Superthin MacBook in the works?

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Could this be the headliner at next month's MacWorld? Or perhaps share the stage with an iPhone or an iTV? The volume is increasing about the rumored return of a 12-inch Apple laptop, the likes of which have not been seen since the now-defunct 12-inch PowerBook. This time around, Apple's version of an ultraportable laptop, which Mac OS Rumors is calling the "MacBook Thin," reportedly will feature a 12-inch wide-screen display and similar specs as current MacBook Pro models, including Core 2 Duo processors, 667MHz DDR2 memory, 120GB (or bigger) hard drive, and ATI Radeon Mobility X1600 or Nvidia GeForce Go 7600 graphics. It'll be thinner than current MacBook Pro models--which aren't exactly chunky at just an inch thick--while still finding room to squeeze in an optical drive, a feature commonly left out of ultraportables. Finally, Mac OS Rumors reports that the battery will run for 6.5 hours and perhaps as long as 8 hours.

Via Ars Technica.

[Chris_Fon]

My God, the cost!!

Now as far as I can see, this will have a collosal price tag. With a similar spec to the MacBook Pro all altered using the secret Apple Shrink Ray, this will cost near enough to the Mac Pro.

One thing I am excited about is that the internals of the MacBook may be improved as a result. If Apple can effectively put a decent graphics card into a 12" laptop, MacBooks may evolve past the 64Mb GMA. (Personally, I would prefer buying the 13" MacBook when Leopard comes out. 12" is too small for my personal comfort)

[wuki©]

Crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath

This would be great, i have been hesitant from buying a Macbook. With a 12" ultra thin, discrete graphics cards and matte screen you have me waiting in line already. I do agree, that it might be as expensive as the 15" Macbook Pro, or more even, but must ultra-portables do cost a pretty penny. If this happens i can finally retire my 12" PowerBook G4.

[214343675629293105719994635604]

Describe Ultra-Thin?

As an Apple Owner of the original PowerBook G4, I thought I had a sleek, thin computer for what it can do. Then my roommate got the 15" MacBook Pro which is larger and thiner than mine. To me, his MacBook is ultra thin. How on earth can a 12" be any thinner? Either way, I'm sure I'll drool with glee upon its release.

[Chris_Fon]

Apple Utra-Thin vs Regular Ultra Thin

I think Apple have set a 1 inch standard to all their laptops. So to Apple users 1 inch thickness is normal. To the rest of the world, Ultra-Thin suggests around 1 inch thickness.

The confusion occurs when Apple users read normal articles that use the words "ultra-thin". It begins the speculative processes in their minds of a laptop as thin as the iPod Nano!!

[fleurya]

Not that it hasn't be done already . . .

but you have to go out of the US to get it. LG makes a very nice sub 1" laptop with optical drive that visually blows those plain-jane silver, black and white Macs out of the water. The LG even comes with a 14" screen, which I suppose puts it out of the ultraprotible category, but it's weight and slim design put it above those little 12"ers in my opinion.

Why do all of the other coutries get the best tech first!! (even Canada does for pete's sake!!

[natejohnstone]

If it's true, I'll buy one-as will a dozen friends

The "hole" in the current Mac lineup is an small portable. I wouldn't
personally consider a 12" to be "ultraportable," but whatever you call it that
nitche is huge right now. Size and weight matters a lot to those who lug thier
computer around all the time. I love my 15" MacBook Pro, but on an airplane
it's uber-annoying because it doesn't fit on the tray!
If the 12" comes out this year, I know a lot of my friends who will get it, as
will my wife for sure. The current 13" Macbook dosen't have all the features
and is a bit chunky in my opinion. Currently, most of my collegues looking
for portability are opting for the new Sony 10.8" or whatever. An Apple
option would be nice!

[Ram459]

But your forgetting

The reason why i bought a mac and many others bought a mac was for the operating system. I don't ever want to have to deal with a micrsoft os again.

[Wild Eep]

So oblivious

I have been wondering two things, one about these editors, and one about
Apple:

1: Do these editors ever read other rumor sites? The word has been out since
the 14th that the iPhone (which by the was won"t be the name, it's already
taken) will be announced this monday.

2: More importantly, does Apple ever read the rumor and fan sites? I so highly
doubt that. If Apple checked those sites, then we wouldn't be getting the
current garbage that is no different from the original stuff. When we ask
Apple for something, there should be a response.

[Wild Eep]

And the iT

[Wild Eep]

And the iTV...

Alright, this is just stupid, they announced their iTV type unit was announced
months ago. I don't beleive howuninformed the writer of this was.

[ferretboy88]

6-8 hours my butt. good luck with an apple

I have tons of apple products and i love them but not one of them gets any
where close to good battery time. My ipod only has about 2 hours and my
macbook 2.0 is only good for 2 hours and 45 minutes. If apple can get even 4
hours I would be happy.

[thomusvoo]

not bad....

hopefully this is true. i need to get a new computer. a laptop is ideal of a student like me.