Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/04/24/apple_set_to_drop_17in_macbook_pro/

Apple set to drop 17in MacBook Pro, says watcher

Plans up in Air

By Caleb Cox

Posted in Personal Tech, 24th April 2012 10:53 GMT

Apple's 17in MacBook Pro will be phased out in 2012, one analyst has predicted, in favour of an Air-style refresh of the line that excludes the company's largest notebook.

While discussing Apple's computing strategy for the year, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the laptop no longer has a role in the Air-themed line-up. Sales are falling, he says, and Apple wants a leaner line-up.

Apple MacBook Pro 17in

So long?

Talk of slimmer 13in and 15in MacBook Pros aligns with recent rumours of a refresh built around Intel's new Ivy Bridge chips and which will see Apple abandon optical drives in its laptops.

No doubt Apple expects folk after a larger display on the desks to use an external monitor.

Still, with other whispers talking of a Retina refresh and a resolution of 2880 x 1800, the 15in display might just compensate sufficiently. ®