Poll: How about them MacBook updates?

We all knew this day was coming. Apple's previous MacBook Pro revision was certainly getting long in the tooth, a MacBook spec bump never hurt anything, and hey, Penryn isn't getting any younger. Still, it's pretty obvious that quite a few of the Apple faithful feel like the MacBook Pro and its cute little MacBook sidekick are in some serious need of a form factor refresh, and perhaps a little bit of SSD. We can understand Apple not wanting to steal the MacBook Air's thunder, and to be fair most major manufacturers put the new Penryn chips inside existing form factors, but that doesn't mean it's wrong for you to be upset. So, how do you really feel?

How about them MacBook updates?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Penryn was just what I've been waiting for.I could use some SSD and maybe a Core 2 Extreme chip, but I'll live.Apple couldn't shave just a little off these form factors here and there?I'll just have to put this three grand toward my kid's college fund, what a waste!What gives, Apple? That circa-1999 keyboard isn't doing it for me anymore.I'm pretty much heartbroken, and would rather not talk about it right now.Maybe I'd care, but I use a PC. How do you like them Apples?Vote

[Joe_Templeman @ Feb 26th 2008 11:10AM]

The updates where pretty pathetic, but I suppose they have to *look* like there keeping up with technology...


still a p*ss take that they dont bundle the remote =/

[Zak @ Feb 26th 2008 12:09PM]

Yeah, upgrading to the most current Penryn chips is only "looking" like they're keeping up with technology. If this were a PC laptop you'd be slobbering all over it while extolling its many virtues, one of which no doubt would be how well it keeps up with technology by upgrading to the latest Penryn processors. Right?

[antimatter @ Feb 26th 2008 12:42PM]

1. $19 for the remote is totally lame after dropping $2,000-3000 on what PC Mag calls 'the [best] laptop in the world'. LAME.
2. Since when does the MBP 17" have to get upgrades? $250 for the 2.6 GHz processor!!! It has always come with the fastest available chip. LAME.
3. 15" MBP 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz = $2,050 vs $2,750 (a difference of $700 for what? 256 MB extra video ram and .2 GHz) LAME.

In summary, the 2.5 Should not even be there. the upgrade should be from 2.4 to 2.6. Who is going to pay $500 for .1 GHz increase? Also, whoever decided to lose the remote should be fired (granted many people probably don't use them at all). At the very least there should be a $20 price DROP given they took the remote out of the former package. MultiTouch is cool, but I still feel bummed. Where is the love Apple? $18,000,000,000.00 in the bank and you can't throw in a remote that costs you $1.00 to make?

Sincerely,
A Very Unsatisfied MacHead

[Jeff @ Feb 26th 2008 1:18PM]

you know, i'm not sure the remote thing is as big a deal as everyone else seems to think.

out of the few dozen people i know with MB/MBPs, only a single person ever uses his remote, and only when he has his MB hooked up to his TV. (and he's the kind of person Apple wants to sell an AppleTV to...)

it just doesn't seem like it'll actually effect many people, but i'm sure the internet echo chamber will make those 5 really pissed off people sound like hundreds of upset buyers. :\

[Bender Bending Rodriguez @ Feb 26th 2008 1:38PM]

@ antimatter, "A very unsatisfied dochebag",

The processor changes are price for price over the Santa Rosa models. Should Apple just throw in a processor that Intel is selling for hundreds more for no price increase because your limited knowledge of performance is based on the GHz? You didn't even notice that the 2.4 and 2.5GHz options also come with 3MB L2 Cache while the Santa Rosa models had 4MB. Of course, you probably have no idea how that functions anyway so why mention it.

The fact is, these are the chips that Intel has created and priced to replaced the previous models that Apple has replaced, right down to the penny. I am waiting until the performance reviews come out before making a decsion, but I'll probably wait until Nehelam, which should require a new case design and will have a more revolutionary chip design. Also, despite Penryn having SSE4 it will be awhile before apps utilizing SSE4 will be in effect.

[SergeantSalad @ Feb 26th 2008 1:55PM]

Agreed, I just bought a Macbook a couple months ago after the Leopard/Graphics update... I ain't crying over this little boost.

[LegendZ28 @ Feb 26th 2008 4:45PM]

@Jeff

Oh, so Apple is trying to save me from myself? Well that's sweet of them.

[antimatter @ Feb 26th 2008 5:51PM]

@ BENDER

QUOTE:
"dochebag"
REPLY:
How old are you? The proper spelling is Douche Bag or Douchebag.

QUOTE (Bender):
"Should Apple just throw in a processor that Intel is selling for hundreds more for no price increase?"
"The fact is, these are the chips that Intel has created and priced to replaced the previous models that Apple has replaced, right down to the penny."
REPLY (antimatter):
1. Well here is the deal Bender, in case you hadn't noticed computer prices (at least w/macs) pretty much have stayed the same for the last few years while the speed of processors has increased, the amount of standard RAM has increased, hard-drive capacity has increased, etc. It is in fact the expectation of the computer buying public that updated models cost the same (or less even) as the outgoing lesser performing models.
2. For instance, the 17" Powerbook I am typing this on cost $2700 four years ago when I bought it in grad school and still today the 17" Macbook Pro starts at $2700. Yet, my laptop has a meager 1.5 GHz single processor, teeny-tiny 80 GB hard drive and came standard with 512MB of RAM, etc.
3. Additionally, in no time in the last four years has there been any OPTION to upgrade the processor on the 17" PB/MBP. It has been a de facto standard for years that the 17" was fully decked out. My question is why? Why is Apple nickel-and-diming people who drop nearly 3K on professional equipment? It seems out of character and it is a CLEAR departure from their previous convention, that is all I am saying.

Sincerely,
A Very Unsatisfied* MacHead (*though in general very satisfied and happy w/regards to this particular macbook pro update)

MacHead: Someone who has been using Macs since 1987 or earlier and thinks 'apple fanboys' are greenhorns.

[agarfield2004 @ Feb 27th 2008 9:09PM]

What is everyone talking about? Sure their not as fast as others but I loved that they dropped $200 off the macbook that I was to buy for $1401. I'm going to go off and buy it now, cya...

[RichardBronosky @ Feb 26th 2008 11:12AM]

No ESATA?!?! I'm heartbroken.

[Ben @ Feb 26th 2008 11:36AM]

I'll second that one!

[SomeGuyLeaveMeAlone @ Feb 26th 2008 2:09PM]

I was so waiting for eSATA. I guess I'll wait for the next revision. Nothing compelling enough to upgrade from the original MBP.

[RichardBronosky @ Feb 26th 2008 2:24PM]

The sad part is that they all use SATA HDDs, so all that is lacking is the external port. The chipset to drive it is there. I bet that a Dremel Tool and a DigiKey catalog could get it done. It's just sad how Apple drags their feet.

I finally gave in today and turned to Craig's List for a Nokia N95. I was waiting to see the iPhone SDK, but seeing how Apple did this update and knowing how the tried to cram AT&T down our throats... I figure it's not worth dealing with the Jail-Break crap for T-Mobile. By the time Apple comes back down to Earth, I'll be using Android.

[joeyjones @ Feb 26th 2008 3:37PM]

They can spend millions shrinking an outdated chip to drop into the AIR but they can't put a fire under Intel's ass to get a Quad Core MBP on the shelves. As someone else already said, pathetic.

[Cmmndr312 @ Feb 26th 2008 6:51PM]

Yeah, that is the one thing that really makes me sad. Apple has been with firewire 800 for soooooooo long (doesn't take a genius to figure out why that is). I don't have one device that uses firewire 800, just a cable that converts it to 400. Compare that to the number of devices with ESATA...

Oh well, I guess that just means that I will be happy with my current MacBook Pro that much longer. Besides, $39.99 for two ESATA 3.0GB/s ports on a Express card isn't bad. I always cringe when that first update comes after buying an Apple product... This one has come and gone... meh

[Backlin @ Feb 26th 2008 11:14AM]

That last option definitely needs to be stripped.
But I'm glad they didn't put an SSD in there. That would definitely hike up the price.

[Backlin @ Feb 26th 2008 11:15AM]

Reworded I mean.

[BradVT @ Feb 26th 2008 1:08PM]

Yeah, ssd's are exspensive, but what would stop them from making them an option? One that you can, opt for. Maybe somebody wants to pay out the wazoo for small, reliable, storage. Now, if your comment meant "I'm sure glad that Apple didn't force ssd down our throat by making it the ONLY option" then yeah, I'd probably have to agree with you.

[Andir3.0 @ Feb 26th 2008 1:52PM]

"That last option definitely needs to be stripped."

Yeah! Silence those that don't agree!

[Jeremy K. @ Feb 26th 2008 11:14AM]

I'm happy that Apple's aren't PCs anymore.

[Andir3.0 @ Feb 26th 2008 1:53PM]

ugh, these comments are still broken?

[BrianB @ Feb 26th 2008 5:37PM]

Why can't Apple upgrade battery life or put another hole for hot air to come out? Real state-of-the art improvements, I mean.

[chrise524 @ Feb 26th 2008 12:26PM]

does anyone else think that engadgets fixation with apple is a bit excessive(and kinda a turnoff)? Aka I know it's Tuesday because every Tuesday at engadget is apple Tuesday. (apple paying supporter of endgadget maybe?) It's not that I don't like them reporting the latest apple news (as they should report any tech news) it is that every apple store update gets five post to its name (rumor, rumor, apple store down, updated product, another updated product). One or two posts would suffice for me (rumors, updated products). For example why does there have to be two posts for two updated products? (its not like any other site is so closely watched anyway)

[Rohit Garewal @ Feb 26th 2008 12:46PM]

Actually I feel that Engadget is definitely more anti-apple than most. And before everyone jumps on me, they demand more (as we should) from apple as they are definitely NOT the underdog anymore, and Engadget, like many others (including myself) think the Apple hype has gone a bit far. The iPhone (even though I have one running on Tmobile) is a complete travesty save for its GORGEOUS UI and browser - if it wasn't for the independent developer community it would be an iPod with a lousy phone antenna.

The Macbook Air? Thin, and completely underpowered compared to today's relative alternatives.

Engadget team, sorry if I am mis-representing your views, just my .02.

[Andrew @ Feb 26th 2008 12:58PM]

I love how every time Apple is mentioned, there's always at least one person who suggests the writers are being paid off. This website is about technology, and Apple is one of the major computer and technology companies. Engadget wouldn't be doing their job, if they ignored the MacBook Pro updates, along with any other Apple news, just to satisfy a bunch of disgruntled trolls.

[clak @ Feb 26th 2008 1:42PM]

@Rohit Garewal.

How is the MacBook Air underpowered? Most thin laptops (ultraportables) have 1.2 Ghz processors. The Air has 1.6. You have a right to dislike anything you want, but at least get your facts straight.

[chrise524 @ Feb 26th 2008 2:49PM]

I don't see anything wrong with them reporting apple's updates it just seems a little excessive (every Tuesday is apple Tuesday) No other company gets that kind of priority.

On the subject of engadget being paid to give apple more press, its not like it is uncommon in this business. And a possibility till I see an official statement.

I wouldn't say the macbooks are underpowered. Over priced for my taste, yes.

[phanbouy @ Feb 26th 2008 2:54PM]

chrise, um because the tuesday thing is unique to apple perhaps? or maybe, GOSH, people read it and there's more traffic?

of course, and i know this is so very hard for you to believe, but you could always just SKIP the apple posts and go right back home to another post. or better yet to blogging at whyihateapple.com

[chrise524 @ Feb 27th 2008 12:32AM]

Wow I never said that I hated apple. I enjoy reading any tech news, no matter what the company. I was just making an observation. It's not that I can't skip them its just that they seem to cover Tuesdays headlines. (aka "apple store is down" is "breaking news" even though it is not, the updates would be closer to breaking news) I would just like to see less post about the same topic together. Just my opinion. And the reason I comment is because, if adjusted, I think that it would make to a more efficient news site (everyone should be looking for areas of improvement, even big news sites).

[Chris @ Feb 26th 2008 11:18AM]

Anyone keeping a tally for the number of topics for the same subject?

"New MacBook Pros..."

"In case you didn't see the first topic, here's the new MBPs..."

"By the way, did we mention the MacBook Pros?..."

"What do you think about the MacBook Pros?.."

Do you guys get paid every time you say "MacBook Pro" in a sentence?

[Moby Disk @ Feb 26th 2008 6:25PM]

I for one and glad they didn't change the keyboard. While the MBP keyboard is the worst misfeature I've ever seen on a laptop, if they changed it then I would be forced to buy one which would sadden me since I just bought a new laptop.

[ScooterDe @ Feb 26th 2008 4:13PM]

Engadet is a shameless populist: it lists items it knows will be of interest, rather than taking us into seriously new territory ('crapgadget' is evidence of veiled thinking and devisive politics).
These posts are designed to solicit comment and thus views and ad revenue. It seems there are enough fanatics to keep it going, though it is getting tired. I'm glad you were keeping track.
Judging by the Sony splash, you can get some face time on Engadget if you have enough gadgets to deploy, one after another. So there is hope, since Apple now only owns Tuesdays.

[thiago.prodrigues @ Feb 26th 2008 11:20AM]

No iPhone SDK...damn you apple!

[FishGuy @ Feb 26th 2008 11:23AM]

seriously, now we have to wait until friday to be told the SDK has been delayed 3 weeks? (and then we have to wait 3 weeks to find out it will be an extreme beta release with no real native programs for 2 months?) super... and i was all ready to buy a brand new redesigned pro to plug into my iphone...

[DvS @ Feb 26th 2008 11:57AM]

Yeah, Steve said it wouldn't be released until February...Hello? February has almost come and gone!! "Until" to me means the same as "by", like "you have until tomorrow to file your tax return." That means by the stroke of midnight of that night I better have my taxes filed, NOT the following night. Follow me?

[Ryan Trevisol @ Feb 26th 2008 12:08PM]

Got that right. I'm seriously thinking about jailbreaking my baby. As scary as that is . . . i'm friggin fed up with all the cool apps that Jailbroken people get to use and we're SOL.

[DvS @ Feb 26th 2008 12:20PM]

I had mine jailbroken and it was awesome. I un-jailbroke it because I wanted to start developing and installing apps legitamitely. If I have to wait any longer I'm going back.

PS. Don't be reluctant - Jailbreaking is easy.

[BigPana @ Feb 26th 2008 11:19AM]

No multi touch and LED backlighting on the macbooks is pretty dissapointing.

[ZAK @ Feb 26th 2008 11:35AM]

I agree. I would be buying one.

[m @ Feb 26th 2008 1:28PM]

same here. they're probably diverting all the 13" LED screens to the precious Air right now. still, you'd think they'd be in more of a hurry to get greenpeace off their backs.

[Thunderbuck @ Feb 26th 2008 3:59PM]

Oh, come on. It's called MARKETING, dude.

If the MBP didn't have exclusive features not available on the "entry-level" MacBook, why would anyone buy it?

[BigPana @ Feb 26th 2008 4:12PM]

@Thunderbuck

I didn't ask why, I said i'm dissapointed by it.

And I think they're trying to differentiate between the Macbook and the MB Air.

[MadMike @ Feb 26th 2008 11:20AM]

The whole charging for the remote thing is BS. But, I still spent $4,000 this morning on the corporate card. Hell, its not my money, I just need to come up with a BS excuse why I spent it.

[MikeLong @ Feb 26th 2008 11:36AM]

Just say you were doing your part to help our struggling economy.

[Cale @ Feb 26th 2008 11:22AM]

Where's the "I just bought a MacBook a week ago and I'm thrilled that they didn't make my purchase completely worthless" option.

I choose that!

[Pappatom @ Feb 26th 2008 11:41AM]

Amen! I just bought a MacBook 2 months ago, so for the moment I'm pretty psyched about the lack of change.

[Blaktornado @ Feb 26th 2008 12:08PM]

14 day return policy :)

[Jemster @ Feb 26th 2008 12:08PM]

A colleague took delivery of his MacBook last Thursday, phoned Apple Customer Care today and they refunded him £150.

Another colleague is waiting for her MacBook Pro to be delivered (its been shipped) and Apple have told her to return it, postage paid, for a full refund as soon as it arrives, she can order the same again for £200 less.

Give 'em a call, you never know your luck...

[Allan @ Feb 26th 2008 12:11PM]

I'm with you. Just bought one over the weekend (and picked it up from the post office today - typing on it now). And since it was only 100mhz bump in processor (penryn or not) and a hard drive bump, I'm not too disappointed. This isn't my primary system so the hdd isn't too big of a deal - I have over 1tb on in my desktop.

It would still be nice to see them do something different with them, but I sighed a little bit of relief when I saw the results.

[Peetah @ Feb 26th 2008 12:52PM]

I would have disappointed if they added a pop-out coffee cup warmer, but I'll be content with my current blackbook.