[DeusExMachina]

I have a final rev G4 powerbook, which I bought since I dont trust revA products like the macbook. It turns out that I did a good thing since intel mac users wont be able to take advantage of the increased speed till about year from now, and the DVD burner has been greatly downgraded. There is also the lack of firewire 800, S video, and a lower monitor resolution. So due to this I am perfectly happy with my powerbook till rev B. So now I am just wondering, what do you think is in store for revB? here is what I am expecting:

Low end:

Monitor: same as current
Processor: 1.83GHZ intel core duo
Memory: 1GB
Hard drive: 100GB 5200RPM
Optical drive: 4x single layer superdrive (possibly 8x dual layer)
videocard: Ati mobility Radeon X1600 256MB
Input: Return of S video (possibly FW800)
Price change: Probably stay $2,000

High end:

Monitor: same as current
Processor: 2GHZ intel core duo
Memory: keep 1GB
Hard drive: 100GB 7200RPM
Optical drive: 8x dual layer superdrive
videocard: Ati X1800 256MB (or whatever is after the x1600)
Input: Return of Firewire 800 and S video
Price change: Maybe $200 less

So how does this sound? Also what are your ideas, and when do you think revB will be released?

[Dave Hagan]

Well I wouldn't speculate on the Rev. B MacBook Pro since the Rev. A has yet to ship. We'll know more as the other Intel Macs are rolled out - specifically the MacBook (presumably the replacement for the iBook).

[Jawbone54]

Let's see what needs fixed on the Rev A's when they come out. Then we'll see.

[mduell]

I think you can get S-video from the current one with one of Apple's DVI to video pin adapters. I think we'll see e.SATA added instead of Firewire 800.
Certainly faster burners and 160GB drives.

[Simon]

I agree with mduell. Although Apple could tell people to go Express/34 for eSATA with the same argument they're using now.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Simon

I agree with mduell. Although Apple could tell people to go Express/34 for eSATA with the same argument they're using now.

I think Apple will build-in a high performance external port for storage, and I think e.SATA has better chances than Fiber Channel or the higher speed Firewires (1600 or 3200).

[Simon]

Could well be. But I'd expect to see them do it first on the Power Mac / Mac Pro before they put it in a MBP.

[eevyl]

Originally Posted by DeusExMachina

Optical drive: 8x dual layer superdrive
videocard: Ati X1800 256MB (or whatever is after the x1600)
Input: Return of Firewire 800 and S video
Price change: Maybe $200 less

You know, there is not a card after the Mobility X1600, it's top of the line. It all depends if ATI ships a better one by the time the rev B is launched, which I think could be after 6 months (at least) of the MacBook Pro official ship date, and my guess there is second half of February.

I don't see FW800 making the return on the MacBook Pro 15.4", maybe if they release a 17" version. Not sure about the S-Video, as it's available using cheap (compared to adding FW800 via cards) adaptors.

One thing I know, it won't be 200$ less. It will have better stuff, but won't cost less. For that you will have to look at the "iBook with Intel", when it ships.

[Drakino]

Graphics wise, I doubt the MacBook Pro will see the (yet to be announced) x1800 mobility, as it is slated more for desktop replacement machines. The x1600 in the soon to ship machines would be replaced by an x2600, or whatever ATI calls their midrange laptop solution next.

Processor wise, your thinking too slow. I'm betting it will be 2.0 and 2.13ghz systems at a minimum, since both chips exist now. I'm a bit surprised the current products didn't go with these. This all assumes a "Rev B" before September. If it comes then, expect a "Rev A" Intel Merom system instead.

SVideo is unlikely to return on the laptop mainboard, since it adds complexity and cost. It's cheeper for Apple to sell a dongle for the DVI port instead. Think of it the same way the iPods have been staying at the same price points by removing things from the box. The dock, firewire/usb cords and power bricks were all removed and made accessories.

FW800 is also not likely to come back. eSATA might be considered, but I think FW800 missing from the MBP is a sign Apple is phasing it out. The industry seems to be moving towards eSATA for high performance hard disks. If more video cameras justified the existence of FW800, I'd imagine it would come back.


Regarding the lower resolution comment, it's just a minor reduction in vertical space of 60 pixels. This allows Apple to align their 15 inch laptop with the rest of the industry for screen size. (15.4 inch instead of the Powerbook 15.2 inch). This will help Apple get the LCD panels at a cheeper cost since they are more standardized, and should help quality issues like the lines people were seeing on the 1440x960 displays.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by eevyl

You know, there is not a card after the Mobility X1600, it's top of the line. It all depends if ATI ships a better one by the time the rev B is launched, which I think could be after 6 months (at least) of the MacBook Pro official ship date, and my guess there is second half of February.

nVidia Go 7800 GTX is out there too.

Originally Posted by Drakino

FW800 is also not likely to come back. eSATA might be considered, but I think FW800 missing from the MBP is a sign Apple is phasing it out. The industry seems to be moving towards eSATA for high performance hard disks. If more video cameras justified the existence of FW800, I'd imagine it would come back.

Even the best (common) DV standard, DVPROHD, uses less than half of the practical bandwidth of FW400.

[eevyl]

Originally Posted by mduell

nVidia Go 7800 GTX is out there too.

Indeed, but I meant from ATI. I'm not that into the loop to tell which one is better, so I won't speculate into that.