New Macbook Wishlist

...so (as expected), no update to the Macbook was announced today, so it looks like we're slated for an October-November update to the Macbook line (if not, it'll be January). I really, really want to go out and grab a Macbook right now but the thought of goodies to come in the fall is too much.

So, what's everybody hoping for in the new model? My wishlist, to start:

- Intel Santa Rosa, or better yet Penryn chipset...
- ...with updated graphics
- LED backlit screen

And, cosmetically:

- Keep the white look, slimmer LCD bezel.

Personally I'm not too fond of the new iMac's looks. The black and silver seems much more conservative and looks odd when mixed with the white accessories.

 

I don't know if Apple's going to start adding some aluminum onto the MacBook...its the only one left on the lineup that doesn't have aluminum now. Then again, inconsistency has happened in Apple before (the iPod video doesn't match the 2nd gen iPod Nano and 2nd gen iPod Shuffle).

I don't see graphics on the MacBook. Apple's probably leaving the integrated graphics in. X3100, of course, but not something from ATI or NVIDIA. I see Apple releasing a 12-inch or 13-inch MacBook Pro with dedicated graphics. That way Apple can sell to both classes of users.

My wishlist:

Santa Rosa (most likely in October)
LED screens
Some slot for the Apple Remote
DVI-output
More USB ports

 

My number one wish for any new Macbook is for Apple to either go back to thicker plastics, or start using something more durable.

I won't buy another Macbook until I don't have to worry about it becoming a crackbook.

Also, bring back the twelve inch models, or better yet, make an eleven inch model.

 

I think the reason this will never happen is that the Macbook is a model marketed to consumers and, largely, children. Aluminum is way too soft and bends too easily.

I wish they'd go with a magnesium alloy case.

 

Yeah, that's what I meant. I think dedicated graphics would see a decrease in battery life, and an increase in heat and price, but the Intel GMA950 is definitely in need of an upgrade (I think that's more reason for an October update... to handle Leopard's new visual effects..?).

Amen to that.

I think if the bezel thickness were to be reduced, the size would be perfect for me. I prefer 13.3" to 12.1", and I think 12.1" (or even 11.1"... VAIO TZ competitor?) could be reserved for the Macbook Pro.

 

12.1" convertible tablet w/ MultiTouch plzkthx.

 

If Apple were to update the Macbook:

-Santa Rosa or Penryn
-LED screens
-Macbook Pro-like, or iBook-like keyboard
-More USB ports
-15 inch model
-Option for a dedicated graphics card

If they were to update the Macbook Pro:

-more USB ports
-13.3 inch model
-Penryn
-Moderate pricing

 

My wish list is all the above. But my real wish is to get a Macbook.
Lynn

 

I second that wish. A tablet laptop from Apple would be uber-awesome. Why haven't they dived into this market yet?

 

As I stated in different threads, my opinion is its a matter of "when" rather than "if" it will happen. The 12-inch PowerBook is the Mac notebook most people still love the most and Apple knows that.

The problem is Apple has a huge list of things to update and they're only one company. Plus they like to spread announcements over time, instead of announcing everything all at once. Apple likes media attention and by introducing a new product every month they get consistent media coverage. If they released everything at once only one or two products would be covered by the media.

As I stated in other threads, my prediction of the Apple timeline is:

September, new iPod lineup
October, Leopard and possibly updated MacBooks
Macworld 2008 (January), iPhone 2.0, iPhone Nano, maybe Penryn MBP
WWDC 2008 (June), ultraportable MBP

 

Tablets don't sell well.

I think an ultraportable is coming. The market wants it.

People like the idea of tablets. They don't want to pay for one, though.

 

I've heard Steve Jobs doesn't like them . Actually, the technology behind the iPhone was originally meant for a tablet...Steve Jobs saw what was happening in Redmond over tablets, asked his engineers to dabble around with touchscreens and when he saw what they did he decided to go after cell phones with this technology instead.

By the way, have you tablet-wanting users seen the Axiotron ModBook? Its a MacBook where they took out the keyboard, changed the coating and its your Mac tablet. Runs OS X.

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

 

Yeah, IMHO tablets are a nice idea but in practice aren't that practical for most users. I see many teachers who've bought one of those HP business-class convertible tablet notebooks, but who never use the tablet functions (maybe occasionally but if it hadn't been a tablet they wouldn't have missed it).

Most times, when presented with using the notebook in tablet vs. notebook mode, notebook mode will be chosen. You can't really use the touchscreen in this position, because the hinge will move (take a look at HP's most recent consumer tablet). So if you want to flip between both, you'll have to keep flipping the screen. It's nice to use the tablet for casual web browsing or presentations, but the truth is its use is quite limited.

For that reason, the only market that really sees (significant) tablet sales is the corporate/enterprise market. Companies that buy these for presentation purposes, for exhibition use, or for field surveying. That's why we see HP, Lenovo, and soon Dell as the main tablet producers (in quantity) in the Windows world (Panasonic and Asus are also notable). For a company like Apple to produce a tablet does not seem beneficial, as they are a lower-volume manufacturer that mainly sells to consumers -- that is, assuming they utilize the technology in a similar way to Windows counterparts. They'd have to do something quite different to lure consumers to purchase a tablet (I wouldn't rule this out, though). I can hear what some of you will say -- that Apple sells many computers to graphic designers and photographers, etc., but this would not fly among them either because: a.) screen quality of today's tablets are grainy, and b.) because if they're very serious about graphics/other media, they would probably prefer a dedicated graphics tablet's increased precision. Serious, for-living designers (e.g., automotive designers), if needed would most likely go for a desktop combined with one of Wacom's LCD/tablet combinations (Cintiq, IIRC?).

So I believe in terms of tablet computers from Apple, we're to expect a completely different approach and technology than what we've seen, or no tablet at all.

Feel free to disagree with me.

 

What I would like is:

Penryn
LED Scren
Nvidia 8400GS with 128mb Dedicated
Weight of 4.5lbs or less
Price of $1500 or less.

 

Price isn't really my major concern with Macs. I don't mind paying the premium for the look of a Mac. I would like them to include higher end graphics in a smaller model, though.

Something the size of a 12" Powerbook, with a modern LCD, and a high end graphics card would be appealing.

 

I'd love to see a competitor to the XPS1330 too. Something small with a good card and all the other standard features.

Oh...and maybe 3 USB ports and a full ExpressCard 54 slot? Please? Think of the children...