MacBook Pro 12-inch ultraportable rumor resurfaces

MacScoop is reporting that some "trusted sources" have intimated Apple is readying a new, ultraportable 12-inch laptop for its MacBook Pro line. The sources say that the new model -- which boasts a thickness of 0.6 or 0.7 inches, and will weigh less than 3 lbs -- will drop before the end of the year. Of course, MacScoop has been reporting on the "ultraportable" 12-inch Apple laptop since March of 2006, and we've heard this same rumor in one form or another over the past year, which should give anyone pause before they run screaming into their local Apple Store demanding to place a pre-order. However, the fact the this rumor persists does give the suggestion of some truth behind it, so if Apple suddenly makes the announcement, don't say we didn't warn you... repeatedly.

[Via MacDailyNews]

[psxp @ Jul 11th 2007 10:06AM]

I would expect this to be announced after October.. so it will have all the nice stuff from the new version of the OS.

[James Sonne @ Jul 11th 2007 10:10AM]

This rumor fits the supposed specifications of the new MacBook, not the Pro, which will be released in October. Supposedly less than an inch thick, new grey styling, etc.

[encosion @ Jul 11th 2007 10:11AM]

Since when is 12" ultra-portable? I'm all over my Averatech 10"... If it'd just lose the heft it'd be perfect... And it's been out since 2005! But I'm straying from the point... I am interested in an ultra-portable from Apple!

[anon @ Jul 12th 2007 11:19AM]

So you define ultra-portable/sub-compact only by the screen size and/or footprint? I think a 3 pound 0.6" notebook is pretty damn portable. And since the display dimensions are measured on a diagonal the overall size isn't that much bigger than your 10" Averatec "with heft."


While I don't think much of this rumour, I do like the picture showing a 4:3 footprint instead of the too common, yet impractical, 16:9 footprint in these sub-compacts.

[Eric @ Jul 11th 2007 11:59AM]

I'll tell you why the 12" MacBook pro is an ultra-portable for me. Since I got the 17" MacBook Pro in December. Since then 15" MacBook Pros look tiny!

[Ireland @ Jul 11th 2007 10:21AM]

"MacScoop is reporting, via MacDailyNews"
Huh? Why not just link to MacScoop if you are going to use their so-called report?

[Joshua Topolsky @ Jul 11th 2007 1:22PM]

We do link to MacScoop, in both the read link and the photo.

[Ireland @ Jul 12th 2007 12:17PM]

My apologies Joshua--thanks.

[Andreas @ Jul 11th 2007 10:23AM]

If a 12" macbook (/pro) is a little more widescreen than the 12" powerbook the form factor should appear a more compact. And 1,5 cm thickness certainly is compact. In fact it's so compact that I'm thinking there might be only a touch screen keyboard.

Apple has delayed their ultra compact notebook more than one year for some reason. It must be either that they're trying to accomplish something new that will sport a greater interest in ultra portables (like a multi touch book or something), or that flash memories and other compact parts have been too expensive to make an affordable 64 GB sub 3 lbs notebook.

I hope it's something refreshing and that they're ready for a release very soon. I'm getting tired of waiting with my aging 12" G4 with no other alternatives.

[Craig @ Jul 11th 2007 10:25AM]

It would definitely make sense given Apple's emphasis on mobility. I'm really surprised I can't walk into an Apple store and get one today.

[Greenline @ Jul 11th 2007 10:33AM]

Joshua - since when does Apple do pre-orders?

[Greenline @ Jul 11th 2007 10:36AM]

Maybe I am taking crazy pills here. Am I wrong? brain-lapse?

[Galley @ Jul 11th 2007 11:50AM]

The 2G iPod shuffle is one I can think of.

[Brendan @ Jul 11th 2007 12:51PM]

You're kidding, right? They put the iPhone on sale WAY before it was released. I'd call that a pre-order.

[Greenline @ Jul 11th 2007 8:43PM]

I don't think that is true about the iPhone. Why would people be waiting in line all over the country if you could pre-order? I can't remember the 2G iPod Shuffle.

[Frank @ Jul 11th 2007 11:05AM]

If Apple designer were smart, they would design it with thelook of the iphone. Black and shiny metallic.

[Asher Madan @ Jul 11th 2007 11:13AM]

ummmm, the 12 inch powerbook was replaced by the 13 inch models. steve jobs said that at the launching of the macbooks. the only new thing coming out is the aluminium brushed imacs. for all you people out there, there isnt going to be a 12 inch macbook pro. i think that the macbooks are going to get redesigned. thats it. i hope that they dont because i love the white and black colors.

[Joe @ Jul 11th 2007 11:20AM]

The sky is falling, the sky is falling ...

[mikey @ Jul 11th 2007 11:31AM]

it's not going to happen.

[johnzilla @ Jul 11th 2007 11:31AM]

Add full OS (and mobile carrier) support for a mobile broadband ExpressCard and I'll buy one.

To me, that's the only way you can truly claim "ultraportable" to the fullest.

[Asher Madan @ Jul 11th 2007 11:58AM]

i dont understand which graphic card its going to have. its going to be that crappy intel media accelerator that cant even play games. the processor is probably going to be a ulv or something. man, i really hope apple doesnt make stupid choices just to get something ultra portable out.

im worried about the heating issues. damn it. i bet apple is gonna do something stupid like it did with the heat issues on the laptops.

[sr @ Jul 13th 2007 11:10AM]

Stupid. You want to game? Get a bigger laptop they exist for you. Better yet get a desktop. There are always compromises in life.

[jilie @ Jul 11th 2007 12:07PM]

Apple is always late

[Kevin @ Jul 11th 2007 12:55PM]

A 12 inch laptop? you mean a big ipod video? lol

[abiade @ Jul 11th 2007 12:56PM]

To digress a bit...any rumor about a Mac Mini Core2Duo???...will it happen RIP?

[Blueboy @ Jul 11th 2007 1:24PM]

12" doesn't make any sense. Everything is wide screen for the most part. 13.3" maybe or smaller wide screen. Personally, they need to come out with a tablet mac especially since they have a mult-touch technology already in place with the iphone. The tablet hasn't really taken off on the windows side as it should and Apple could push it further. Forget the keyboard and just have a screen the size of hard cover note pad.

[sr @ Jul 13th 2007 11:14AM]

Where did they ever say it wouldn't be widescreen? Besides widescreen got popular because it is cheaper to produce, not because it is a better aspect ratio for getting work done. How many extra times do you have to scroll to get through a document now? It is only better for movies, but that is not the primary purpose one would carry an ultraportable around.

[brudy @ Jul 11th 2007 1:29PM]

I've been on the fence about buying one of the old 12" powerbooks on fleabay. For what they are going for (600-700), it's tough to beat for a small mac laptop. But maybe I'll hold out. What I really want is the modern version of the old duo - very small, 10" screen maybe. Something ultra portable.

[01 @ Jul 11th 2007 3:01PM]

I gotta call BS on this unles you're talking about a 12" MacBook, NOT a MBP, and even then...

[Krish the Fish @ Jul 11th 2007 3:04PM]

i wouldn't mind either a 12" MB or a MBP. I'll need a new laptop some time soon, and the MB(P)s have been really looking nice :)

[Marcos @ Jul 11th 2007 3:57PM]

I have a 12" Powerbook. Love its size and have not upgraded to a MacBook (Pro?) for that reason. Can't wait for this thing to ship, if ever.

[keith waddington @ Jul 11th 2007 8:38PM]

Apple is losing market share in japan because Japanese want small stuff. Japan is a huge market for Apple.

So it's 100% certain they will release an ultra portable. Soon.
It's also pretty certain it will be a Pro model because they have been working on this for at least two years and R&D is not free. Also the Macbooks are already good value and taking away sales from the Pro line, so this will help balance that problem.

Will it be 12 inch and all the rest, I have no idea. But the ultra portable is coming.

keep smiling

http://www.waddo.net/

[12book @ Jul 18th 2007 6:28PM]

I went through the whole bit on choosing my last laptop and went with the 12" PowerBook (over 15/17), figuring Job One is portability. I love it! Whenever I'm in the airport, I think I 'sell' a few more. But the rest of my office is all Intel now, so I'm hoping this is true. Two things I'd want: [a] a good keyboard! This was the deciding factor on PowerBook over possible iBook last time around... full size and good feel... and [b] a NON glossy display... the reason I won't ever get a MacBook unless they make that an option. It's been apples'n'oranges with the current lineup... big and expensive versus glossy...

[Alexandra @ Aug 7th 2007 7:29PM]

I own a 12" powerbook and I love it to bits. I'm not interested on a 13" laptop and I hate the material macbooks are made of... so I've been holding on for a 12" macbook pro. Judging from the comments above, I'm not the only one!