12 inch MacBook Pro!

Whoa it seems that 12inch MBP does look really different check this out: http://www.laptopnewz.com/category/brand/apple/

 

Seems like Apple is back-tracking...my initial thoughts were "Whoa, that looks like the Panasonic Toughbook's design except on the bottom". I wonder why they didn't keep the slot-loading drive...and why its on the bottom. Wouldn't it be a hassle to life the laptop up to insert/eject a CD/DVD?

 

That picture is from a patent application Apple made for a bottom loading optical drive. It was designed as a space saving measure and to aid in the structural integrity of a really thin notebook.

Think about it, this is 5 inches of valuable edge space on your notebook that can now be used for other things. Personally I think Panasonic had a MUCH better idea with thier toploader. Really - who wants to flip over thier notebook to insert an optical disk.

Ah well, it will all depend on the implementation.

 

I stared at that drawing for a second.. I think you could do a "one cheek sneak", if you get my meaning. There's buttons to eject the disk door which look easy enough to find with just proping the notebook to the side a bit and feeling underneath.. then droping the disk in teh tray.. and set it back down, or close the door manually.. your option. It's odd indeed. But considering some ultraports omit the cd-dvd rom altogether, I'd be happier with than without.

 

My thoughts exactly...I think this design obviously isn't meant to improve ergonomics, but to allow for the inclusion of an optical drive that wouldn't be feasible to include otherwise.