Macbook ultraportable and Penryn Mac Pro due for Macworld, 3G iPhone in June?

We've taken a "don't stop believing" approach to Apple ultraportable rumors up to this point, and there's no reason to think these "fresh" predictions from CNBC's Jim Goldman are anything different, but they at least serve as a nice refresher in the lead up to Macworld in January. Goldman predicts the new Pro laptop will be half the thickness of the MacBook Pro, the hard disk will be replaced with NAND storage, and Apple will be selling the thing for $1,500 -- the same price the black MacBook currently goes for. He's purportedly citing sources that claim to have seen the product, and says that the laptop is supposedly due to show up at Macworld. Jim's sources also say that the 3G iPhone is supposed to hit shelves by late May or early June of next year, which beats out some industry predictions of a late '08 release.

Of course, since it's just a month before Macworld, it's about time the rumor mill heated up a little beyond incessant Macbook and iPhone rumorings, and MacBidouille is stepping up to stoke the flames. The French rag is claiming that the Mac Pro will get bumped to an 3.2GHz eight-core Penryn setup (totally believable) featuring NVIDIA QuadroFX graphics (sure) with a BTO Blu-ray burner available (maybe), and that DVD Studio Pro will be renamed Disk Studio Pro and refocused on BD authoring (another definite maybe). On top of that, MacBidouille also claims that OS X 10.5.2 will be released, and that it will be "the largest and most important intermediate system update ever released by Apple." We're a little less sure we buy that, but as always, only time and Steve will tell.

[Thanks, L2 and Mark]

Read - Jim Goldman predictions
Read - MacBidouille predictions

[Jason @ Dec 6th 2007 2:49PM]

GPS would be nice in the G2 3G iPhone as well...

[St. Stephen @ Dec 6th 2007 2:53PM]

RED ALERT!! RED ALERT!!
EMERGENCY!!
INCOMING TROLLS!!
I REPEAT WE HAVE MULTIPLE TROLLS INBOUND!!

[Paul @ Dec 6th 2007 3:04PM]

Roger that Sir! ... sending back up immediately

[pcdsim @ Dec 6th 2007 3:13PM]

Copy that Gold leader, ready the wit cannons.

[Matthew Hilario @ Dec 6th 2007 4:36PM]

Stabilize your troll deflectors..watch for enemy posts.
Stay on target.
Stay on target!

[Argot @ Dec 6th 2007 5:29PM]

Holy cow Macman, Jobs is in danger! Quickly to the macmobile!

[rp @ Dec 6th 2007 7:12PM]

Slippy, nooOoOoOooOoOoOo!!!!!

[js @ Dec 6th 2007 7:13PM]

"Roger that Sir! ... sending back up immediately"

To the time machine!!!

[As you ordered @ Dec 7th 2007 4:46AM]

Here's your coffe Sir! ...Yes, non fat *sigh*

[Anthony Mazel @ Dec 6th 2007 3:01PM]

Any whisperings on a 32GB iPod Touch?

[Nipponese @ Dec 6th 2007 3:25PM]

THAT is what I'm waiting for.

[Twitchy @ Dec 7th 2007 7:22AM]

Screw that, how about a 32GB 3G iPhone? Huh, you listening Jobs? You'd better, I know where you live.

[mickrussom @ Dec 6th 2007 3:11PM]

Penryn

[Akshat @ Dec 6th 2007 3:11PM]

The macbook Pro is like 1 inch thick? So that would make this .5 inches?! Is that possible? I think the iPod Touch is .3 inches itself ...

[Zak @ Dec 6th 2007 3:55PM]

Without a hard drive? I think it might be possible. Allegedly it uses NAND flash memory which I can only imagine would save space and reduce heat.

[CapnVan @ Dec 7th 2007 5:21AM]

Unfortunately, you still won't be able to use it in coach, or for the length of a transcontinental flight. Which, to me, raises the question of the definition of "ultraportable."

[BigDaddyM @ Dec 6th 2007 3:15PM]

"another definite maybe"?

You are definitely sure it is a maybe?
M

[Ike Skelton @ Dec 6th 2007 3:18PM]

How about a 32GB Iphone and it's released sooner than May or June.

[Kiwi616 @ Dec 6th 2007 3:18PM]

Let's hope for a nice ultra portable....like a comparable Sony TZ model! 64GB NAND/HDD Hybrid with an 11 inch WS in Hi Res.

[Yves @ Dec 6th 2007 3:23PM]

Macbook pros are way overrated. I have an macbook pro duo 2.2ghz with 120 gigs? you got $749 laptops on the market that comes with 250 gigs, so that said an HDD upgrade is a must. (I might get shot for saying this) DON'T BUY ANY MACBOOK PRO UNTILL FEB, DON'T BUY ANY MACBOOK PRO UNTILL FEB, DON'T BUY ANY MACBOOK PRO UNTILL FEB, DON'T BUY ANY MACBOOK PRO UNTILL FEB :)

[33scottie33 @ Dec 6th 2007 3:36PM]

Using this same logic, I would guess that a BMW M5 is overrated when compared to a Ford Festiva!

[thethirdmoose @ Dec 6th 2007 7:05PM]

I love your logic.

1. The MPB is a laptop.
2. By default, the MBP comes with a 120 GB hard disk.
3. I saw this laptop that had a 250 GB hard disk for $749.
4. Therefore, you must get the 250 GB drive on the MBP (That, or apple must make it standard - you weren't very clear)

Wow.

[33scottie33 @ Dec 6th 2007 3:26PM]

I just want copy & paste for the iPhone! However, I'm sure the 32-core Mac Pro will come out sooner!

[vdogg89 @ Dec 6th 2007 6:12PM]

when are the touches gonna get refreshed?

[stasguy @ Dec 6th 2007 3:36PM]

wahhhhh...... June.... :(

[James @ Dec 6th 2007 3:39PM]

I'm totally digging that Quadro FX graphics card. Is it the 5400? mmmmmm ...nice. Final Cut Studio here I come.

[Speddy @ Dec 6th 2007 3:40PM]

See: Intel announces Flaw in Penryn processor. Apple poops a seed.

[xbit @ Dec 6th 2007 3:41PM]

Wow, they fixed those battery problems with 3G quickly, didn't they?

[dzhiurgis @ Dec 6th 2007 3:51PM]

Gosh, this one of the sexiest entries :) exciting...

I want to switch my old macbook to something new.. And what i NEED for iPhone - enterprise wifi support

[dzhiurgis @ Dec 6th 2007 3:52PM]

Anyone noticed its still Tiger in the picture?

[Scott Squires @ Dec 6th 2007 3:58PM]

How about the heat? Have they solved that yet? I'd rather have a thicker MacBook Pro that is cooler than a thin one that's as hot or hotter than the MacBook Pro is now. (As one who owns an original MacBook Pro) Remember when companies made laptops?

[P8 @ Dec 6th 2007 4:06PM]

Actually, the heat is not so bad if you put a program to bumb up the fan speed a bit. Just a few hundred more rpm makes a big difference and keeps it within a reasonable range while still keeping it quiet. Mine is now 'lap-able'. I think the problem is less with heat dissipation and more with Jobs' insistence in keeping it 100% absolutely quiet, no matter what.

[BobbyW @ Dec 6th 2007 6:45PM]

I used a fan utility, in reasonable doses. Now both my fans have been replaced. And Apple doesn't seem to know how to close a Macbook Pro case without breaking the trackpad button or messing up the front of the case.

[qwert @ Dec 7th 2007 4:57AM]

remember the times when laptops where silent and cool (at least as long as you used them for normal "office work" (nothing fancy like rendering or gaming)).
thats why i love my g4 ibook. the only sounds it makes is the hard drive.
i hate it when im sitting in the library and all around me the other notebooks are going "eeeeeeeeeee", "wiiiiiiiiiiii", "moooooooooop" "moooooooooop" "mooooooooooop", "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"
thats anoying

[Yves @ Dec 6th 2007 4:01PM]

You get the point. My BMW M5 does not have nav but your Ford Festiva does.

[Chris99 @ Dec 6th 2007 4:04PM]

There are other reports that Apple is coming out with a tablet, so is it either a tablet or an ultralight, or both? None of the rumors/reports have mentioned both.

[holycow @ Dec 6th 2007 4:05PM]

"Goldman predicts the new Pro laptop will be half the thickness of the MacBook Pro, the hard disk will be replaced with NAND storage, and Apple will be selling the thing for $1,500"

Sure $1,500 .. and OLPC was going to sell for $100...

[Jah @ Dec 6th 2007 4:38PM]

Why is a 3G iPhone needed if the 2G iPhone can use lots and lots of free WiFi hot spots? In Europe for the iPhone there are tariffs that include WiFi - so why do we need a battery hungry 3G iPhone?

[Aman @ Dec 6th 2007 4:56PM]

Because we Americans want more!!! 3G iPhone

[Richard @ Dec 6th 2007 5:31PM]

Because not every country in the world has expansive WiFi coverage. Also, because not all people live in the city.

It's pretty obvious when you think about it.

[JosephMohmed @ Dec 6th 2007 6:39PM]

Richard: You're saying people don't have to live in the city to use 3G? I looked on AT&T's website, there is one city in this entire state with 3G available. Could just be because Oklahoma sucks ass, but I think WiFi is easier to get to.

[Ed @ Dec 6th 2007 9:40PM]

3G has far more coverage than WiFi. I use it to stream music to my car while driving. Not something that can be done with WiFi.

[Kendall @ Dec 11th 2007 4:49PM]

$1500 is far too expensive for an LED Backlit screen and Nand flash drive. Who cares if it is half as thick as the previous models but just as expensive. I'll get an Asus EEE if this thing costs more than $1200.

You would have to be twice as thick to buy one. Ken

[Ben @ Dec 6th 2007 5:32PM]

is no one else gagging for a blu ray 24" imac?

[stevew @ Dec 6th 2007 7:11PM]

We gotta wait till June for 10.5.2? Dang. There's stuff that 10.5.1 did not address.

[STEVE PERALTA @ Dec 6th 2007 11:55PM]

yEP THIS IS TRUE, tHE NEW MACBOOKS WILL BE FLASH BASED Solid state drive BY Axiom. fROM 16 / 32 GB. EVEN THOU THEY GO UP TO 128GB. don't belive me, Just wait! "I TOLD YOU SO.."
Steve P.

[js @ Dec 6th 2007 7:16PM]

DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS

[Kamall @ Dec 6th 2007 8:05PM]

Wasn't it said the ultraportable would have a 13.3" screen? I know that many are used to 15.4" screens and so 13.3" is "ultraportable" to them, but not me, yes, I want an 11.1" screen like the Vaio TX/TZ, thats my favorite form factor, 16:9.

Anyone know for certain what the screen size will be on it? Also, I hear the optical drive will not be built-in?

I don't believe the ultraportable Pro can be sold for $1500 with LED backlit screen and NAND storage, how much storage are we talking about, 32, 48, 64gb? Will it use a 1.8" or 2.5" drive?

The 15 and 17" Pros start off more expensive than $1500 and we all know that ultraportable command a premium, no way in hell it will be $1500.

[greg @ Dec 6th 2007 9:32PM]

WHat a shame, if this thign is so expensive. There is a huge market for a simple light cheap computer for the thigns we actually do outside. We dont need to carry a computer everywhere that does fancy stuff. I need somethign cheap and light for websurfing and word. Why dont they put out something like that?

Asus deserve credit for making products we actually need, not producing machines that we never really take advantage of. I just wish Apple could jump into that part of the market.

[Kizorblade @ Dec 6th 2007 10:12PM]

Actually, I believe it's an aim at the Japanese market, which Apple's sales of which have been a bit lackluster. Slim and looks are everything there. People live outdoors and only come inside to sleep.