for a while now.

[Dork.]

[finboy]

I think it's a good idea. Also, though, it would help to have a legacy question thread (for those of us still using Powerbooks and ibooks).

[f1000]

Originally Posted by analogika 

I propose waiting until after the 15th...

I second analogika's suggestion.

[mkbhatia]

afasdfasdfasd

[Lateralus]

Indeed.

[ajprice]

Originally Posted by analogika 

I propose waiting until after the 15th...

Originally Posted by f1000 

I second analogika's suggestion.

Thirded

[brassplayersrock²]

read people, read:

The forums will not be merged until after the MWSF 2008 keynote, in case Apple should introduce a radically different laptop, such as an ultralite or tablet.

[fisherKing]

excellent idea...or go all out the other way, and separate forums by macbook color, macbook pro screen size, ram, configuration...

(no really, merge those forums already)

[ajprice]

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock² 

read people, read:

I can read thanks. I realise that a change won't happen until after the Expo, because thats what reader50 said. What I was supporting was not discussing what change to make, because everybody saying 'yes lets change them' will be pointless if the line changes at MW anyway.

[mduell]

Even an ultralight should be mixed in with the MB/MBP since it would be the same architecture.

A UMPC would probably belong in a different forum since it's a different architecture.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by mkbhatia 

afasdfasdfasd

Just wondering aloud here: is that an infraction-worthy post (+1’ing)?

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

I would still merge the 2 forums even if Apple comes out with a UMPC or tablet, let the UMPC have its own forum.

[driven]

Do it ... do it.

[agentz]

Another yes vote from me

[Dakar the Fourth]

Watch the MacBook Air be real just to throw a wrench in this merger.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by mkbhatia 

afasdfasdfasd

My thought exactly.

-t

[ort888]

The less boards the better.

Do it!

Yes!

[analogika]

Okay - fuse 'em.

The MacBook Air is all over both forums- obviously blurring the line between the two to the point where it really makes no sense to keep them separate.

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

Do it..... Do it.....

*waves a watch in front of Demonhood*

[Dork.]

Maybe things would be better off if there's a "Notebook" forum for Intel-based Macs, and a separate forum for the older PPC macs. If there is a good line of separation now among the Apple notebooks, it's Intel vs. Non-Intel....

[analogika]

^ good point.

[Lateralus]

PPC v Intel would be a potentially good forum idea if it weren't for the fact that the entire idea behind the notebook forum change is consolidation.

[MacinTommy]

Originally Posted by analogika 

Okay - fuse 'em.

The MacBook Air is all over both forums- obviously blurring the line between the two to the point where it really makes no sense to keep them separate.

good point.. If I were to guess.. it would more or less go in the "pro" category.

[driven]

The MacBook Air provides an even *BETTER* reason for consolidation. Since that machine is sort of a "bridge" between the pro and the amateur world.

[Simon]

So why no consolidation yet?

Where do MBA posts go to now? Why are there two huge MBA threads in separate forums?

I agree with above posters. Now's the best time to consolidate.

[Eug]

Consolidation is a good idea.

It should be noted that the MacBook is faster and more feature rich than the Pro-wannabe MacBook Air. Furthermore, while some pro apps like Final Cut Studio don't officially support the MacBook, they will install on the MacBook (since Apple doesn't prevent this), and will run just fine on it judging by reports.




It seems clear that Apple thinks the MacBook is close enough now. This is in stark contrast to the old days when the iBooks were so poorly spec'd vs the pro line so that it deserved a separate category. This was especially true when the iBooks were still using G3s.

But all of that has changed. A unified laptop category would make a ton of sense.

[Cadaver]

Merge away.

[shinykaro]

Merger makes sense.

[brassplayersrock²]

i've seen the same discussions over and over in both forums. please let us know of any plans for the merger. thanks

[reader50]

It's in the works. The MBA does not change the equation enough.

Some of the Admins are tied up in MWSF, which is the main delay right now.

[Demonhood]

Done

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

Originally Posted by Demonhood 

Done

Thank you.

[imitchellg5]

I like it. Sort of shortens the main page, and there aren't any MacBook questions in the MacBook Pro forum and vice versa. Very nice, thanks!