[masugu]

What I mean to say is - might Steve use the WWDC to announce Merom-based MacBooks....or MacBook Pros???

[Simon]

It is a coincidence.

What isn't a coincidence is that Intel is releasing Core 2 ('Conroe') in July and Apple will use WWDC in August to announce the new Mac Pro.

Merom will probably be announced after WWDC and it will likely be Fall until Apple releases rev B of the MBP. I'd expect a MB rev B no earlier than November.

[colosodian]

Technically, merom(codename) is also a core 2.

[tillin]

are you expecting THIS november? or next november for the macbook REV B?
i am interested in switching my powerbook for one, but im not switching to intel until there is a universal photoshop.

and theres no way im getting rid of my g5 i love it too much.

[snoopy199]

Originally Posted by masugu

What I mean to say is - might Steve use the WWDC to announce Merom-based MacBooks....or MacBook Pros???

Coincidence that's all

If anything maybe the MBP but definitely not the MB. The MacBook is just too new, besides by adding the Merom to the MBP it gives apple a little more product differentiation.

[masugu]

Originally Posted by Simon

It is a coincidence.

What isn't a coincidence is that Intel is releasing Core 2 ('Conroe') in July and Apple will use WWDC in August to announce the new Mac Pro.

Merom will probably be announced after WWDC and it will likely be Fall until Apple releases rev B of the MBP. I'd expect a MB rev B no earlier than November.

Yeah....I think you are right Simon. That makes much more sense....I bet the Mac Pros are cool and small.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by AGoglanian

are you expecting THIS november? or next november for the macbook REV B?

I meant this November. But as I said, at the very earliest. The current rev A MB would only be six months old by then, but OTOH Apple would have to release it by November in order not to screw up the holiday buying season (as they did last Xmas with the iPods).

I think it's more likely to expect a rev B MB in early 2007, maybe MWSF. That would give the MBP more time to shine as the Merom notebook model.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by colosodian

Technically, merom(codename) is also a core 2.

Not just technically, it is a Core 2.

Core 2 will be Merom (mobile), Conroe (desktop) and Woodcrest (Xeon, i.e. SMP capable).

Woodcrest is slated for June, Conroe for July and Merom for August. That's why probably the Xserve will be the first to go Intel and a little later the Mac Pro - probably Steve will announce the MP at WWDC. Finally, Merom will replace Yonah in the MBP. I expect that to happen in Fall.

Surprises could still happen. Apple could decide to make the MP dual dual across the board meaning the MP goes all Woodcrest and Conroe is used only for the iMac. Or they could decide to put Merom into the MB as soon as they meet supply and demand balance with the Merom MBPs.

After the first batch of Core 2 you can expect also Kentsfield (a quad core version of Conroe) and Clovertown (a quad core version of Woodcrest, basically 2 Woodcrests on one die). But that's really far out. And Intel hasn't promised anything here yet.

[masugu]

So Merom is almost a given for the MBPs...hopefully the fit & finish issues will also be worked out by then. Keep reading about lots of them. Re: The MBs...not as clear if they will get Core 2 (Merom) by holiday. Agree that this would offer a more compelling reason to buy MBPro. Of course what would really throw things for a loop was if Apple introduced a small sub note with ultra low voltage CPU!

[Simon]

Originally Posted by masugu

Of course what would really throw things for a loop was if Apple introduced a small sub note with ultra low voltage CPU!

That is rather unlikely, but it would be awesome.

[masugu]

Only reason I keep thinking they will produce the small notebook is that the heavier MB and MBP / EOL'd 12" leaves a competitive hole for the thin & light category....

[slugslugslug]

Originally Posted by masugu

Only reason I keep thinking they will produce the small notebook is that the heavier MB and MBP / EOL'd 12" leaves a competitive hole for the thin & light category....

Yeah, I keep wondering how many people were planning on buying a MacBook as soon as it came out and then, like me, balked because of the weight. I have a feeling there's a fair bit of us, but most will probably cave and buy the MacBook, and Apple will stick with a simpler product line..

[masugu]

Yeh.... I will probably cave. However, if I can hold off until Oct / Nov which is when a holiday SKU bump would have to happen - if it were to at all - I would be proud of myself :-)