[Simon]

I agree the 15" in that pic looks cool, but there are so many things there that go against ergonomics I'm kinda worried they might have lost it.

[Simon]

Could somebody here explain to me what benefit I get form having a glass trackpad? I mean, why should I care about the material my trackpad is made of as long a it works (like the one on my current MBP does)?

[Pierre B.]

Originally Posted by Simon 

I agree the 15" in that pic looks cool, but there are so many things there that go against ergonomics I'm kinda worried they might have lost it.

AI confirms through a source that the picture is legitimate. Being only a few hours before the event, the chances that it is so are really high now.

[moep]

Originally Posted by Simon 

Could somebody here explain to me what benefit I get form having a glass trackpad? I mean, why should I care about the material my trackpad is made of as long a it works (like the one on my current MBP does)?

Maybe it’s just a step towards something larger. For example a OLED touchscreen in place of the trackpad. I could picture it showing the Tools in Adobe’s apps, Playback controls in Frontrow… the possibilities are endless. Yum.

[DKeithA]

Originally Posted by angelmb 

No, you're not the only one, I find it really nice.

I agree. I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to get one in my hands.

[Big Mac]

The mandatory glossy screen on a "pro" model is a very questionable choice.

[brassplayersrock²]

glossy only? I'll stick to my last rev matte mbp

if the trackpad is indeed clickable, that'd be kinda cool I guess

does this color style, save the black border around the screen, remind anyone else of the tibooks?

[angelmb]

Sure, cause the black keyboard… which I guess has to be so given the glossy display… to avoid reflections…

[darkmatter]

Originally Posted by Simon 

Could somebody here explain to me what benefit I get form having a glass trackpad? I mean, why should I care about the material my trackpad is made of as long a it works (like the one on my current MBP does)?

One won't need to wait 2 years to have a shiny and greasy trackpad.
The trackpad will be shiny right after buying it. Technically speaking
I would say it's also a style oriented future. Personally I don't believe
the glass trackpad rumor and of course I could be wrong.

On the other side, also if the rumor is true, I welcome the absence of trackpad
button, this may be an other Apple's step forward in computers, at least they will
become less boring.

Best Regards

PS: Anyone has a clue if the displays will future more pixels per inch?

[Dakar V]

If what has been said about the trackpad is true, it's like some descendant of of the button-less clear mouse of long-ago.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

The mandatory glossy screen on a "pro" model is a very questionable choice.

If they do that, they've lost the pro video market AND the pro graphics market. And the pro stage musicians.

Which "pro" market would then be left, I wonder?

[DKeithA]

Originally Posted by analogika 

If they do that, they've lost the pro video market AND the pro graphics market. And the pro stage musicians.

Which "pro" market would then be left, I wonder?

nah, they aren't losing any 'markets.' Apple knows who their customers are. These new displays will no doubt be the best thus far. The glossy doesn't taint any user experience, and yes, I am part of the 'pro graphics' market. In fact, you get much truer color and saturation.

[Dakar V]

On the bright side, if integrated graphics is really gone, a lot of users will be celebrating.

[Super Mario]

Originally Posted by Dakar V 

On the bright side, if integrated graphics is really gone, a lot of users will be celebrating.

Once the beer goggles are off they'll realise that a Geforce 9400 is already low end and won't be worth anything within a year.

I'm going to have to be a heretic here and go for the Dell Precision M6400. The pro specs on it are just too useful in a laptop for me to say no to and the design is quite Mac-like. Quad-core CPU, up to 16GB ram, 100% RGB color gamut 10bit LED screen, dual hard drive bays and a 1GB Quadro 3700M. This is the perfect pro mobile workstation for heavy 64bit Photoshop.



Apple isn't matching it and Adobe isn't releasing a 64bit Photoshop for Macs yet so I have no choice

[Simon]

"Mac-like" design? That's a brick. Thanks, I'll gladly stick with a notebook (i.e. my trusty 2.4 GHz MBP).

[analogika]

Originally Posted by DKeithA 

nah, they aren't losing any 'markets.' Apple knows who their customers are. These new displays will no doubt be the best thus far. The glossy doesn't taint any user experience, and yes, I am part of the 'pro graphics' market. In fact, you get much truer color and saturation.

I thought the big problem was that the color are actually OVERsaturated?

(I gather there is now *one* calibration device that is able to calibrate glossy displays, so the "not calibratable" argument appears to be moot...)


Also, if the glossy display isn't glossy as in MacBook Air but "glossy" as in "iMac-sheet-of-glass", then the 'books are gonna be hell on stage.

[Simon]

Here are some more pics of the 15" MBP case.







So apparently the battery is not part of the shell anymore. Instead you remove part of the case to get access to the battery and a user-serviceable disk.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/n...ard-drive-acc/

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Super Mario 

Once the beer goggles are off they'll realise that a Geforce 9400 is already low end and won't be worth anything within a year.

I'm going to have to be a heretic here and go for the Dell Precision M6400. The pro specs on it are just too useful in a laptop for me to say no to and the design is quite Mac-like. Quad-core CPU, up to 16GB ram, 100% RGB color gamut 10bit LED screen, dual hard drive bays and a 1GB Quadro 3700M. This is the perfect pro mobile workstation for heavy 64bit Photoshop.



Apple isn't matching it and Adobe isn't releasing a 64bit Photoshop for Macs yet so I have no choice

That's a fine laptop, no question, and your decision makes sense, but PLEASE don't EVER claim that the design is "quite Mac-like"...

*ahem*

[moep]

Originally Posted by Super Mario 

and the design is quite Mac-like.

Beer googles yes, but who?

[jjs357]

With all of the pre-announcement notebook speculation, I am surprised that there is no information about maximum RAM in these new units, especially the higher end models.

I am still hoping to see up to 8 GB in at least some models.

[Super Mario]

Originally Posted by analogika 

That's a fine laptop, no question, and your decision makes sense, but PLEASE don't EVER claim that the design is "quite Mac-like"...

*ahem*

What's wrong with it except that it isn't on a Naomi Campbell diet ?

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Super Mario 

What's wrong with it except that it isn't on a Naomi Campbell diet ?

There's a whole range of acceptable between "Naomi Campbell" and "Inspector Gadget", you know.

[Brien]

It doesn't make sense that Apple would drop FireWire from the MacBook, drop it from 2.4 to 2.0ghz, and raise the price $200.

Axing the 17" MBP and making the pro glossy-only also makes no sense.

[Super Mario]

Originally Posted by analogika 

There's a whole range of acceptable between "Naomi Campbell" and "Inspector Gadget", you know.

Yep! Inspector Gadget isn't anorexic and suffering from such delusions of grandeur that he needs an "event" every time he makes a new public appearance! The MacBook Pro's publicists really think they're selling a Naomi Campbell Question is are they hogging the drugs for themselves in Cupertino?

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Super Mario 

Yep! Inspector Gadget isn't anorexic and suffering from such delusions of grandeur that he needs an "event" every time he makes a new public appearance!

He is also completely nerdy and UTTERLY devoid of style.

To each his own. (You're not a designer, are you? )

[Kodachrome_Project]

Not a fan of the need to remove part of the case to get to the battery, but the idea of a quick disconnect for the HD is awesome for travel / security.

Unless I am completely put off by something, I am ordering today...

[kenna]

How long before the conference????

An hour? two?

[Simon]

It just started.

live feeds

[seanc]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/l...tebooks-event/

[kenna]

Thanks!!!

[kenna]

Glass trackpad was correct then.... looks really good.

*edit* I'm not a fan of the design, though it seems a really rigid notebook from the feeds posted. Thanks!

*edit* good specs......want one haha DDR3 RAM. 2 Graphics cards is a really nice touch too!

[Brien]

New mbp and displays are gloss. Apples done with matte. Rumors all true so far.

[kenna]

That was an interesting display, looking forward to seeing the keynote. Sounds like the graphics are going to be greatly upped. I'm not a fan of the design but then i'll wait to see it in stores.

Be interesting to see what this new trackpad looks like and how that is to use.

Is 4GB still the ceiling for the two models RAM wise?

[Brien]

Yeah.

[Smillz]

I like the old macbooks more

[Jasoco]

• The "mystery button" turns out to be an array of LED's for the battery. Rather than putting the charge checker on the battery itself, the button and LED's were moved to the side.

• I'm both disappointed and not surprised that the 13" display is still the same resolution. I was hoping for at least 1440x900. But I'm so used to 1280x800 that it's not a deal-breaker.

• Also disappointed that the $1000 price was for the crappy old outdated model. But I'm hoping like how they kept the old G4's around when the G5's came out that by June there will be a lower end in that slot based on the new one. But not holding breath.

• I'll have to give the new trackpad thorough testing from every aspect before I decide. A crappy buggy trackpad would be a deal-breaker and make me wait. but I have faith in Apple that it isn't as horrible as the current tap to click. Pressing down should be good. As long as it doesn't misinterpret my fingers accidentally, or miss clicks when I wanted to click. I am looking forward to all the gestures too.

• Little disappointed we need to get another adapter for our old displays. I have the Mini-DVI to DVI one I got for $20. The new one is $30! And I rarely even use my display! By then though I'll probably have gotten rid of the desk and display I have now anyway.

• Just a silly observation. Now that Firewire is gone. Just get rid of the Ethernet and I'll be happy. I hate unused ports I never use. Modem, gone. Firewire, gone. Next, Ethernet. Go, Apple! Go! (Offer a USB-Ethernet adapter like the modem you sell.) Plus, getting rid of the Ethernet would allow it to be even thinner! I mean look at how thick it is! All the rest of the ports are so much smaller in height. Ethernet is a dog. Put it to sleep. (Don't take this point seriously, I'm just rambling.)

• Really glad they put a nice video card in there finally. Not that I use the GMA I have much now, but just because I like fast graphics. Kinda wish the MB had the same dual graphics setup as the MBP, but whatever. Just for the coolness factor.

• The MacBook's keyboard IS backlit. And that's awesome. Finally.

• I didn't notice this. The new display lets you charge the MacBook with its own power adapter instead of the one the MB comes with. So you can keep your power adapter in the bag when at home. I like that. Too bad I won't be getting a display though.

Looking forward to taking it for a test drive.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Jasoco 

• The MacBook's keyboard IS backlit. And that's awesome. Finally.

Not on the $1299 model.

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by Jasoco 

• The "mystery button" turns out to be an array of LED's for the battery. Rather than putting the charge checker on the battery itself, the button and LED's were moved to the side.

The battery indicator was great for checking the charge of a battery NOT plugged into the laptop. This is about the only time I used it. Why would I want this moved to the laptop itself?

[schalliol]

Perhaps it lowers the cost of the battery. That would be good for margins or reduced prices for secondary batteries.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - - 

The battery indicator was great for checking the charge of a battery NOT plugged into the laptop. This is about the only time I used it. Why would I want this moved to the laptop itself?

Because with the new design the battery is hidden behind the case. Had Apple left the indicators on the battery, you would have had no way to read the charge level on a battery inserted in a sleeping or shut off MB(P).

[- - e r i k - -]

I see. A duplicated on-battery status would have been preferred though, but I guess only true road warriors require that.

[schalliol]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - - 

I see. A duplicated on-battery status would have been preferred though, but I guess only true road warriors require that.

I don't know any road warriors who carry more than one spare battery, and in fact, I know some that only have the one because the weight adds up. It's usually pretty easy to track whether you have a battery with some charge on it or not. I agree that the indicator is nice though.

[analogika]

I use the battery indicator a lot, mostly to check battery status without having to wake up the machine.

[schalliol]

Yeah, it'll be easier to check the battery that's in the machine now :-)

[Simon]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - - 

I see. A duplicated on-battery status would have been preferred though, but I guess only true road warriors require that.

I agree. I very much like the new indicator, but I would have liked it even more if they added a second to the battery itself. Just so you can check the spare battery you're carrying around. But I guess we can't have everything (yet).

[dimmer]

Could somebody here explain to me what benefit I get form having a glass trackpad?

Multitouch.

[Simon]

Nope. The previous MBA had MT but it didn't have a glass trackpad.

[dimmer]

Kinda but not really: you could right click, and (if you moved your fingers to the edge) almost kinda scroll: zoom in/zoom out? No. Flick? No. Shove up eXpose? No. The new trackpad is very much like having the controls of an iPod Touch/iPhone on a laptop. That's cool!

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by dimmer 

Kinda but not really: you could right click, and (if you moved your fingers to the edge) almost kinda scroll: zoom in/zoom out? No. Flick? No. Shove up eXpose? No. The new trackpad is very much like having the controls of an iPod Touch/iPhone on a laptop. That's cool!

You could right click, zoom in and out, flick, rotate and all the gestures that were before the four finger ones on the latest MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs. Someone needs to pay attention.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by dimmer 

Kinda but not really: you could right click, and (if you moved your fingers to the edge) almost kinda scroll

You have been able to scroll on Apple's trackpads by placing two fingers ANYWHERE on the trackpad for OVER THREE YEARS.

What's this "move your fingers to the edge" thing you're talking about? Sounds like that half-assed sorta-kinda scrolling area on some Windows laptops.

Originally Posted by dimmer 

: zoom in/zoom out? No. Flick? No. Shove up eXpose? No. The new trackpad is very much like having the controls of an iPod Touch/iPhone on a laptop. That's cool!

Zoom in and out and flick functionality (where supported by the software - Safari, iPhoto, Preview, Finder, etc. do) has been available since March on all new MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.