Circuit board orders point to new MacBooks?

It could be time for Apple to bring the aluminum MacBook Pro casing to the MacBook.

(Credit: Apple)

With the iPhone 3G launch out of the way, it's time to turn to what appears to be the next big thing on Apple's road map for the year: new notebooks.

The Commercial Times reported (in Chinese, but translated by Digitimes) that Apple has increased its orders of printed-circuit boards for notebooks by 20 percent, compared to last quarter.

Macs are selling pretty well lately, but that's a stronger boost than would be expected from the usual seasonal patterns, and it's unlikely that Apple would be planning for that kind of boost unless it planned to trot out new hardware this quarter.

There are a few signs that Apple is about ready for new notebooks. Intel has shipped a new notebook processor and chipset, albeit a little late. AppleInsider reported earlier this month that a redesign was imminent, after confirming that a supposed image of new MacBook posted on a message board was genuine.

Also, Apple values the back-to-school shopping season more than just about any other PC company. Last year, it unveiled new iMacs in early August, just before the rush back to college. Given that the MacBook design is aging, the time seems about right for Apple to bring the aluminum casing on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air to the MacBook line.

[supoman]

What would differentiate the MacBook from the Macbook Pro if they both have the aluminum case????? Could you justify paying almost $1000 more for a Macbook Pro for just a few more usb ports?

[higaara]

Dedicated graphics memory and significantly better graphics chip are what help set the MacBook Pro apart from the MacBook (and MacBook Air).

[SPXD]

15" & 17" screens are another major differentiating factor

[jscott418]

Their is more features in the Macbook Pro other then just USB ports. Like a lighted keyboard,bigger screen, express card slot and dedicated graphics chip. The latter in itself is worth a lot! I am not saying the Macbook is not without merit. I had one for a couple years before buying a Macbook Pro. If I was Apple I would add a aluminum MacBook to the line and possible keep the White and/or Black plastic Macbook at a reduced price. This would give Apple a nice entry level notebook. Plus it would give a upgrade to the Macbook line. I have always wanted Apple to make a 15" Macbook. About the only reason I bought a Macbook Pro was for the bigger screen.

[iertry]

have to say i hope it doesn't happen. I just spent £800 ($1600) on my first mac (a mid range macbook) but there have been rumors of ths for a while and this helps confirm them.

[malestrommacfan]

I have a question. I didn't get the macbook air...oh it tempted me with its smooth lines, lightweight and overall dreaminess (what was I talking about again?). Oh yeah. I was wondering if there were any new predictions concerning the macbook air. I know that new processors that can fit into the air should be coming out soon and that there might be a refresh before the end of the year. But what might that refresh include and when could it happen. I am doubtful about the back to school time for this refresh and I know people are clamoring for a faster processor, better battery life, and a few other things. For my money, I just want a faster processor and a bigger hard drive.

I own a black macbook and I love it. I hope they keep the black case but knowing apple and how random they can be with their decision-making (recessed iphone headphone jack anyone?) that they will probably eliminate the black and white cases altogether and just go all aluminum. I would own a macbook pro if it wasn't so heavy.

[markm_mac]

I'm not saying it isn't a deal-breaker for you, but the 15" MacBook Pro is only 8% heavier than the MacBook (5.4 lbs vs 5.0 lbs). The Pros are quite light for their size. I am curious to see if they will be able to make them any lighter with the next redesign, though.

[ferretboy88]

That is part of owning a mac. You buy one then a short while later you wished you waited. You have to learn the apple cycles.

[deuce19]

Good to see. The MacBooks could use a facelift. However as far as just buying one right before a redesign... I say don't worry about it. If you always wait 'till the next big thing you will be waiting forever. I bought my 15" MacBook Pro three years ago this summer. And since I take care of it it even boots faster than my friends brand new MacBook Pro.

[fuernis]

I want a 13 inch Macbook pro. I want the dedicated graphics chip and lit keyboard but I like the smaller size.