New Mac placeholders appear in Future Shop stock system

If there's one thing we've learned over years (aside from the fact that Segway users will always be looked at strangely), it's that Best Buy's inventory systems are famous for turning us on to forthcoming wares. Just this year, strange part numbers in its stock system have correctly predicted the arrival of new MacBook Pros, the Nikon D90 and an unlocked US 3G Touch Diamond. Now, we're feasting our eyes upon the latest snippet from Future Shop's (Best Buy's Canadian sibling) inventory system, which shows a half dozen new Mac placeholders for French and English language machines. Unfortunately, "Apple Mac" is about as vague as it gets, but we wouldn't be shocked one iota to see new MBPs surface in the near future. C'mon stock system -- don't let us down.

[avester @ Sep 25th 2008 4:38AM]

STOP THE PRESS!

CLEAR THE FRONT PAGE!

TOYS-R-US JUST GOT 5 NEW BARBIE PLACEHOLDERS!

[Decoy @ Sep 25th 2008 5:21AM]

I'm waiting for Placeholder Nano.

[Decoy @ Sep 25th 2008 5:22AM]

The real placeholder here is this article.

No Apple news in over 8 hours means articles like this.

[Wormbolt @ Sep 25th 2008 12:29PM]

Does she have a touchscreen? If not, I don't want.

[Alcaman @ Sep 25th 2008 4:45AM]

This is the order:

1. MacBook Pro
2. MacBook Pro
3. MacBook
4. MacBook
5. MacBook Tablet
6. iBrick

[Ben @ Sep 25th 2008 4:48AM]

would be very cool :)

[michas_pi @ Sep 25th 2008 4:47AM]

I think they're new Mac Socks, just like the iPod Socks.

[ybd @ Sep 25th 2008 7:17AM]

tee hee

[CJ @ Sep 26th 2008 7:51AM]

Personally, I'd love to have a great pair of socks to go with my Mac(intosh).

All I'd have to do is unstitch the giant Apple logo that will be invariably embroidered onto the front.

[Toorop @ Sep 25th 2008 4:48AM]

Barbie isn't a Gedget. Show me a Barbie which can make phone calls, then this doll will be shown on ENGADGET ;)

[Ben J-Strike @ Sep 25th 2008 6:50AM]

what's a Gedget?

[wesg @ Sep 25th 2008 11:12AM]

I'm not sure how you misspell gadget when the site you're visiting has it written in the title.

[dzhiurgis @ Sep 25th 2008 4:48AM]

FAIL.
"Somewhat disappointingly, though, MacRumors later claimed these new listings were created by the retailer on the expectation of new product, not at the behest of Apple."

[mchat2k6 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:51AM]

Seriously,

I want a new laptop, and I want to buy a Mac (as a lifelong PC user, it pains me to say that), so I am hoping that sometime soon new Macbook's or MBP's show up that meet what I want. As it stands, I hesitate only because every Apple product I have purchased from my first iPod, my iPhone, and my sisters iPod Nano have been replaced within three months of purchase (the iPhone stings the most as Apple vehemently denied rumors of an upcoming 3G model).

Rumors and hearsay keep me from buying a laptop right now, but I hope they release an update, or at least some solid news soon so I can have an idea as to when I can safely make a purchase.

Honestly, the biggest thing keeping me from buying an Apple right now is... well, Apple.

[Kelmon @ Sep 25th 2008 6:55AM]

I can appreciate what you are saying because my first Mac (15" PowerBook G4) was replaced almost immediately so that was a learning experience. However, I wouldn't buy a new model immediately, either. Give it a few weeks at least just to see whether any problems are reported. The only exception to this advice is if you want to be one of those people posting unboxing pictures/videos but I don't think the "fame" is really worth it.

[trumpton @ Sep 25th 2008 4:56AM]

Good grief. Will you be posting up similar non-stories about the unspecified details of unspecified products for other manufacturers?

No, of course not. You guys really have gotta get over your iFanboydom.

[richmon22 @ Sep 25th 2008 5:53AM]

actualy I am pretty sure that they post simmaler stories about other products, such as the D90 or the touch diamond, though I do agree that they post more about apple.

And you know why?

Because people seem to care more, witch inturn leads to more page clicks and then more add revinue.
And yes, people do care about this non news.
Even You even cared enough to comment on the article, though you don't care about what they are saying, you think it's a waste of reasources or not fair to be posting sooo much on one company.

So, if you don't want them to post this much apple stuff:

stop clicking on the article and expessing your disslike for posts on apple... because that's working against your cause.

Instead:

Click, comment, and follow the advertisement links on storries that you like. And that is a win win for every one.

Richard.

[omegamale @ Sep 25th 2008 8:26AM]

yeah... i click on most stories on engadget about most products, and most all come in a similar format... a rumour a hint an expected release etc.

you don't see many "ifanboys" bitchng and whining on every other post do you?

"oh no not another story about a nokia" etc

the apple stuff here is probobly the most read and like it or not it is actually news, and there are many interested in it, like you for clicking on it, which i am sure wil add up the hits for articles related to apple, which in turn tells the nic people at engadget that this is the stuff we want to read.

you only get this prissy bitching in apple stories, i wonder why so many of you read them in the first place.

or is it because you are 14? and want sex really badly.

[maveric101 @ Sep 25th 2008 10:02AM]

@ richard

what?! a logical argument presented neutrally? surely you jest.

[Jash Sayani @ Sep 25th 2008 5:23AM]

Wow! New MBP. Have been waiting to see those. Hope they are tablets as well.... But MBs are very expensive. Its way cheaper to get a good config. notebook and install Leopard.

[Ben @ Sep 25th 2008 5:31AM]

Hope can be a terrible thing sometimes…

[gad get @ Sep 25th 2008 8:20AM]

Indeed, hope is the scourge of humanity.

[crsh @ Sep 25th 2008 6:46AM]

6 different SKU (times 2 for French); so maybe something like:

- Macbook 13" (base model)
- Macbook 13" (speedier model)
- Macbook 13" (ultimate model with a black case that costs $200 more for no reason)
- Macbook Pro 15" (base model)
- Macbook Pro 15" (speedier model)
- Macbook Pro 17" (awesome model)

Wow, that looks like what we have right now.. I have no imagination at 6:30 in the morning. =(

[michas_pi @ Sep 25th 2008 9:26AM]

@crsh:

That black plastic requires the dried tears and ground bones of first-born virgins. I think it's worth the extra money.

[godspeedgen2 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:13PM]

I have a feeling they will cut out this whole black model deal and just give you the option and one of these will be a Mac Pro. hopefully. Best Buy usually only carries the base model and upgrades them on site... what say ye?

[Rask @ Sep 25th 2008 6:48AM]

Best Buy actually bought Future Shop a couple of years ago when they started doing business and Canada. It runs both businesses and competes with itself.

[Rask @ Sep 25th 2008 6:51AM]

That was "...business IN Canada...."

Early morning commenting strikes again... Edit button please!

[jorvay @ Sep 25th 2008 9:36AM]

I think that's why they called it Bestbuy's Canadian sibling rather than rival or something.

If you thought Best Buy was bad...Futureshop works on commission!

[Stephen.4 @ Sep 25th 2008 7:11AM]

I was in Future Shop yesterday getting a HDTV for my birthday. All the Mac's were removed off the shelves, same with Best Buy. They were there 3 weeks ago last time i was their. (Canada).

[Nick @ Sep 25th 2008 8:19AM]

Probably sold out

[RedGhost @ Sep 25th 2008 8:59AM]

You mean there is a possibility that Apple will not keep the current line and in the future update models?!?! INCONCEIVABLE!!

[ehisforadam @ Sep 25th 2008 9:58AM]

Finally, I've been waiting for the new Apple iPlaceHolder.

[huh @ Sep 25th 2008 10:48AM]

Put it together with http://i.engadget.com/2008/09/25/netbooks-have-officially-arrived/ and I think Apple is going to release their own low cost solid state netbook. It would be an excellent strategy for them to crest their current popularity.

[crsh @ Sep 25th 2008 12:24PM]

Apple is not interested in the very low-cost niche filled by netbooks, their version is the Air with its much higher price tag. Even if they'd do a 10" version, it'd still be a luxury model far from the dirt-cheap Acers and Eees.

[huh @ Sep 25th 2008 12:33PM]

crsh, you're right, they're not interested in dominating the music player niche either.

The real message behind netbooks is that a very low cost notebook can be created that is good enough for most people's uses. While the high end will always exist, Apple already enjoys the taste of the low cost volume market. My believe is they wanted mobile.me to be their self-support community, though they appear to be blowing that. But they are for sure going to create a low cost, good quality netbook at some point or another - I doubt they are going to wait the X years until the iphone and macbooks meet in the middle of form factor and functionality. Even though I'm not really an Apple guy (I had a Macbook Pro for a year but though it was too bulky and glossy), I hope they do this.. furthermore, I hope it has a touch screen and slate features.