[evisa]

Are there any noteworthy upgrades coming in the near future that should stop me from buying the Macbook Pro mid-August, the week after the WWDC?

[mduell]

Yes. Please see the 4 other threads started on this exact same topic today.

Core 2 Duo is coming. Very soon. "Free" ~20% performance bump.

[Javizun]

i say be happy wit hwhatever purchase you make
we are in intels world and that means them shoving down your throat their newly released processors every 2 weeks.

whatever your decision is be happy with it im happy with my macbook pro i run every app out there with no hiccups.

good luck on your decision ohh besides the merom chip i dont think there will be any diffrence
power consuption will still suck from what i hear youll get a 20% increase in performance.

[StevenWRX]

definitely wait.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by StevenWRX

definitely wait.

Really? Because I'm still a student, so there's nothing I have to do that merits waiting an extra few weeks or months to buy something that will no doubt be replaced by yet another upgrade. I'm in the market for something top notch, but I'll buy the MBP now if it means I can prevent the increase in power consumption. After all, I'm going to need the battery to last for quite a while without having to resort to doing as little as possible to conserve.

[MovieCutter]

Wow, you just answered your own question. We need a dozen threads on this topic why?

[evisa]

Originally Posted by MovieCutter

Wow, you just answered your own question. We need a dozen threads on this topic why?

Because I'd like to make some kind of an informed decision - to know what the upgrades are going to entail, exactly. I don't want to be reading rumors thinking they're true and end up making the wrong decision. When you read forums, there can be hundreds of different responses varying according to people's experiences or situations, and they tend to be a little confusing. When one person says power consumption will increase and ultimately drain the battery, another person will say it'll stay flat and only performance will increase. Sorry if you find my need to be 100% sure about spending $2300 to be repetitive or even personally irritating, but I have questions, and I came here for answers.

[MovieCutter]

Nobody on these forums know ANYTHING about Apple's future plans. I used to WORK for Apple, and I was left in the dark in regards to product updates. If you're basing your purchasing decision on rumor sites...then you need to go back to square one and answer three questions:

1) Do you need it now
2) Can you afford it
3) Is what's available adequate to accomplish your demands and meet your needs.

If the MacBook Pro does this for you...problem solved!!!

[evisa]

Originally Posted by MovieCutter

Nobody on these forums know ANYTHING. If you're basing your purchasing decision on rumor sites...then you need to go back to square one and answer three questions:

1) Do you need it now
2) Can you afford it
3) Is what's available adequate to accomplish your demands and meet your needs.

If the MacBook Pro does this for you...problem solved!!!

Thanks. I'm just a person that always strives to be on the cutting edge. I'm guessing that will pay off in the long run, but at the moment, it seems to only be giving me a headache. Because not only that, I'm also incredibly patiently impatient. I think the term is restless?

[mduell]

Originally Posted by evisa

Really? Because I'm still a student, so there's nothing I have to do that merits waiting an extra few weeks or months to buy something that will no doubt be replaced by yet another upgrade. I'm in the market for something top notch, but I'll buy the MBP now if it means I can prevent the increase in power consumption. After all, I'm going to need the battery to last for quite a while without having to resort to doing as little as possible to conserve.

There will be no increase in power consumption. There will be a performance increase. The upgrade is imminent for the MacBook Pro because Apple isn't going to let their premier laptop fall behind the industry.

Now it's time for pretty bar graphs!

[Javizun]

looking at those charts is the hype of merom really that necessary?
i mean as a company i can understand why intel and apple would push the product forward but as consumers do we really need ot be excited about its release when from the looks of it is somewhat same with what it appears improved touch ups here and there?

now when they rework the power issue then lets talk about upgrading till then im sticking with my current macbook pro.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Javizun

looking at those charts is the hype of merom really that necessary?
i mean as a company i can understand why intel and apple would push the product forward but as consumers do we really need ot be excited about its release when from the looks of it is somewhat same with what it appears improved touch ups here and there?

now when they rework the power issue then lets talk about upgrading till then im sticking with my current macbook pro.

That's just performance at the same clockrate. Core 2 Duo also clocks higher, and maintains the same thermal envelope.

I wouldn't expect a current MBP owner to sell and buy anew; but I think it's quite rational for a would-be owner to wait a couple weeks and get the new hawtness.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by mduell

That's just performance at the same clockrate. Core 2 Duo also clocks higher, and maintains the same thermal envelope.

I wouldn't expect a current MBP owner to sell and buy anew; but I think it's quite rational for a would-be owner to wait a couple weeks and get the new hawtness.

About how many weeks do you think? I might die of anticipation if I have to wait any longer than Aug. 19th. It's true - I've set a date. That is, it's the day after I get paid...

[NateEssex]

I say wait. Either you'll get a faster MBP for the same money or get a nice discount on the one that is available now It's a win-win situation I'm waiting.

[MovieCutter]

Originally Posted by NateEssex

It's a win-win situation I'm waiting.

Not if you need one now for work or school...

[mduell]

Originally Posted by evisa

About how many weeks do you think? I might die of anticipation if I have to wait any longer than Aug. 19th. It's true - I've set a date. That is, it's the day after I get paid...

1 - 7 weeks.

[Susan]

infinitymicro.com, onlinemicro.com, and megamacs are all offering the MBP 15.4" 2.0 Gig for $1550-$1650. They've got a large source of cheap MBPs and that means to me that Apple is dumping their inventory. So it's time to pick up a bargain or wait for the new models.

I can't decide what to do. I've been waiting for a new MacBook (not MacBook Pro), but this price is very appealing. I don't see any of the MacBooks discounted anywhere, so maybe only new MBPs are coming out. I'm really hesitant to buy this first gen model with all the logic board failures, heat and noise and other problems I've been reading about.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Susan

infinitymicro.com, onlinemicro.com, and megamacs are all offering the MBP 15.4" 2.0 Gig for $1550-$1650. They've got a large source of cheap MBPs and that means to me that Apple is dumping their inventory. So it's time to pick up a bargain or wait for the new models.

I bet those are refurbs. The Apple Store has them for $1550 (1.83) to $1699 (2.0), so that's really only a $50 discount.

[Susan]

Nope, they're new models.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by Susan

infinitymicro.com, onlinemicro.com, and megamacs are all offering the MBP 15.4" 2.0 Gig for $1550-$1650. They've got a large source of cheap MBPs and that means to me that Apple is dumping their inventory. So it's time to pick up a bargain or wait for the new models.

I can't decide what to do. I've been waiting for a new MacBook (not MacBook Pro), but this price is very appealing. I don't see any of the MacBooks discounted anywhere, so maybe only new MBPs are coming out. I'm really hesitant to buy this first gen model with all the logic board failures, heat and noise and other problems I've been reading about.

I get where you're coming from. Because every time I've got myself convinced that I'm going to buy the MBP mid-August no matter what, I keep asking myself, "What if they upgrade or come up with new MBPs soon after?" I start school near the end of September, but I don't know if I can wait that long. I won't feel bad if they're not upgraded by then, but if they are... I don't know if I could stand the feeling like I missed out on the best.

[hyteckit]

Wait for the new MBP. Most likely new MBP in September. Mid-september.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by hyteckit

Wait for the new MBP. Most likely new MBP in September. Mid-september.

What's the evidence, or is this just speculation? If there's a new MBP, how will it be different? With Merom? I mean... Leopard doesn't come out till 2007 and neither does Santa Rosa; the probability the case will change doesn't seem too high... Am I wrong? I mean, I'm trying to dissuade myself from caving in and waiting against my own wishes, because another month will not only become incredibly frustrating for me, it's going to cause some inconveniences.

[mark.s]

Originally Posted by evisa

What's the evidence, or is this just speculation? If there's a new MBP, how will it be different? With Merom? I mean... Leopard doesn't come out till 2007 and neither does Santa Rosa; the probability the case will change doesn't seem too high... Am I wrong? I mean, I'm trying to dissuade myself from caving in and waiting against my own wishes, because another month will not only become incredibly frustrating for me, it's going to cause some inconveniences.

I wouldn't fall into the waiting trap if I was you. Unless you are lucky enough to buy a product very soon after it is released you will invariably end up in this situation of just waiting a little longer for the next update. Or wait another couple of months for 10.5 to be included. Or wait for the GPU to be bumped... Or... Or...

One fact that you have to face: you'll never have the latest and greatest for very long.

I bought a 15" 2.0 MBP, a few weeks later the 2.16 was out and the price was slightly lower. Sucks, eh? Not really - I couldn't care less. The machine I bought was still the same and performed the same as the day I bought it.

It's been said already in this thread:

- does the current model meet your requirements (features/performance/etc)?
- do you need/want it now?
- can you afford it?

If yes, then buy it and don't look back.

Sure, Core 2 will give you a little more performance. But, is the CPU going to be a bottleneck for you? What are you planning on doing that needs that extra processing power?

On the other hand, wait until the new models are released - up to a 2 month wait perhaps - and be happy that you have the latest processor, for a while. Of course, you could have been using the existing model during those 2 months of waiting...

It's a decision that you, in the end, must make yourself. Reading forums and rumour sites can be fun, but no-one really knows what is coming - what you read will range from educated guesswork that's probable to completely inprobable fantasy.

So, wait for Core 2 if you can, if not buy now and enjoy. Simple, huh?

[volcano]

Originally Posted by Javizun

i say be happy wit hwhatever purchase you make
we are in intels world and that means them shoving down your throat their newly released processors every 2 weeks.

I agree with the first part.

But two weeks? You do realize that the last time the MacBook Pro line was significantly changed and given a boost (albeit, a giant one) was all the way back in January of this year, right? That's a bit longer than two weeks if memory serves me right. That's over seven months. [And yes, I'm fully aware of the speed "boost" that occured before Apple actually shipped the units so they could put the slower clocked processors in the consumer grade MacBook, but I'm talking about a significant boost in performance, not menial.]

But whatever you do, be happy and content with your purchase. We do know one thing, though: the Core Duo 2 chipped was released in late July, and it has started to appear in a veritable number of laptops since then, so yes... expect it to appear in the MacBook Pro rather soon. The MacBook will survive just fine with the original Core Duo for some time -- although I could potentially see Apple "boosting" the speeds of those computers to 2.0GHz and 2.16GHz, respectively.

[Susan]

For me the consideration is not just the speed boost, it's possible fixes to the problems the first gen shows: heat, noise, logic board problems. Maybe, maybe, maybe, the new models will have a modem, too, which I need.

Pressuring me to buy now is 1) now's a good time to sell my current laptop, a G4/1.33 12" that is still under AppleCare; 2) Lust.

[Javizun]

a modem on a macbook pro?

i dont think that will happen being how apple is so in touch with technology and is very obvious their pushing wireless ahead. the more i think about why they only had 2 usb ports on the macbook pro i think about the thousand products that work on bluetooth and wifi networks (printing etc).

a notebook to apple is just that a portable laptop which means not to be confined to a desk
you have the freedom to roam, this is jut my observation but is pretty obvious how apple works if their software is ahead of its time why woulndt their hardware be you know.
plus their selling the modem seperately so thats a dpt they just recently established i dont think they would want to loose on the extra income of selling the modem seperate.

from what i hear the only diffrence so far will be on the chip- power consuption will still be an issue which i believe is part of the logicboard which then turns into the issues we currently have now-when they workout the power issue then i think the whine and so on will be taken care of.

volcano when i said 2 weeks i meant it like frequent updates them pushing a new processor and making it seem like the biggest improvement ever. Dont get me wrong a new processor is always better then the last one so if i had the patience to wait another month or so ill do it, me personally i dont so i would just buy whats on top of the line now.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by mark.s

I wouldn't fall into the waiting trap if I was you. Unless you are lucky enough to buy a product very soon after it is released you will invariably end up in this situation of just waiting a little longer for the next update. Or wait another couple of months for 10.5 to be included. Or wait for the GPU to be bumped... Or... Or...

One fact that you have to face: you'll never have the latest and greatest for very long.

I bought a 15" 2.0 MBP, a few weeks later the 2.16 was out and the price was slightly lower. Sucks, eh? Not really - I couldn't care less. The machine I bought was still the same and performed the same as the day I bought it.

It's been said already in this thread:

- does the current model meet your requirements (features/performance/etc)?
- do you need/want it now?
- can you afford it?

If yes, then buy it and don't look back.

Sure, Core 2 will give you a little more performance. But, is the CPU going to be a bottleneck for you? What are you planning on doing that needs that extra processing power?

On the other hand, wait until the new models are released - up to a 2 month wait perhaps - and be happy that you have the latest processor, for a while. Of course, you could have been using the existing model during those 2 months of waiting...

It's a decision that you, in the end, must make yourself. Reading forums and rumour sites can be fun, but no-one really knows what is coming - what you read will range from educated guesswork that's probable to completely inprobable fantasy.

So, wait for Core 2 if you can, if not buy now and enjoy. Simple, huh?

True. I don't necessarily need the Core 2, and I definitely won't wait for Leopard - I'll buy that when it comes out. I also don't mind too much about the price, but the thing I'm thinking about the most is the new model - the possible (and unlikely) design changes, magnetic closure, gunmetal casing? All aesthetic, but at the same time, very important to me. I suppose I could just resell my MBP v.A? I've just always been wary about things like that. Apple won't buy it back, will they? I'm willing to lose some money to get a new model (and here I am, thinking way forward).

For the record, I'm pretty happy with the current MBP specs; I'm just curious to see whether the new model, if there's going to be one, will make me even happier. I can already see the dangerous cycle of waiting I'm in, but what I think I really need is an Apple upgrade psychic who can quell my fears and tell me a new model won't be coming out anytime soon (or at least, the rumors of drastic change aren't true).

[Javizun]

magnetic closure, gunmetal casing.

GUNMETAL CASING I HIGHLY DOUBT IT
MAGNETIC CLOSURE IS BOUND TO HAPPEN IF THEIR USER LEVEL MAC HAVE IT WHY NOT THEIR PROS?

apple raised the bar too high with the pro enclosure i mean what else can they do t oit?
besides adding features inetrnally-upgrading the resolution minro updates here and there
now if the next macbook pro have a built in media reader (i am into photography) then im sold
but i think this enclosure will still remain for a couple of years. I think apple updates its design every 5-6 years we are on the 4-5 year since the aluminum was introduced. (MAYBE IM WRONG)

APPLE IS NOW IN THE MARKET where its computer design is hardly changed only the insidesd are worked on
maybe apple will continue its trend but when you deal with alot more people as a business they have to make sure to keep their new customers happy and upgrading every so often will piss people off and eventually go back to a less design worry fre into windows.

[dimmer]

A modem is as likely as a floppy drive. Getting the horrid legacy modem out of the hardware caused spontaneous Snoopy Dances throughout the Mike Bell team.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by evisa

What's the evidence, or is this just speculation? If there's a new MBP, how will it be different? With Merom? I mean... Leopard doesn't come out till 2007 and neither does Santa Rosa; the probability the case will change doesn't seem too high... Am I wrong? I mean, I'm trying to dissuade myself from caving in and waiting against my own wishes, because another month will not only become incredibly frustrating for me, it's going to cause some inconveniences.

The evidence is the release date for mobile Core 2 Duo chips.

Someone already spotted a Core 2 Duo laptop at the Dell UK store... they're coming, very very soon, and Apple won't fall behind.

[SierraDragon]

Wait. The Merom chip is shipping this month and it is substantially improved over Yonah. Ergo better value by waiting, even if it is simply to buy a cheaper Yonah MBP later.

Note that I consider "refurbished" to actually be better, because they have been repaired and fully tweaked by a US technician, not just a robot in Asia. Except of course that many refurbished boxes are simply brand new boxes being offloaded from the marketing channels.

[Susan]

Oh, I just ordered the MBP 15" 2 Ghz from Infinity Micro for $1565 shipped. I'm sure the next gen will be hotter, cooler, and in every way better but it will still be $2 grand and that's out of my budget. I have been thinking of the MacBook but this pricing let's me get the Pro version for not much more. I'm happy with it.

The only regret with this one is it has a matte screen and I would've liked the glossy.

I ordered 2 Gigs of RAM, Applecare, it will all arrive in a few days.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by mduell

The evidence is the release date for mobile Core 2 Duo chips.

Someone already spotted a Core 2 Duo laptop at the Dell UK store... they're coming, very very soon, and Apple won't fall behind.

He said there would be new MBP when I asked about a brand new version; not just a new chip. I know the Meroms are coming, but frankly, I'm concerned about new problems arising.

[NateEssex]

Originally Posted by MovieCutter

Not if you need one now for work or school...

Well, if you really need one now, there should be nothing to ponder. If you must have one now, there's no decision to be made.

My post was for people who can hold out a few weeks and see if they get a newer product or a better deal on the current one.

[evisa]

Here's something to think about:

Would Apple really come out with a brand new MBP if Leopard hasn't even been released yet? So if Leopard is rumored to be released late 2006-early 2007, it's fairly unlikely, right?

Anyway, thinking ahead to cover all the bases - if I was to resell my MBP, where would be a good place to start (and not lose too much money)?

Also, what kind of sleeves/cases do you use for your MBP? I've been thinking about getting the Incase for a 15.4" MBP, but are there any others for a decent cost/snug fit?

[hyteckit]

Nothing major for the September update. Just update to faster chip and fix issues that were prevalent before. Don't expect an update the the casing until Apple releases Leopard. So a minor update in September and maybe a minor one in March too.

September update is just my educated guess based on Apple's history and habit.

[spice003]

i'm buying one on Monday, i'm tired of waiting. if anything i'll just sell it before OSX 10.5 comes out and get the new one with the OS X 10.5.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by hyteckit

Nothing major for the September update. Just update to faster chip and fix issues that were prevalent before. Don't expect an update the the casing until Apple releases Leopard. So a minor update in September and maybe a minor one in March too.

September update is just my educated guess based on Apple's history and habit.

September updates, October shipment? Would it be safe to guess we have to wait a few extra weeks for glitches in production, etc. to finally get them? If not, I'm buying it next week.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by evisa

September updates, October shipment? Would it be safe to guess we have to wait a few extra weeks for glitches in production, etc. to finally get them? If not, I'm buying it next week.

The rumors (see the "Merom in September" thread) say they're already in production at AsusTeK and Quanta.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by mduell

The rumors (see the "Merom in September" thread) say they're already in production at AsusTeK and Quanta.

An additional question to that same thread/links: is there a possibility the 32-bit chips would become obsolete anytime soon? I was just reading a link from another thread in this forum, and although I don't need the extra performance (after all, I'm still just a college student), I'd like to use my MBP until I graduate in a few years without worrying about whether it will be compatible with new software.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by evisa

An additional question to that same thread/links: is there a possibility the 32-bit chips would become obsolete anytime soon? I was just reading a link from another thread in this forum, and although I don't need the extra performance (after all, I'm still just a college student), I'd like to use my MBP until I graduate in a few years without worrying about whether it will be compatible with new software.

No. No one in their right mind is going to release x64-only software anytime soon.

That said, the update is so close I'd wait for it anyway.

[Javizun]

64 bit have a long way to go to be the default method on computing-but i just read that merom is a full compatible 64 bit chip is this correct?

if it is then i would wait leopard will be 64 bit. Im seriously thinking about selling my mbp and waiting **** decision.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Javizun

64 bit have a long way to go to be the default method on computing-but i just read that merom is a full compatible 64 bit chip is this correct?

if it is then i would wait leopard will be 64 bit. Im seriously thinking about selling my mbp and waiting **** decision.

Yes, Merom fully implements x86-64 (sometimes called x64, espically by Microsoft).

[evisa]

What do you think I should do now, seeing as how the latest news from Apple Insider doesn't make the Merom sound so great? And what are the odds there's going to be a delay on actually being able to buy it at the store after it's announced of available?

This waiting game is getting ridiculous.

[brokenjago]

I imagine there will be no wait time.

I might add that a MBP refresh would most likely bring a magnetic latch and a user upgradeable HD, among other small amenities (DL burner, maybe FireWire 800). Is that something that's important to you? If not and you need it now, buy it now.

[evisa]

Originally Posted by brokenjago

I imagine there will be no wait time.

I might add that a MBP refresh would most likely bring a magnetic latch and a user upgradeable HD, among other small amenities (DL burner, maybe FireWire 800). Is that something that's important to you? If not and you need it now, buy it now.

I love the idea of a magnetic latch, considering I hate the way it opens now. The cover feels flimsy yet tough to lift... I can't explain it. The double-layer burner would be nice to have, FireWire I could care less about... Frankly, I just want the latest and greatest, though reading that article makes me consider just purchasing it now to avoid any new update problems. I decided to wait a while ago, and yet I still ask the question every day. Such is the conundrum of purchasing new technology (as an impatient, indecisive person).

[hyteckit]

evisa, you worry too much. Life is short.

None of us can tell you when the new MBP will be release and what upgrades will be included in the new release. If you can't wait, get it now. The only piece of information you need to know is an update is coming soon and most likely in mid September. All the details, no one can give you accurately.

[brokenjago]

How about this:

You wait until Sept. 15th. One month.

If they announce a new one and you don't like it or there are a ton of problems, buy yourself a refurb rev A MBP.

I partly agree with hyteckit: Not one of us can tell you what they're going to do with an MBP refresh. All we know is that a refresh is likely coming within the next month, and that it will likely contain the Core 2 Duo.

[RevEvs]

Well I know how you feel. I decided to get a MBP three months ago.. and at that time I realised that by the time I sell my current computers it will be august. So a 3 motnh wait... I could handle that, expecially as at the time the MBPs had major issues. But now, 3 months down the line, with maybe 2 - 4 weeks to go, im finding it really hard to wait!

Luckily I dont NEED the MBP, so i can use my old pc until it is released..

Also, its quite dissapointing to hear the merom is not cooler, does not use less energy and is only slightly faster after allt he faster, cooler, sexier rumors

[evisa]

Originally Posted by RevEvs

Well I know how you feel. I decided to get a MBP three months ago.. and at that time I realised that by the time I sell my current computers it will be august. So a 3 motnh wait... I could handle that, expecially as at the time the MBPs had major issues. But now, 3 months down the line, with maybe 2 - 4 weeks to go, im finding it really hard to wait!

Luckily I dont NEED the MBP, so i can use my old pc until it is released..

Also, its quite dissapointing to hear the merom is not cooler, does not use less energy and is only slightly faster after allt he faster, cooler, sexier rumors

I feel ya. I don't need the 64-bit, but I'd like extra features or a miniature case redesign, a la the magnetic closure. There's just so much speculation going around, it's hard to stick to a decision. Sure, I'm going to wait, but there are still so many 'but's. It's like I'm trying to finish a race where the track keeps getting longer and longer with more and more obstacles...