Rumors of 13" MBP soon? and what specs?

Does anyone know anything about a 13" macbook pro to be released soon? What GPU and when?

 

Here we go again...

I don't think a 13'' MBP is coming out soon.

 

I don't see it happening yet. Look for a ultraportable MBP after January 2008. Apple has lots of products to update and it likes to spread its announcements over time so all products get a ridiculous amount of media coverage .

For example, I'd expect iPods in September, Leopard and maybe an updated MacBook in October, and after that they won't be able to announce anything more as the holiday season's started. But Apple may surprise us with updated iPhones right before the holiday season, we don't know. But there's been no indication of a ultraportable MBP in production, so don't expect it until 2008.

Plus, if Apple is to introduce a 13.3-inch MBP I'd expect them to update the rest of the MBPs as well and there's nothing for them to update with right now, other than LED-backlighting in the 17-inch. I'd say Apple will wait for Penryn's release in Q1 '08 or maybe even wait for Montevina later in 2008.

 

They might introduce a new model... But they tend to update their whole line together.

 

Tip #387: Don't ask when RUMORED devices will be released. Nobody knows the answer.

 

Except for Steve Jobs.

 

Yeah, I know....It's a bad question, but when you are buying a piece of gear that is already old tech you want to exhaust all options to make sure you are getting the best available. Since this would be my first mac, I'm not really "in the know" and I figured the pros here might have some good inputs.

Thanks for posting what you know or think you know because it's more than what I got at this point.

 

In my extremely limited experience with anything Apple related, it does not make sense for Apple to release a new piece of hardware when they just released the new iMacs, and are soon to release Leopard. Apple will have their hands full for probably the next half year with these and would not want to add another big ticket item so soon.

 

Why would apple degrade down to a 13" macbook pro? Most of the models are 15.4" and 17".

 

Well, I think some people like the portability of a smaller form factor. I don't think it would be a downgrade to UPDATE their 13" product. They could put in a santa rosa chipset and an 8600GS video card and it would appeal to a lot of people.

 

Add a glossy, LED screen to the mix and you got yourself a serious contender.

 

If Apple does that they'd better get a huge production contract ...see all the craze over the XPS M1330?

And to Ghost Recon, its not so much Apple is downgrading as it is adding a new notebook to its pro lineup. a lot professionals must have a lightweight, powerful Mac, but to them the MacBook is too toy-ish and the 15.4-inch MBP is too large. So this would address that market perfectly.

 

8600M GS are mainly found in 15.4'' laptops. A 8400M GS, if not a 8400M GT should be implemented into new MacBooks.

 

Doesn't the 14.1-inch ASUS V2S have a 8600GS?

 

Yup ninja text

 

Yeah, but 14.1" and 13.3" is a pretty big difference in size. Especially when you consider the way Apple designs their laptops, and I just wouldn't expect to see anything higher than an 8400M GS in there. Besides, what did they use in the old 12" Powerbook, a 5200?

 

maybe, MAYBE, 8400M GT. But that's more like wishful thinking.

 

True. I was mainly pointing out to knp that the 8600GS is found on some 14.1-inch notebooks as well, as he said "the 8600GS is mainly found on 15.4-inch notebooks".

If Apple were to seriously make a powerful ultraportable, I'd say it would be the 8400M GS in there...but you never know with Apple - sigh - .

 

if anything they would update the regular macbook (maybe lighter, use a metal casing, and add a low end graphics card) and keep the mpb as is.

 

ba da bing, ba da boom.

If they did this, i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

c'mon apple! Update the macbook to santa rosa and LED!!

 

I like the footprint of the 13.3" macbook. But I feel that it feels a bit "toy-ish" compared to the Macbook Pro. I agree that the perfect addition to their line would be a 13.3" Macbook pro (or at least something to bridge the gap between the 2)

 

Hey, I'm just looking for a good Macbook or smaller Macbook Pro at this point. Like tatsumi, I like the 13.3" form factor of the Macbook, but I don't like the design nor the integrated graphics. I'm not a gamer, but throw me in a low-level Geforce (even an 8300M when it comes out) and I'll be happy, just for the extra processing power. A 13.3" Macbook Pro would be amazing.

 

An "MBP-Lite Edition" should have the following specifications:
1. Penryn
2. 14.1-inch LED-LCD
3. Aluminum casing, like the MBP's
4. NVidia 8400

I think i'm missing something in the list... oh yeah:

5. built in memory-card reader
6. Tablet Edition!

this might actually end up costing more than the base MBP costs...

 

OOOO sounds great. But I agree that the tablet feature would definitely push the price above the current 15.4". Gimme one of these minus the tablet.

 

I'd buy that up in a minute! Or actually...in a second!

That would be awesome, but unfortunately I don't think its going to come before an ultraportable MBP, as there's a bigger market for a ultraportable Mac than a 14.1-inch Mac. I actually quite like the name, The MacBook Pro Lite .

 

I agree. Although, personally, I'm not a big fan of the name; I think Macbook by itself is a little awkward, but going Macbook Pro Lite... you're just shoving 4 words together and it sounds... harsh.

 

If Apple made a 14 incher and it was under 5lbs, then I would maybe buy one next year with Nehalem in it.

 

Forgive me, but whats Nehalem? The next Intel chipset name?

 

No, it's the name of a City in Oregon.

Intel® Next Generation Microarchitecture – Nehalem

 

That's why I said, "mainly".

But yeah, a 8400M GT will be more than plenty in a 13'' notebook.

 

Hell, if it was a 8400GS, I'd be more then happy to switch. I've been looking for a portable machine, the Macbook is nice, but the GMA950 is a disappointment. The previous iBooks at 12" had a what, ATI 9200?

 

Hey, right now I'm rather happy the MacBook doesn't have a graphics card. I don't need it any hotter than it currently gets!

With SMCFanControl, I have it stable at 50 C, but without its usually 60 C.

 

Shockingly, the very last iBook generation introduced the MR9550, which actually has full DX9.0 support unlike the DX8.1 MR9200. So while it could be argued graphics on the Mac Mini slid sideways, the iBook definitely went a step back.

I'm betting now that Intel has finally launched XP drivers with full SM3.0 hardware acceleration, Apple will make the transition to the GMA X3100. Probably in November though after Leopard, but in time for Christmas.