http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/ Engadget Comments for Apple's new MacBook / MacBook Pro get torn down in style http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
But I love the trackpad/button combo.]]>Oct 15th 2008 11:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
Apple's notebooks, which they sell in 95% of all their machines, use 9.5mm optical drives. BD don't even exist in this svelte size.

The best you can find is a 12.7mm BD from as low as $550 with the low, low speed of 1x burn to the $999 with a 2x burn at FastMac.com, which is rossly overpriced. The problem is, only the old 17" MBP and 24" iMac take these 12.7mm drives.

Panasonic "announced" plans or releasing a 9.5mm BD sometime in the future. Engadget blogged about it amolst a year ago, but they don't exist. So imagine how much a BD will be when Panasonic does get their their rumoured 9.5mm BD out to market? Even if it was just a combo drive (Blu-ray player/CD & DVD burner) would still be "at least" $800 retail price.

Beyond, it just makes no sense in so many other ways in a notebook that is less than 1" thick. If you want BD then get a dedicated appliance for $150 from your living room. If you want it as a poor storage medium over HDD and Flash then get an external drive. If you want to play the files the DRM has been hacked so copy the file to your HDD and use considerably less power. Even with the 5 hour rating I wonder if you get through Iron Man on an MacBook Pro on battery power before the machine's battery would drain from the power eating optical drive. It's an obsolescing tech, and you'll see optical drives removed completely from Apple's next notebook revision in 3 years. By then putting your OS boot files on a 16GB USB flash drive will easiest method, while reducing the size and weight of the notebook.]]>Oct 16th 2008 1:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
I hope that the HDCP allows for an external BD to be used externally with these new Mac notebooks, since they have the HDCP built into the chipsets. I know that DisplayPort fully supports it, I just don't know if it extends to FW800 or USB2.0, which may be considered too "loose" a specification by the studios to offer full quality 1080p. If it is offered, it will allow for a much cheaper BD solution with a considerably faster optical drive than Apple could ever offer. ]]>Oct 16th 2008 1:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 9:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
Still, IFixit guides are pretty good, gotta give them credit.]]>Oct 15th 2008 11:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Sheesh]]>Oct 15th 2008 11:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
This seems like its geared towards lowering Apples manufacturing costs. The benefit to the consumer (which can only be revealed over time, now is too early to make a call on it) seems like a by-product.]]>Oct 15th 2008 11:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
Jonathan
]]>Oct 15th 2008 11:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
]]>Oct 16th 2008 12:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/pipe.run?_id=NruNDIYf3BGe7iZ_l7okhQ&_render=rss

I just checked it out.. it's not perfect (some posts w/o the word "apple" got through or something) but there sure isn't as much apple stuff there..

more choices here..

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/20/tired-of-iphone-and-or-apple-news-on-engadget/
]]>Oct 16th 2008 1:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 15th 2008 11:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
But the important thing is that they made the most often changeable items easier to get to, while making the case design stronger. I'm talking about the battery (unlock one latch), and the HDD (1 screw on the MB; 4 screws on the MBP). The RAM is now 8 screws, but the insertion of the RAM isn't as difficult as it was on the MB, but how often do you change out the RAM?

It's the HDD and Battery that I tend to swap, though I wish the battery didn't have a cover case on it as it makes it adds another piece to handle when switching batteries on a Coach flight (too cheap to pay for Business Class with would give me power adapter).

The only other option is to loose the aluminium frame crisscrossing so you could pop the keyboard out from the top and even access the RAM. But that would weaken the uni-body structure and alter the aesthetics in some un-popular ways. Overall, I think the pros far outweigh the cons with the new design, but I'm going to wait until these NVIDIA chipsets and GPUs get benchmarked and well tested before buying as I don't trust NVIDIA much these days. Plus, this new Unibody construction will probably still need some minor but important alterations before being "perfected".]]>Oct 16th 2008 1:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/BTW reasons I changed/want to change: switched to 7200RPM Hitachi, back to the original after that fried, back to a 320GB 5400 for performance, then to a 7200 320GB from Hitachi. Now I want to swap it out against the 5400 / 320 because it turns out the 7200 gets too hot at times. It didn't fry yet but it crashed a few times and it's scary.
In the new ones, I'd get one today and swap for a SSD as soon as those are reasonably priced and come at a reasonable size.

So from me, a triple hurray!!! for the easily swappable hard disk. That was my biggest gripe with the current MBPs. I am not just talking either, I am going to get me one of these as soon as they become available here in Asia. Can't wait.]]>Oct 16th 2008 9:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 1:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 9:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 1:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 2:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 6:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 8:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 11:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 9:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 2:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 11:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
No firewire? Mini-display port you need a 100 dollar cable to use? 4 gigs of ram? I dont care what the size of the DVD drive is, Apple should make Blu-ray fit at these prices. What did they give us? A new graphic card? a stronger case? Can i get a coffee cup holder and cigarette lighter as well?

Lets compare the 17in Pro:

17in Mac Book pro:
processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
hard drive: 320 gig @ 5400
display: 1920x1200 LED
DVD drive: CD/DVD burner
ram: 4 gigs
graphic card: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB
ports: NO HDMI, mini display port
PRICE; $2,800


16.4in Sony FW:
processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
hard drive: 320 gig @ 7200
display: 1920x1080 LED
DVD drive: Blu-ray Disc Read and Write Drive
ram: 4 gigs
graphic card: ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM
ports: HDMI out, DVI
weight:
PRICE: $1900

Other then the NVIDIA card, all advantages go to to the $900 LESS Sony FW.
You can take the 900 dollars savings and buy another laptop, how about a 13in Mac Book?


]]>Oct 16th 2008 12:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 1:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
Anyone else frustrated by the delayed shipment?

Current scheduled delivery date is Oct 24 (and I paid for express shipping).]]>Oct 16th 2008 12:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/Oct 16th 2008 4:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/on my MB Pro though. It can use all 4 gigs. Unlike my 32-bit PC
which can only use a little over 3.
Why is that?]]>Oct 16th 2008 4:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/apples-new-macbook-macbook-pro-get-torn-down-in-style/
http://lemonlimedesigns.ca/blog/why-you-shouldnt-get-new-macbook-pro
]]>Oct 17th 2008 4:21PM