How would you change Apple's Penryn-based MacBook Pro?
By Darren Murph 
posted February 29th 2008 7:37PM
posted February 29th 2008 7:37PM
Nevertheless, the time came and went, and the re-opening of the online Apple store brought a whole heap of disappointment to many. Sure, folks still (somehow) enamored with the aging MBP design were thrilled to have access to a more potent, less scalding iteration of their favorite machine, but honestly, we're still using the GeForce 8600M GT? Really, Apple? Needless to say, this refresh likely did little to satisfy your desire for a revamped MacBook Pro, but we're interested in finding out exactly what it is you really wanted. An option for an SSD? What about a built-in Blu-ray drive? Would integrated HDMI make things more appealing? Or is a top-down case redesign the only thing stopping you from abusing your credit card in the name of Steve Jobs? Go on, we know you folks are chock full of good ideas, so let's hear 'em, shall we?
I think the whole idea of having only 2 usb ports is because their communist and want to push wireless technology. they create desirable products to make people conform, as seen in the mba, then in a few years time when physical ports become redundant they can say 'we started that'.
with the mbp, if you buy a wireless mouse and time capsule, you've saved 2usb ports for a printer or scanner. hmm so wheres that wireless sync ipod then ey?
just my 2c
MacBook style keyboard, a decent wifi antenna (make a plastic side like the iphone) and of course a 12" version :-P
*Magnetic latch
*Smaller AC adapter
*The recessed and backlit keyboard from the MacBook/Air
*Brighter screen / louder speakers
a new physical design, a la the Macbook Air. in BLACK. oooo....
make it stop giving me shocks of static electricity!
new case design, not too thin, but still sleek and slick, still solid, rugged and weather resistant. integral flip up adjustable feet also.
my 2¢
I like much of the MBP design, but there is still room for improvement. Here are a couple of things I would change:
- For the love of Pete, Steve, would it be so difficult to integrate a card reader like EVERY OTHER LAPTOP MAKER ON THE FREAKING PLANET???? Yes, a multi-format card reader integrated.
- It could use a couple more USB ports.
- Higher resolution screens available. My Asus, which is not the highest end model they produce, does 1680x1050 and it freaking rocks. For a "premium" laptop like the MBP this doesn't seem so unreasonable.
- Use NVidia's 8800M GT instead of the 8600.
- Make the CD drive BD-R. This is probably the most difficult/expensive thing I've recommended thus far.
- Re-evaluate the keyboard so that the key placement is more natural/ergonomic. I'm not talking about split keyboards or anything like that, just an adjustment that will prevent hitting wrong/unintended keys while touch typing.
ability to get viruses
I have a Mac laptop and a tablet PC. The main thing I want right now is a pen sensitive screen on the Mac, so I could use it as a tablet. Now that I am used to having the tablet function available, I won't give it up. I don't use it all the time in that mode, but when the need arises, it is essential. I draw diagrams, sketch user interfaces, and hand write notes with it. Furthermore, I am sure Apple could do it better than MS has, and would rather do it on a Mac. If the Mac had a tablet interface, I would give up the PC in an instant.
Blu Ray drives, 320GB- 500GB hard drives at least in the 17in MBP. Better battery life, a true 5 hour battery, whether I watch a blu-ray movie or just surf the internet. And how about the Macbook Pro in black!
How about a new 12 inch model. Sure the MBA is thin, but its still quite big in terms of actual size. An ultraportable macbook pro or macbook would be great, it wouldnt need to be terribly thin, just more liek the old 12 inch ibooks!
blu-ray, magnetic latch, and case redesign!!!
if apple wants too keep the old "classic" case around thats fine, but at least give us something new to look at... possible case design options!!!!!!!!!!!! If there was a sexy new case on MBP I would be opening my wallet no questions asked. come on apple. im so disappointed.
Basically, the basic design is still good.
However, to be consistent with Apple's design philosophy, the keyboard should be redesigned to match the current keyboards used in the MacBook, MacBook Air, and the standard keyboard that comes equipped with the Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac lines.
In addition, the mechanism for keeping the screen closed should be changed. Instead of the hidden latch on the middle top, the screen should be held shut magnetically just as it is done with the MacBook.
Perhaps, the introduction of a MacBook Pro with the option of black anodized aluminum would be good, as well.
I was really hoping for the macbook keyboard to get into these things. I just sold my macbook, and looks like I can't replace it just yet ;)
If people want to play games download bootcamp and play your games on windows? A Macbook isn't a gaming laptop so quit complaining people
They need to make the mac book pro more professional. they need to add blue ray drive, higher resolution on the 15'' inch
Better graphic cards that nvidia provides for all there laptops. better contrast ratio and brightness .
I think the the looks of the macbook pro are excellent.
If people are willing to spend $2000 and up , i think they should give more capabilities for upgrades.
I have just ordered one of these. There weren't any options really. Sure I would have liked a redesign, even the larger touchpad that features on the Macbook Air would have been nice.
I beliee that we won't be seeing a redesign at least until the Montevino platform debuts in June/July. Even then, it is possible that the redesign won't come until the end of the year, simply because the current architecture won't allow for the complete redesign that is no doubt scheduled.
What I would like to see though, perhaps even more so than the knobled Macbook Air, is a Macbook encased with aluminium, the Air touchpad and a backlit keyboard. Bring that on, and I'll be there. That would have sloted in between the Macbook and Macbook Pro model range better than the Air.
What I would like to see
It would be nice if you had both Mac OSX and Vista preinstalled and more color would be nice but I would keep that for the the Macbook the silver macbook pro is pretty much an icon.
If it makes anyone feel better, Apple is likely to release a more dramatic redesign based on the Montevina platform later this year. I'm hoping for a smaller, lighter case, a 13 inch screen option, Blu-Ray, and an Nvidia 9650 graphics card.
If I had to guess, I'd say the next update will come sometime in early August, in time for the school laptop buying bonanza.
We do not need bigger screens, or even Blue Ray Drives... Jesus people - how much clearer can the picture get on a 17" screen??? Too much cost, not enough benefit for Apple to offer Blue Ray (yet).
Here's a great idea:
Give Boot Camp the ability to fully utilize the capabilities of the graphics card(s) that come with the computer - while running XP, and Vista. Or, stop telling people they can run Windows on a Mac - and just tell little kids they can look cool playing games and typing papers. Also - the latest rumor is that Steve is changing the company name again; from Apple, Inc. to Apple Toy Company, Inc.
After traveling to the Apple Store and asking the "Mac Genius" if Boot Camp supported Nvidia's external display resolution(s) while running XP - he responded by telling me to go buy a PC!!! No joke!!! And I was totally polite... So I did!!! Already have a Mac Pro - need to go mobile for work.