When is the next Macbook Refresh?

I am looking at buying a Macbook around December (The $1099 Model) But I cant buy a Laptop with a Combo-Drive. I have to have a superdrive! And I need to know when the next update would be and if you think the base model might get a superdrive?

(Apple needs to step up, I mean I can buy a Dell 1525 for $499 With a Superdrive but an $1100 laptop from Apple doesn't have a superdrive, Thats Crazy!

 

Next refresh is probably next Tuesday.

 

Maybe on the 9th, or the 16th, or some time in October. Only Apple knows.

 

What cahnges do you think are actually possible?

 

Ah, I was wondering when we'd see you again thread.

Montevina most likely, but only Apple knows. We don't have a magical crystal ball we can look to for answers.
If you want any rumors to whett your appetite, I suggest you head over to Macrumors. (Not saying this discussion here isn't welcome, just they have TONS more rumors and speculation than we do. )

 

I am guessing case changes since this pattern has been followed for the previous models, and maybe they could adopt the newer processors and integrated graphics from Centrino 2 update

 

I highly doubt it. September 9th is going to be all about iPods and iTunes.

 

But if it's just a silent upgrade (i.e. speed bump - montevina) and not a complete redesign, I don't think it would be unreasonable to introduce that on sept. 9th, or the 16th.

 

I don't think the base model MB will ever come with a superdrive.....that's why it's the "Base" model.

If you don't want to have to spend the amount of money it takes to buy the MacBook which has the options you want, then perhaps Dell is a better choice for you. Just remember, you get exactly what you pay for.

 

You are incorrect. The base Dell 1525 model for $499 comes with a combo drive. The superdrive upgrade costs $30. Also, the base model comes with a meager celeron 550 (2.0Ghz) processor.
To upgrade a 1525 as close as possible with the macbook base specs, it would come to a grand total of: $794. Sure that's $305 less, but you do get what you pay for.

Now to upgrade the 1525 to the macbook 2.4Ghz specs, it comes to $949. Still, both models come with vista home basic, for a probably more fair comparison, an upgrade to vista ultimate will run you an extra $150, bringing both 1525's to $944 and $1099 respectively (just $155 and $200 less than both macbooks).

It's an apples to oranges comparison, and not a fair one I think. Just get whatever suits you best I say.

 

I do expect them to retire the Combo Drive, its absolutely too old technology at this point. I would expect a Mac update later this month or early next, it probably won't be any later than that!

 

A base model with a superdrive would be perfect for me.

 

I read interviews saying that the main goal for the Macbook line was to slash prices to make them competitive (or better than competitive (...)) with other brands. Nothing about hardware was mentioned. Rumors say next Tuesday as well, but who knows. Soon at any rate, so hold off.

 

Maybe the base model will have a super drive and the other two will get a blu-ray drive

 

Blu-ray drives are still too expensive. Many aren't even expecting them in the next MacBook Pro update. There is a slim chance that Apple might have Bluray as a CTO option, but I doubt very much that they will include it in their retail pre-configured models. The real question is: are slot-load bluray drives even available?

I am thinking that September 9th will be all about iPods, iTunes, etc. Apple's "lets rock" slogan that they sent on their invites suggests this and if they had planned to announce major MB and MBP redesigns, they certainly have gone out of their way to mislead the public. There is also the argument that if redesigns are coming than a formal venue setting would be the perfect launching pad for such an announcement...

Anything is possible, I suppose, but I'd reckon that the notebook updates are still 3 weeks to a month off from being officially announced by Apple.

 

Yeah, I agree with forest_boy, its too Music-centric to suddenly be a Mac announcement. It'll center around the iPods and maybe there'll be a hint at the end.