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zubro · Sep 15, 2007, 07:31 AM

iMac and now iPods in AL.
I am curious to see the MB in AL, as they would put it so well : "Beautifully redesigned, MacBook features a sleek, new all-metal enclosure."

jamiemcf · Sep 15, 2007, 09:27 AM

Can't see that happening, it would look too similar to the MacBook Pro

rach · 10:57 AM

Sony are putting dedicated graphics in some Sony CR models. The CR is one of the models which competes with the MB.
I think that Apple could well put a low end dedicated graphic card in the MB. I know that this will make it closer to the MBP but it is not like they haven't done this in the past. The iBook's and PB's both used to use dedicated graphics. If they do put in a low end dedicated card then could that well be a notebook that I would seriously consider buying. I have thought about them just upgrading the Black MB to low end graphics but i think that could well be to much of a hassle to do for them at production level.

I doubt that they give it an AL case. They will most probably upgrade the CPU to SR and if they don't go the low end dedicated graphics route then they will put in intel's x3100.

I have read several posts where say a PB user has complained about the plastic mb case and has given that as one of the reasons why they would not buy a MB. If Apple do this then of course the difference between both of those models will be less.

Kaspers · Sep 15, 2007, 12:06 PM

Well there is a change of a new macbook pro with dimensions as the macbook.. But I don't see an AL Macbook happening..

applemacbook · Sep 15, 2007, 11:06 PM

I really doubt Apple will go through the trouble of changing any of the macbook designs at this point.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 16, 2007, 12:54 AM

Well, if they were to encase the MacBook in aluminum, like the separation between the classic and the nano, the MB would still have hardware inferior to the MBP (and probably colorful shell colors; I'd want one in the new light blue color....).

Kaspers · Sep 16, 2007, 05:54 AM

I'm pretty sure thats not gonna happen butterfly0fdoom..
Macbook just stays white and black, and there's a very little change it will be encased in AL.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 16, 2007, 11:18 AM

I know. That was just hypothetical. Because if Apple were to encase both in Aluminum, they'd need something to entice people to stick with the MacBook aside from lower price for slightly inferior hardware. And colors, as the mini and nano have proven, are the most effective way to entice people. But then again, that's a totally different situation...

Warbrain · Sep 16, 2007, 12:53 PM

Apple won't change the body of the MacBook to aluminum. They only did so with the iMac because they understood that more professionals were buying them so they wanted to make a more "professional" computer. MacBooks look just fine the way thtey are now.

Jasoco · Sep 16, 2007, 02:47 PM

The MacBook design is perfect as it is now.

The MacBook Pro though is in dire need of an update. Old keyboard design, old latch design, peeling paint, heat dissipation problems, airport problems.

Mark my words and quote this post, there will be a MacBook Pro redesign by MacWorld in January.

imitchellg5 · Sep 16, 2007, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jasoco

The MacBook design is perfect as it is now.

The MacBook Pro though is in dire need of an update. Old keyboard design, old latch design, peeling paint, heat dissipation problems, airport problems.

Mark my words and quote this post, there will be a MacBook Pro redesign by MacWorld in January.

Quoted and marked. I'm not holding my breath, but I think there will be a redesign next summer.

k squared · Sep 16, 2007, 03:07 PM

Most of Apple's recent redesigns have moved away from plastic....the next MacBook revision will as well.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 16, 2007, 04:15 PM

Well, when you consider the MacBook is Apple's newest computer design (the iMac doesn't count, it's just a reskin), there isn't any need to change the MacBook's design. Apple's oldest design is the MBP, which was a slightly modified PB design. But I don't forsee any changes to that. Or the Mac Pro. Or the Mac mini. Apple's current designs are fine the way they are.

Xarthan · Sep 16, 2007, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by butterfly0fdoom

Well, when you consider the MacBook is Apple's newest computer design (the iMac doesn't count, it's just a reskin), there isn't any need to change the MacBook's design. Apple's oldest design is the MBP, which was a slightly modified PB design. But I don't forsee any changes to that. Or the Mac Pro. Or the Mac mini. Apple's current designs are fine the way they are.

I want a MBP design where i can change the HD easily like the MB

HazMacFan · Sep 16, 2007, 07:07 PM

They have to release some hardware for Leopard this October. They have shown in the past "ipod Mini, 2nd gen Nano" that they can change design while at the height of success.

Christopera · Sep 16, 2007, 07:43 PM

After Apples announcement concerning their new greener intentions I wouldn't be too surprised if they did make a switch to a more recyclable system. So perhaps there is some weight(or lack of) behind an aluminum design.

I just wonder if there is another route to attain their environmental goals. I really think that they like to maintain differences between price scales with material feel.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 16, 2007, 08:29 PM

Well, the nano and the classic have the same functionality, but the classic has superior hardware while the nano is has a smaller screen and an assortment of colors. They're both made of the same materials and look very similar.

If the MacBook were changed to use aluminum, colors would be a logical option. The fact that aluminum is more recyclable than polycarbonate is a bit of an indication that this could happen. They changed the classic's front panel from polycarbonate to aluminum, after all.

iREZ · Sep 16, 2007, 10:53 PM

i think the mbp has one of the best keyboards i've ever used, i dont see why anybody would want to redesign it

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 16, 2007, 11:29 PM

I think the MB's overall design is one of the best in the industry. The secure magnetic latch and the Scrabble keyboard are the two main reasons I opted for an MB over an MBP.

robshoy · Sep 17, 2007, 12:14 AM

I love the Macbook design and all, but wouldn't it make sense to make it aluminum and glass? The only white products left are iPod accesories, the Mac Mini, Macbook, and Airport. Even the keyboards are now mostly aluminum, save the white keys. Apple is straying away from white.

zubro · Sep 17, 2007, 07:40 AM

And from here :

Apple - Environment - Responsible Manufacturing

"Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in its products by the end of 2008"

I do believe that they will go all AL!

frdmfghtr · Sep 21, 2007, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by zubro

And from here :

Apple - Environment - Responsible Manufacturing

"Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in its products by the end of 2008"

I do believe that they will go all AL!

It would seem that 9 to 5 Mac agrees with you.

kelso · Sep 21, 2007, 10:08 AM

I don't see that happening. If all their computers were AL, all the computers would look the same and it would be a very boring lineup of computers. I see them releasing colors like the ipods more than I see them releasing them in AL.

Atheist · Sep 21, 2007, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by kelso

I don't see that happening. If all their computers were AL, all the computers would look the same and it would be a very boring lineup of computers. I see them releasing colors like the ipods more than I see them releasing them in AL.

Um... the new color iPods are made of Aluminum. I for one see this as a natural progression of all things Apple. Aluminum is the new plastic.

mdc · Sep 21, 2007, 10:16 AM

I think they should do away with the Pro part on the MacBooks, make them all alumnium and name them the MacBook.
MacBook 13", 15", 17"

Personally, I do not see the need for the MacBook as it is, when there is no 13" MacBook Pro. Replace the MacBook with a 13" MacBook Pro.
They'd have to do something to keep the price to the ~$1,000 price point though. Slower CPU, smaller HD, etc, etc. But having them all backlit keyboards and alumnium would be nice.

edit. If that 9 to 5 Mac post about the new MacBook is correct, I'd probably buy one to replace my PowerBook.

JonoMarshall · Sep 21, 2007, 10:20 AM

Why not the same finish as the new iPod Nano line... coloured metal for the MBs and then a silver (or a black and silver mix) reserved for the MB Pro?

shinykaro · Sep 21, 2007, 10:51 AM

I'm gonna miss the white though.. they are dreamy...

frankthetank966 · Sep 21, 2007, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by zubro

iMac and now iPods in AL.
I am curious to see the MB in AL, as they would put it so well : "Beautifully redesigned, MacBook features a sleek, new all-metal enclosure."

i doubt they will do that. it will be more expensive

kelso · Sep 21, 2007, 12:51 PM

If everything was AL. It would all look the same. Apple needs to keep things the way the are now or they need to introduce something new to how their computers are designed when it comes to the MacBook. Personally, I love my black Macbook and would hate to see them be pulled off the market for another AL computer.

mdc · Sep 21, 2007, 02:35 PM

@kelso. According to the 9-5 Mac article the new MacBooks will come in black AL.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 21, 2007, 03:36 PM

@kelso: look at the iPod line. The nano and classic clearly look different. The nano comes in colors, the classic comes in silver and black. Just that is enough for differentiation.

vertigociel · Sep 21, 2007, 07:13 PM

I've been expecting this for a while. Two years ago, all of Apple's consumer line products were white PVC plastic: iMac, iPod, iPod Nano, and Macbook - now only the Macbook remains. It's the logical progression.

It does make me sad, though - I really liked the white look. The iMac G5 (Rev. A, without the bulging backside) remains my favorite computer ever.

0157988944 · Sep 21, 2007, 08:49 PM

Yeah, I liked the pro/consumer separation. Thats why I will continue to use white Macs until I can't anymore.

butterfly0fdoom · Sep 21, 2007, 10:12 PM

Well, the current iMac is plenty capable for pro environments. It's still got plastic, though; the backside is black plastic.

Like I said, I think color offerings will be the new separation.

0157988944 · Sep 21, 2007, 10:36 PM

If they make all the new consumer Macs in different colors like the nanos that would be sweet.

What I really want, though, is a glossy black iMac. Basically extend the "black eye" of the current iMac all the way around the front where the aluminum is now. But a matte screen.

slugslugslug · Sep 21, 2007, 11:58 PM

It does seem like white plastic is on the way out from Apple's lineup. I thought the new iMac design looked hideous when I first saw pictures; oddly enough, having seen a few in person, I think they look fantastic. But I actually kinda think the white one looks more professional.

Back to the MacBook, I think the current design is the best looking portable Apple's ever made. Even given that it's the most recent all-new design, I think it'll be replaced before the year is out. Hope they come up with something that looks even half as awesome. And weighs a little less.

0157988944 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:18 AM

Yeah I think Apple went overboard on the sleek and it actually look even MORE consumer now. When I first saw the new iMac, I hated it. Then I got used to it. Then I got a white iMac and then I hated the new one again.