Apple readying MacBook makeover?

Is Apple giving its last remaining MacBook a makeover?

(Credit: CNET)

Apple is getting ready to introduce a slimmer, lighter MacBook, according to an Apple blog citing unnamed sources.

Apple's 13-inch notebook in currently undergoing an industrial redesign that will also feature new internal architecture, according to a report on AppleInsider. The redesign, which would be the entry-level machine's first overhaul in three years, is expected to be unveiled in the coming months, the site reported.

At its annual Worldwide Developer's Conference in June, Apple introduced new versions of its 13- and 15-inch notebooks that use the same battery technology found in the 17-inch models. The rebranding of the 13-inch unibody MacBook to the MacBook Pro line left the polycarbonate white plastic casing as the only true "MacBook."

That move left many speculating on the lone remaining model's chances of survival. But the MacBook remains very popular with consumers. AppleInsider notes that Apple's online store says the white MacBook is the second best-selling model behind the iMac.

Indeed, Mac sales have been very impressive lately. Data provided by market research firm IDC showed the entire PC industry down more than 3 percent for April, May, and June, but Apple sold 4 percent more computers that quarter than it did during the same quarter in 2008. The company's laptops were responsible for that surge: MacBook and MacBook Pro shipments were up 13 percent.

However, Apple typically unveils new or redesigned products at media events, but after the September 9 music event, Apple has no such events on the calendar for the rest of the year.

[Gold_Storm_Mac]

about time, this is the only thing that is outdated and the most important thing that needed to be changed in the notebook lineup. also they should add the that new trackpad to the macbook air. as well offer matte verson for 13 inch macbook pro.

[ikramerica--2008]

Expect a $799 and $999 models still based on core2duo chips (but with lower power requirements) and then upgraded to core i3 mobile when they eventually arrive, and basic integrated graphics, while the MBPs more to the core i5/i7 in 2 and 4 core versions (4-core i7s have discreet graphics, 2-core i5s have integrated but faster graphics than macbook).

[Dan7637]

they need different graphics processors instead of just the 9400M

[ikramerica--2008]

well yes, the revised macbook pros with core i5/i7 would absolutely get more advanced graphics, but expect the new MacBook to stay with a 9400M level graphics set for now, and then move back to on chip Intel integrated graphics with core i3 if it is up to snuff.

[markredf150]

I was at my local Apple Store (La Cantera!) this past weekend and I saw a lot of ppl walking out with MBPs and iPod Touches (BTS offer), and I saw one lady with a 24" iMac and a Touch, both unboxed, I assume getting set-up help from one of the Geniuses...Go Apple!
One thing I'm concerned about is if Apple does in fact have a MB refresh, and the prices start at $799, that it will cannibalize sales of the Mac Mini, at least the high-end model. Plus the rumored tablet that may or may not be coming out very soon. I don't think Apple will lower the MB price so much with the potential refresh.

[ikramerica--2008]

Mac Mini has a different market. It is useful in embedded applications, in surveillance "farms", in educational situations where laptops won't cut it (think graphics arts classrooms). This is why it was given FW800 and dual head video. The home is not really the primary market for the mini, just as the home market is not the primary market for the Mac Pro or XServe. The only way that would change is if Apple improved the HTPC/home automation features of the mini, but even then, there's a limited market for that.

[Renegade Knight]

I hope they reconfigure the keyboard for better ergonomics and add in the missing keys. They could learn a lesson from the Thinkpad series.

[ikramerica--2008]

What missing keys? MacBooks have the standard Mac laptop keyboard configuration, the same number and arrangement of keys for many years. Only a windows user would say there were missing keys... ;)

[illil0]

Personally, I think the only key I miss on my macs is the 'Delete' key, I constantly find myself using it when I'm at work, and missing it when I get home. I know there's a function key to access the back delete, but I just want to hit one button.

[Constable Odo]

Maybe these redesigned MacBooks will come in handy in a few months when all those college students that decided to buy those crappy netbooks find that they're pretty much useless. It would be nice for Apple to offer "cash for netbook clunkers" so students will trade them in for some decent notebook computer. A nice and light unibody 2.4 GHz MacBook with six or seven hour battery life and running a fast and lean Snow Leopard. Yeah, sweet.

[EvanSei]

how I see it apple realized it was falling in line (and behind) with other laptops and decided they had to redesign the macbook to keep ahead of the game so that people would find it justifiable to pay so much for a computer, and before you say the current macbook is ahead of the curve remember os X can run almost perfectly on a dell netbook think about it

[ckh1272]

Not that I disagree with the Dell statement, but I can think of nothing that would void a warranty quicker than putting an unsupported OS on unsupported hardware. It's a funny scenario though.

[Gold_Storm_Mac]

correct me if im wrong but that's illegal.

[EvanSei]

I agree that it will kill the warrantee and that is why I wouldn't dare do it, as for illegal I really don't know which is another reason why I wouldn't dare do it.

[pithenumber]

@gold
its just against the eula
not illegal

[Ronin_1]

Could this be the first of the Arrandale laptops?

Apple have been bringing new Intel products to market rather rapidly. It would make sense to place it below the price points of the MacBook Pro line and make it very compact...much like a netbook in size and portability, but full featured, though with integrated rather than discreet graphics.

No, Apple will not do a "cash for clunkers" program.

[chriscooksey]

Yeah this makes sense, Im just not sure what they would do, I mean if they made it a unibody then we have the 13in macbook pro. Maybe they'll resurrect the 12in. size of the old ibooks, make it a unibody and charge around $800 or $900? Now that would be sweet

[p51d78th]

Anyone else notice the story is about the white polycarbonate laptop yet the picture is the unibody?

[pyxl8r]

Yeah, I see that a lot here. Guess the photo editors did a search for "MacBook" in their library and got a hit on an "old" unibody MacBook photo. Click. Done. Helps to read the article I guess! Unless... maybe they were trying to show what a NEW unibody MacBook might look like? Nah...

But really, you're right; the OLD old white model would have been a better choice...

[stevenmusil]

You are correct. We have swapped in a photo of the old white MacBook expected to get an overhaul soon.

[ddesy]

As long as the awful new trackpad is not on the new model and they have Firewire available, I'd consider a new model. They need to stop making things less user friendly!

[Gold_Storm_Mac]

i actually prefer the new trackpad. whats so bad about it. no need to put a finger back t0 click. the gestures are very useful (espeically the 2 finger scrolling i use all the time) and three fingers for navigating webpaes) and there are so many rightclicking options. not to forget its so smooth.