What about the MacBook - updated or bumped?

The little white MB is the odd one out, made in polycarbonate (okay, plastic) while the others are aluminium in the Apple line-up. At the moment, it's also a step behind with C2D and the Nvidia graphics.

Do you think it'll come around with an SB update? Does anyone know how it fares, saleswise?

 

I imagine it is pretty popular amongst younger crowds simply because it looks alright and is relatively inexpensive while coming with the Apple logo. Personally, I think it will be updated to either the same specs as the entry level MacBook Pro (which had been the case with the previous models) or ones that are a little below it (like using a Core i3 processor). It would make sense either way. Having the same specs makes it understandable why Apple has not updated it yet (they didn't want to take away from the thunder of the MacBook Pro) while having lower specs also explains a non-update (they have to go back and do some design tweaks).

I don't see Apple completely killing off the MacBook just yet as it still fits a target audience that wants a MacBook but doesn't have over $1000 to spend and doesn't want the Air. When will Apple update the MacBook? I don't know, only Apple knows such information and it is only official when they actually announce it.

 

IMO its completely outdated, expecially with the college discount.

You get $100 off and 4gb RAM with MBP
You get $50 off and 2gb RAM with MacBook

Its $100 more for the RAM upgrade from apple. Which means, for students... its a $50 upgrade! (If your doing the RAM upgrade)

 

I suppose the MB has its special place in the overall business strategy - such things can be hard to see - it always looks like the odd one out. But it is a cheap (apple-wise) and cheerful beginner model.

I'd like it to get upgraded and live on for a good while yet. I've had a 2010 version (had to sell unfortunately) and I have to say I prefer that screen (less glare) and the trackpad is something to die for. Getting back to a mouse felt inefficient. I was less happy about the dustcleaning and the fear of the case cracking.

If and when it gets updated, only Apple knows, but my guess is early-mid May, with the same specs as the MBP 13" (and the usual 2 gb ram).

 

Just after I pressed the button on the above, I found an article writing off the MacBook: Death By Air And Thunderbolt: Is It The End Of The Line For The MacBook?

While the MBA 11 has the same price point, it is really a different thing. Not sure people buying a MacBook automatically would get an MBA 11 instead. If only the 11 existed, I think there would be a sort of gap up to the next available laptop, price- and versatility-wise.

 

I would hope they keep it and bring back the BlackBook!! I've got a late 2007 BlackBook (my first Mac) that I refuse to get rid of. Love that little thing and it goes with me whenever I travel

 

They won't be getting rid of it.

The 11 MBA does not replace the 13 MB. 11" is just too small as a primary computer for many students, whereas 13 MB fits perfect in that category.

 

IF I had to guess, I am gonna say they will have to lower the price on the MacBook. ATM the sales on it are going to keep lowering. Actually my store barely sells them as is. If they took another $100 off, I think you will see a lot more people get into them.

 

Judging by the crowds at the local Apple Shop when they last had a serious price drop on the MacBook (about $150 off), I'd say that would be a good strategy. Even with the old setup, it would probably sell.

I assume the C2D supply isn't unlimited, either. Probably a matter of time until things need to change.

 

A price drop of $150 - $200, and I think the MacBook would sell like hot cakes. But, Apple wont do it.