Apple to drop new Macbooks and iMacs at WWDC?

While we know for sure that Steve is going to show off a "feature-complete" version of Leopard at this year's WWDC, and we wouldn't be surprised if the iPhone got some quality time on stage as well, we haven't really heard anything solid about any hardware revisions taking place next month. Well, Gene Munster, Piper Jaffray's resident Apple analyst, crunched some numbers (or visited MacRumors) recently and speculated during a recent conference call that he expects to see new MacBook Pros released at WWDC. Seeing as Apple is basically the only big company that hasn't announced a Santa Rosa laptop, an announcement at WWDC wouldn't exactly shock us, but Munster decided to get a little wackier with his predictions, saying that by his calculations, Apple releases new pro lappies every 182 days, and that the current MBP has been on the market for 209 days. Similarly, Munster used the vast resources of the multinational investment bank that employs him to determine that Apple releases new iMacs around every 168 days, and that the current generation has been on the market for 257 days. Quelle horreur! We're not sure how these numbers led Gene to determine that we'll see new MBPs for sure and maybe new iMacs (seems like the other way around to us), but there it is. Analysts are often prone to over-speculating about Apple launches, but at this point it's almost anyone's guess -- trying to call Apple's next move is a cruel, cruel mistress.

[Thanks, Kiwi]

[LukeA @ May 23rd 2007 9:32PM]

I give that troll 1/10.

[andrew harrison @ May 23rd 2007 9:41PM]

but linkin park are teh cool!

[michael @ May 23rd 2007 10:13PM]

I don't like macs either, but it's not quite necessary to put that comment here. It makes you look like an idiot.

NOTE: I use them for my media work everyday, so don't tell me I'm a hater.

[Bambino @ May 24th 2007 1:30AM]

Ok. You're gonna be reported to the LPST. Spamming is no good way of supporting the Street Team, stupid.

[slug @ May 24th 2007 4:07AM]

i hate u but i dont make a big thing about it...

p.s stop putting up bull shit websites, iv seen a few of your comments (all bullshit may i add) and they all have web links at the bottom.

[Jean-Michel Decombe @ May 23rd 2007 9:16PM]

Looks like the right venue for the announcement. The MacBook Pro has become the ideal machine for a developer. I would never go back to a desktop machine, unless I was doing hardcore video editing and stuff like that (even then?).

[monon @ May 23rd 2007 9:17PM]

they updated the screens? referring to colorblindmac.com

[Jesse G. @ May 23rd 2007 9:30PM]

i need a new imac ive been waiting for the new ones to come out to buy mine!!!

[Conda @ May 23rd 2007 9:31PM]

@monon:

almost all LCDs in notebooks are light that, they use 6-bit panels, and use some sort of hardware tricking to get more colors. 8-bit (real 24bit color) panels are a LOT more expensive.

[monon @ May 24th 2007 9:56AM]

you are right, they are using common LCDS, but the othe laptop vendors aren't adversing their mon itor with this fake descrption:

"Display
15-inch MacBook Pro
15.4-inch (diagonal) TFT display, support for millions of colors;

MacBook Pro makes your ideas more enlightening, with a sharp, high-resolution screen. See blacker blacks, whiter whites, and many more colors in between on a brilliant 15.4-inch, 1440-by-900-pixel or 17-inch, 1680-by-1050-pixel digital display. Enjoy a nuanced view simply unavailable on other portables."

simply unavailable on other portables???
Apple uses the cheapest LCDS! so this descriptions are bullshit!

Either they change descriptions on the siteo or they should change the LCD models in the macbooks..

[Zadillo @ May 23rd 2007 9:36PM]

I don't think Munster crunched those numbers; they are basically the exact same numbers MacRumors publishes in their buyer's guide (where they list the average number of days between product updates and compare it with the last time a product was updated).

[brendan Sheehan jnr @ May 23rd 2007 9:40PM]

Why drop a new machine, it might break?

[Darnell @ May 23rd 2007 9:47PM]

Ok. I can anylize too. MBP's are a no-brainer. I think a redesigned iMac may make its debut. LED LCDs? Hey why not. iPhone. Leopard sneak-peak. And for the finale--Beatles on iTunes. Or least Paul McCartney.

I want a cookie if I'm right.

[The Grand Master @ May 24th 2007 6:28AM]

I agree with you, I'll mail you a cookie if you're right!

All of what you said makes sense, its amazing how analysts get paid to make predictions people on forums make for nothing!

[Darnell @ May 24th 2007 8:09AM]

lol

[Phred @ May 23rd 2007 9:48PM]

My bet is, that amoung other hardware introduced, there will be a new Mini Mac, possibly Santa Rosa based. The Core Duo Mini Mac is long overdue for an update.

But remember this is a developers conference so Leopard will be taking the lime light.

[robot rock @ May 23rd 2007 9:53PM]

Just when you thought engadget grew up and stopped using the term "drop" to mean "released."


...good job

[Rick @ May 23rd 2007 9:53PM]

I'd bet Apple has made arrangements with Intel to have only first access to certain processors. At some point, plans and processors will converge.

[Aprime @ May 23rd 2007 9:59PM]

Oh, they better.

[humpty @ May 23rd 2007 10:27PM]

These look like shit. My next lappy will be a VAIO SZ ... without the Apple tax.

[dumas @ May 23rd 2007 10:52PM]

Apple tax...hmmmm...

Today's price at the same popular online retailer

Sony Vaio SZ: 1.83GHZ Intel Core Duo T2400, 1 GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 100 GB Hard Drive,13.3" XBRITE, DVD DL, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400, and an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Apple MacBook Pro: 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM 677 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, 15", DVD DL/CD SuperDrive, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics processor, dual-link DVI support, 128 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM

Drum roll please...

Sony = 2949.99
Apple = 1999.99 (before $150 rebate)

You'd better update your biases.

[DLac @ May 23rd 2007 10:48PM]

you know the hardest thing about using a mac?

telling your parents you're gay.


just kidding, i'm on my iBook G4 right now, shedding a tear, wishing i could afford a new laptop.

[humpty @ May 23rd 2007 11:19PM]

You do realise what an SZ is right? And an SZ is 2600 CDN... check your sources next time.

[michael @ May 23rd 2007 11:19PM]

While I don't want to be a downer on your comment, the specs that you posted right there don't tell the whole complete story. If you look at both the Sony Vaio site (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries&Dept=computers&DCMP=MSN_VAIO_Intel_NB&HQS=sony_vaio_SZ)
and the Apple site (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=4124CE5A&node=home/macbook/macbook_pro) the specs aren't exactly true as you say they are. You excluded some of the Sony specs. In technicality, Sony has more better specs, which explains the cost. Also your price margins are a complete lie too. You deliberatlely chose the most highest costing of the SZ series, while you chose the most cheapest of the Macbook Pro series. So how biased are you? Some of the Sony Vaio SZ series even come to less than $2000, or along that line. So please check your facts before you put such lies to decieve us all.

[carl @ May 24th 2007 1:13AM]

Or, at a popular web retailer, you could opt for an Asus with the following for $1600:

Core 2 Duo T7500(2.20GHz) 15.4" 1680x1050, 1GB DDR2 667, 160GB 5400rpm, DVD Super Multi, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS w/256MB ram, DVI, webcam.

Consider the bias updated.

[Brian @ May 23rd 2007 10:58PM]

"vast resources of the multinational investment bank"

You mean he read the macrumors.com buyers guide to get his information??? Man I need an financial analyst job...

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

[Elais @ May 23rd 2007 11:03PM]

a new pro would be sexy

[milrtime83 @ May 23rd 2007 11:15PM]

I understand that you're trying to use the in language when you say "drop" (twice within a couple hours even) but couldn't that make for a slightly confusing title at a quick glance?

[dumas @ May 23rd 2007 11:28PM]

Actually, I took the first hit for each search. So it wasn't intentional bias, but admittedly not good research either. My point being I've known many people who've done (real) research before buying and have found that what was previously a huge Apple Tax is no longer the reality.

So yes, my example was completely flawed. I'll own up to that. But my point remains the same.

[Doubloon @ May 23rd 2007 11:25PM]

What -- no "solid gold" unspoofable email this time? Guess you'll have to fall back on old-fashioned unfounded opinions then.

[Solomalee @ May 24th 2007 8:29AM]

I did more extensive research compare MacBook to same spec Dell a few months ago (And I was really careful to get as like for like as possible...not easy).

The Apple was only a higher price once you wanted to have "At Home warranty replacement" instead of "bring in" with the Mac Book (Dell being a direct seller always send to your home). Prices below exclude the extra Apple Warranty, are at least a few months and are in UK Pounds not USD:

MacBook: C2D 2.0Ghz, 1Gb Memory, 80Gb HDD : £879
Dell Inspiron 6400: C2D 2.0Ghz, 1Gb Memory, 80Gb HDD : £887

Now, if you remove the M$ tax, yup, that Dell puppy is going to be much cheaper!

[psxp @ May 24th 2007 12:09AM]

You guys who KEEP GOING ON about macs and pcs are just farkin dweebs.. get a life.. (a non virtual one!!)

[Justin Gunn @ May 24th 2007 12:47AM]

I suspect the new MacBook Pros will have swiveling tablet style displays with multitouch enabled touch screens. Oh, and those secret features in Leopard? Multitouch compatibility!

What with the iPhone running on a version of OS X? Come on, you know I'm right...

[Elais @ May 24th 2007 1:31AM]

Justin, I'm hoping right along with you.

[crescentdavid @ May 24th 2007 2:09AM]

It'll be interesting to see what really does come out. I think the Macbook really ate the shorts of the pro given the price differential. Please spare me a recitation of the differences. That's why, I think, you're seeing a greater differentiation between the models. It will also be good to see if Apple's improved the initial quality of these products ... they've been having trouble with laptops. Finally, it'll put increased pressure on PC offerings- which is always good for the consumer.

[Gadgetguy @ May 24th 2007 3:56AM]

ARE ALL OF YOU GUYS APPLE FANBOYS ?? I WONT TAKE A MAC EVEN IF ITS FREE

[supermeerkat @ May 24th 2007 4:08AM]

Why not accept it and then sell it on eBay? You sir, are an idiot.

[andy @ May 24th 2007 5:27AM]

do you feel threastened by any chance? lol

[Ezekiel Mihelcic @ May 24th 2007 4:44PM]

I actually did get a MacBook Pro for free. It was the middle model, with the 15" screen and the 2.33ghz processor. It is the same specs as the best one, but with a smaller screen. My dad got it from his work, and he already had a nice laptop, so he handed it down to me. I must say, a Mac is really good. I just have a copy of Crossover on it to play all my games.

[supermeerkat @ May 24th 2007 3:58AM]

I read the word "drop" to mean "getting rid of".

Whoever wrote this article should try to use more appropriate words.

[Vanillacide @ May 24th 2007 4:06AM]

Been waiting an age to update my PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.67GHz to a MacBook Pro, but want one with the new ATi R600 chipset in it.

The mobile version of that chipset is delayed until August, so I'm thinking if MacBook Pros are updated at WWDC then they are going to be using last year's GPU chipset (albeit with ATi's new name for it, but still same old stuff).

[disconnected1976 @ May 24th 2007 4:32AM]

Unless there's a completely new design, they probably won't need WWDC to announce new MBPs or iMacs. And even as far as new designs go, they announced the Macbook, which was Apple's first redesigned laptop for ages, without any keynote.

[Doubloon @ May 24th 2007 9:53AM]

"I read the word "drop" to mean "getting rid of".

Whoever wrote this article should try to use more appropriate words."

What, you don't think the provocative double-meaning in the headline was intentional? Engadget has already shown us that they really don't give a fig about the truth.

[tyler @ May 24th 2007 10:09AM]

@dumas (and others)

I was intrigued by the Sony vs. Mac comparison. Rather than using the VAIO SZ series, lets compare the FZ series (which looks similar imo).

MacBook Pro (15.4"):
-2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
-1 GB RAM 677 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
-120 GB Hard Drive
-DVD DL/CD SuperDrive
-ATI Mobility Radeon X1600

Sony Vaio FZ (15.4"):
-2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
-1 GB RAM 677 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
-120 GB Hard Drive
-DVD DL/Blu-Ray Drive (Yes, Blu-Ray)
-nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT

Apple: 1999.99 (or 2174.00 w/ 2GB RAM)
Sony: 1948.99 (or 2058.99 w/ 2GB RAM)

I do realize the graphics are lacking in the Sony. I just wanted to compare these models since they are at a similar price point. No, I am not a Sony fanboy. I am not a PS3 fanboy. Nor am I a Mac fanboy. I am just putting these numbers out here for conversation.

[Carlitos @ May 24th 2007 3:57PM]

@ tyler
Sony Vaio are also top of the line pc's considered expensive. Vaios are high quality and yours even include a Blur Ray wow! taht is like $600 in value! Plus I want to poin out taht the ati in the mac is underclocked for heating factor so it is not that much better, besides Sony's has DirectX 10. Interesting Comparison

[Timerider @ May 24th 2007 11:21AM]

I hope the new iMacs come within the next month.
We're planing on buying one soon.

[Goldaar @ May 24th 2007 1:26PM]

I have heard from a very reliable source that the new line will be coming out, along with an ultraportable unit with a nand disk drive weighing around a pound. About damn time I say.

[surfwax95 @ May 24th 2007 3:07PM]

A horse with handlebars.

[Michael Francis @ May 24th 2007 9:07PM]

Meh, I'm only waiting for the 8 way mac to support SLI natively (as in, inside Mac OSX) and support faster, cheaper memeory (even though I know they won't take a step down in memory). Come on apple, toss me a new chipset!

[Reg Muffet @ May 24th 2007 9:36PM]

> Just when you thought engadget grew up and stopped using the term "drop" to mean "released."

At least they're not as bad (yet) as CrunchGear, which announced the colored iPod Shuffles as being "pooped out."

I unsubscribed.