Apple nears MacBook revamp release?
Speed bump and new iMac-like enclosure suggested
Revamped Apple MacBook laptops appear to be nearing release, if online reports to be believed. The new models could be the first to sport revised power adaptors prompted byan apparent revision of the unit that ships with the MacBook Pro.
The new MacBooks are likely to be speed-bumped versions of the machines available today, with website ThinkSecret suggesting a shift from 2GHz and 2.16GHz to 2.16GHz and 2.33GHz - or to 2GHz and 2.2GHz, we'd add, if Apple also takes the opportunity of an update to boost the MacBooks' frontside bus speed from 667MHz to 800MHz to match the MacBook Pros. If it did, better graphics performance would also be part of the package.
There as been talk in the past that the MacBooks might also gain an aluminium enclosure, the better to match this past summer's revamped iMac rather than the MacBook Pro line.
The new machines may also feature a redesigned MagSafe connector - the magnetically attached lead from the laptops' AC adaptor. According to sources cited AppleInsider, Apple is preparing to replace its 85W AC adaptors as used by the MacBook Pro, it's suggested to make way for a model with a more rugged, resilient MagSafe connector.
Since the same connector is used on the MacBook's 65W AC adaptor - which is therefore susceptible to the same connector mishaps - it's hard to imagine Apple not rolling out a new model for the consumer computer's power supply.
Apple last revised the MacBook line up in May this year.
COMMENTS
Case Problems
My old Macbook developed a crack where the plastic raiser meets the case, would be nice to see the macbooks fitted with a metal case.
Aluminum flexes too...
"The problem with the plastic is it flexes"
I had an iBook G3 with logic board problems, and apple kindly replaced it with a powerbook G4 (12").
During its 3 year warranty it problem had 3 or 4 new housings put on. It was my primary computer at one point, and was used quite a lot, and I noticed it wouldn't sit steady on the table. This was because heat was causing the entire case to warp!
I don't know what material they should go for - in my experience both Al and plastic have their problems...
@ planeten and nexox
The Aluminum upgrade would be big for the macbooks (I doubt they do it though) because it would give them a structural rigidity that would finally have the quality a laptop of that price. Almost all of the other PC makers use Al or Magnesium in small laptops of that price.
The problem with the plastic is it flexes. That was a source of the logic board and button problems of the ibooks. Those things were flexible (like the current Macbooks) and bending and sliding logic boards around is usually bad.
Nexox, the Powerbooks were the predecessor to the Macbook Pro. They were the premium line. The macbook was setup as a replacement for the ibook. The ibooks were the cheaper of the two and made of white plastic.
aluminium laptops
I thought that Apple has been using Aluminum in their Powerbook G4s forever. So they stopped using the metal for a year or two and it is suddenly news that they're switching back?
It isn't exactly like Aluminum is an uncommon material in laptops, either.
Crap connectors
".... suggested to make way for a model with a more rugged, resilient MagSafe connector"
And they don't sell replacement connectors. You are supposed to pay £59 for a new power supply each time the crappy connector breaks or the cable burns.
The comments on the device at UK Apple store show the disgraceful quality of the device.
