Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 08:46 AM

here

it's an ibook! it's a macbook!
it's...

(am exploring specs now..)

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 08:57 AM

let the ranting and raving begin...

not "pro" actually:

no 7200rpm drive option
no backlit keyboard
looks bigger than 12" powerbook
black for the $1500 model only...

Enigmaaron · May 16, 2006, 09:00 AM

Interesting that you can only get black if you go with the high end model. Apple knows that most people want the black (as can be seen from iPod sales) and will pay for more computer just to get it. Brilliant.

They also bumped the 15" Pros to 2.0 and 2.16 gig processors so the 17" pricing makes more sense now.

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 09:05 AM

Shared graphics like the mini - let the moaning and bitching begin!!

PurpleGiant · May 16, 2006, 09:05 AM

So the 2.0 Ghz white model is identical to the black model, but has a smaller Hard Drive.

If you spec both models the same (ie upgrade the HD size in the white), the black is still $200US more expensive. Wow.

I'm very torn right now between buying the white and black. Black was a no-brainer, but paying that kind of money for a colour change seems....silly.

jasonsRX7 · May 16, 2006, 09:06 AM

Glossy screen? Whyyyyy

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 09:12 AM

Just grabbed the hi-res PR images and the keyboard looks WEIRD. It resembles a Z88 portable...

And the 12" PB is finally dead.

dannyillusion · May 16, 2006, 09:13 AM

hmm, decent enough computer I guess, but doesn't give me any thrills as I had expected...
wonder what this is gonna do for PB 12" and iBook second hand prices?

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 09:16 AM

They all have 512mb of RAM as 2 x 256 - no single 512mb option is available.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by PurpleGiant

So the 2.0 Ghz white model is identical to the black model, but has a smaller Hard Drive.

If you spec both models the same (ie upgrade the HD size in the white), the black is still $200US more expensive. Wow.

I'm very torn right now between buying the white and black. Black was a no-brainer, but paying that kind of money for a colour change seems....silly.

would have been nice to see black or white options across the board, but, hey...

if you really want the black 'book, you should go for it, or you'll be regretting it thereafter...

me, i'm keeping my 12" revC powerbook until a better-spec'd mb (or, dammit apple! a 13" mbP!!)

Simon · May 16, 2006, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by fisherKing

(or, dammit apple! a 13" mbP!!)

I can't believe people are still dreaming about that.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

I can't believe people are still dreaming about that.

yeah, well....

still, just looked at the QTVR images...
the back of the black reminds me of the pismo! nice...

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 09:20 AM

I've got a bad feeling about that keyboard, it looks very 80s. Can't be anyworse than the iBook KB though I guess.

Enigmaaron · May 16, 2006, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by WOPR

I've got a bad feeling about that keyboard, it looks very 80s. Can't be anyworse than the iBook KB though I guess.

It looks like you can't possibly pop the keys off and they are unlikely to get misaligned. Seems like good things to me. Considering how Apple likes to have a good feel to its keyboards I can't image it types any worse.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 09:51 AM

so...

12.78" x 8.92" x 1.08"

5.2 lbs

the 12" powerbook:

10.9" x 8.6" x 1.18"

4.6 lbs

progress?? (yes, i know the screen is bigger...)

just griping!

TheIceMan · May 16, 2006, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by WOPR

Just grabbed the hi-res PR images and the keyboard looks WEIRD...

Got the link to these hi-res images?

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by TheIceMan

Got the link to these hi-res images?

here

wilsonng · May 16, 2006, 10:18 AM

I'm a business professional so that integrated graphics don't really bother me that much. It would have been nice to have a dedicated graphics card but I can live with it.

Maybe a new update of Aperture will be released for the MB buyers?

It was nice to see max RAM capacity go up to 2GBs now. I especially love the extended monitor support!

I never really cared for the iBook other than the better Airport reception. Now the larger max RAM and extended monitor is just screaming at me to get one.

Eug Wanker · May 16, 2006, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

I can't believe people are still dreaming about that.

Well, this is the MacBook Pro forum.

hldan · May 16, 2006, 10:22 AM

It's about time, Apple is really fighting hard with these new machines. This is great! Now the screens are glossy and the MBP's now even have the option for a glossy screen for free.

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by wilsonng

I'm a business professional so that integrated graphics don't really bother me that much. It would have been nice to have a dedicated graphics card but I can live with it.

Maybe a new update of Aperture will be released for the MB buyers?

It was nice to see max RAM capacity go up to 2GBs now. I especially love the extended monitor support!

I never really cared for the iBook other than the better Airport reception. Now the larger max RAM and extended monitor is just screaming at me to get one.

One of their product shots shows the MB running Aperture.

Afrodizzy · May 16, 2006, 10:26 AM

I've seen a similar "glossy" display on the some of Sony's LCD displays, I wouldn't worry too much about that, it actually looks kinda groovy, and besides there's always the option of an additional display for critical work. All in all, as a 12" PowerBook user I'm not too disappointed..lurve the black!

Zeeb · May 16, 2006, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by fisherKing

would have been nice to see black or white options across the board, but, hey...

if you really want the black 'book, you should go for it, or you'll be regretting it thereafter...

me, i'm keeping my 12" revC powerbook until a better-spec'd mb (or, dammit apple! a 13" mbP!!)

What does the 12 inch PB have that they new little Macbook doesn't--except for a plastic case?

In fact, it seems most of the specs greatly exceed those on the PB.

wilsonng · May 16, 2006, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by WOPR

One of their product shots shows the MB running Aperture.

Dooh! Didn't notice that. Too busy looking at the specs. I guess they'll have to update the System requirements page on Apple's Aperture page.

But at least there is Adobe LightRoom and iView Media Pro. It's not Aperture but at least there are alternatives.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

What does the 12 inch PB have that they new little Macbook doesn't--except for a plastic case?

In fact, it seems most of the specs greatly exceed those on the PB.

as an audio pro, i want a 7200rpm drive option.

i'd really like a backlit keyboard.

smaller size?

i dunno...

but since only logic is intel-ready (my other main app, reason, should be any minute),
and photoshop, indesign, and dreamweaver are not there yet), am gonna wait this out anyway...

still, am looking forward to seeing this in person (and will be interesting to do a "heat" check)...

Zeeb · May 16, 2006, 11:13 AM

True, it will be interesting to see if the Macbook runs hot with the same processor. Somehow, I have a feeling it will be much cooler--

Eug Wanker · 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by WOPR

One of their product shots shows the MB running Aperture.

Where?

EDIT:

Found it. That's iPhoto.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by WOPR

One of their product shots shows the MB running Aperture.

No they don't. That is iPhoto.

Simon · May 16, 2006, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

Well, this is the MacBook Pro forum.

For all I care, this could be the "13 inch MBP" thread. It's irrelevant.

Fact is the 13" MBP is a pipe dream and today's MB shows that even more clearly than it already was before. The earlier people get this into their minds, the better the MBs (and MBPs for that matter) will sell and the better my Apple stock will perform.

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

No they don't. That is iPhoto.

Oops! Sorry guys, I didn't look long enough. My bad.

fisherKing · May 16, 2006, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Simon

For all I care, this could be the "13 inch MBP" thread. It's irrelevant.

Fact is the 13" MBP is a pipe dream and today's MB shows that even more clearly than it already was before. The earlier people get this into their minds, the better the MBs (and MBPs for that matter) will sell and the better my Apple stock will perform.

hey, easy.

just as there was the 12' ibook, and the 12" powerbook, we can hope for a 12" pro.

this is (including your own comments) just speculation; let us enjoy speculating..!

NightEyes · May 16, 2006, 02:56 PM

Except the 12" PB and iBooks were removed from the Apple Store today. I'm afraid no 12 or 13" MBP is coming folks.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by NightEyes

Except the 12" PB and iBooks were removed from the Apple Store today. I'm afraid no 12 or 13" MBP is coming folks.

I can't believe anyone ever thought they would. I mean what would the difference be other than a video card?

Velocity211 · May 16, 2006, 03:08 PM

What's with that ugly keyboard? It looks really nice otherwise. I don't like the no latch thing, I prefer the latches that the iBook and MBP has. See what happens when you wait to buy your MBP? Upgrades on the CPU and screen!

TimothyJay · May 16, 2006, 03:38 PM

hmmm...

am i incorrect to assume that this new MacBook is considerably faster than my now 15" 1.5ghz Powerbook?

Of course the ghz and front side bus is considerably faster (667 to my 167), but now with the new intel core duo being out, I just now might have an option of getting a MacBook for a replacement? what's your take?

Tim

WOPR · May 16, 2006, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by TimothyJay

hmmm...

am i incorrect to assume that this new MacBook is considerably faster than my now 15" 1.5ghz Powerbook?

Of course the ghz and front side bus is considerably faster (667 to my 167), but now with the new intel core duo being out, I just now might have an option of getting a MacBook for a replacement? what's your take?

Tim

Running UB apps it will be much faster yes.

Velocity211 · May 16, 2006, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by TimothyJay

hmmm...

am i incorrect to assume that this new MacBook is considerably faster than my now 15" 1.5ghz Powerbook?

Of course the ghz and front side bus is considerably faster (667 to my 167), but now with the new intel core duo being out, I just now might have an option of getting a MacBook for a replacement? what's your take?

Tim

Personally, I wouldn't get the Macbook because I really like the Aluminum of my PowerBook, I plan to get a MBP when they meet my needs (Probably at the end of the year).

TimothyJay · May 16, 2006, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the replies.

This of course won't be happening soon, but I just wanted to keep my option open, just in case in the future, I need to replace my PowerBook. I've been quite happy with its performance using Adobe Creative Suite 2, which I mostly use anyway, and occasionally iMovie and iPhoto for Quicktime Slideshows.

if the new MacBook is as capable as my Powerbook now, I wouldnt mind getting a macbook.

milhous · May 16, 2006, 05:04 PM

i'm surprised they're using core duos. you'd think they'd use core solos to differentiate between consumer and professional models. but i dig it!

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by milhous

i'm surprised they're using core duos. you'd think they'd use core solos to differentiate between consumer and professional models. but i dig it!

Na, remember how they speedbumped the MBP's right before they released them. I knew it was because they were planning on making the MB's all dual core.

skyman · May 16, 2006, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by fisherKing

black for the $1500 model only...

What a joke! Why Apple? Why make the black only available in the high end model. STUPID!

skyman · May 16, 2006, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Enigmaaron

Interesting that you can only get black if you go with the high end model. Apple knows that most people want the black (as can be seen from iPod sales) and will pay for more computer just to get it. Brilliant.

I disagree!

Enigmaaron · May 16, 2006, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by skyman

I disagree!

Disagree that people will pay for black or that's it's brilliant marketing?

Eug Wanker · May 16, 2006, 10:08 PM

I posted this in the iBook forum, but I thought you guys might be interested...

Maybe the MacBook is a "mini-Pro" after all. The 13" MacBook runs Aperture. No hacks are required.

trevorM · May 16, 2006, 10:15 PM

Notwithstanding its specs, I think it is more attractive (aesthetically and funcationally) over the Macbook pro.

Overall I still prefer the Powerbooks - MacBook Pros are too big and thus the new non pro Macbook looks perfect for sa mall luggable mac.

kcmac · May 16, 2006, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by skyman

What a joke! Why Apple? Why make the black only available in the high end model. STUPID!

It's brilliant from Apple's standpoint. When you see the two next to each other, that black thing is sexy and smart. It is also a very classic look for those of us who remember early Apple notebooks.

This thing will fly off of the shelves. And Apple will make a killing. Not what we really want to hear but they will get away with this. Just like they always do. And should.

Eug Wanker · May 16, 2006, 11:00 PM

I am so happy the white was cheaper. I much prefer the white.

Actually, I'm not happy the white was cheaper. I think the black should be equally cheap.

Simon · May 17, 2006, 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by milhous

i'm surprised they're using core duos. you'd think they'd use core solos to differentiate between consumer and professional models. but i dig it!

Well that's exactly Apple's point. They don't want people to see the MBs as consumer notebooks. They think the MBs and MBPs are one single family. Right from the horses mouth:

From http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/05...book/index.php
The release of the MacBook shows a slightly different portable strategy for Apple. The PowerBook and iBook products had very clear and distinct lines that separated the notebooks in features and size. The new MacBook and MacBook Pros share many more features and feel like one product line.

“Nobody should feel like they have to step down when you buy a MacBook,” said Schiller. “You don’t trade-off much in features between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro.

That's why these MBs offer such great specs and it's also why there will not be a 13" MBP anytime soon.