Comments on: Circuit board orders point to new MacBooks?

A surge in orders of printed circuit boards by Apple seems to fit nicely with other suggestions that the company is getting ready to introduce new notebooks for back-to-school time.

[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?

[Penguinisto]

Specs (e.g. processor, screen size, etc)?

[Kev Orng]

graphics card.
If you're into video editing or animation or anything like that, then the basic Macbook just isn't up to snuff with its integrated graphics card. And it's not just a convenience thing, integrated graphics cards are frustratingly slow for any kind of video professional. That goes for any kind of laptop, not just Macs; and most laptops have a useless integrated graphics card. Which is why they seem like a good deal. A graphics card suitable for professional work is going to carry a professional price tag.
Now, before you say that this is irrelevant because you're not a video or graphics professional, it's probably worth it to point out that the MacBook Pro does have "Pro" right in the name.

[AlanHub]

moreover to all of these other great responses, apple is known for creating unique designs so i am sure that there wont be two similarly designed computers

[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.

[technewsjunkie]

Under Warranty? Sell it for a minor loss.

[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.

[Kev Orng]

A Macbook Air is for people who value portability over power. A Macbook Pro is for people who value power over portability. The standard Macbook falls somewhere in between. You might see the next MBA with a faster processor, but the other lines will also be improved, and the power vs portability relationships won't change much.
If your focus is on email, web, and office software, and lightness is a big draw for you, (or you have the luxury of a second computer) then the Air is for you. For my money, if I didn't need the power of the MBP, I'd spend a bit less than the Air and buy a basic MacBook which is a little heavier and has a bit more flexibility than the Air.

[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.

[malestrommacfan]

that's true. I just want to see how far innovation can go in bringing the power of a macbook pro into the frame of a macbook air. I don't think its around the corner but I do think that the future of computing is lighter and faster.

[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.