Briefly: new Apple hardware shipments blip on radar
Apple Computer may be ready to update its MacBook line of consumer notebooks with Intel Corp.'s Core 2 Duo processors as early as this week, tipsters tell AppleInsider.
Those rumors were stoked further last week when web surfers stumbled upon some unusual listings at Play.com, a European Apple reseller which abruptly began accepting pre-orders for several unannounced Core 2 Duo-based MacBook models through its online store.
Now tipsters tell AppleInsider that three new Apple hardware products are en-route the U.S. this week, carrying previously unoccupied manufacturers part numbers MA699LL/A, MA700LL/A and MA701LL/A.
Apple's existing line of MacBooks are similarly available in three standard retail configurations: two white-colored models (1.83GHz and 2.0GHz) and a single black model (also 2.0GHz). They range in price from (U.S.) $1099 to (U.S.) $1499.
While AppleInsider has been unable to positively confirm the latest product rumblings pertain specifically to MacBooks, the reports are similar to those that appeared in the days and hours leading up to Apple's announcement of Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro models late last month.
In September, AppleInsider reported that Mac maker had wrapped up development of revised MacBook and MacBook Pro models, each of which would sport Core 2 Duo chips from Intel. People familiar with the company's plans said both lines were tracking for a release prior to the holiday shopping season, which has historically seen its initial surge the day after Thanksgiving.
On Oct. 24, Apple introduced 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models with Core 2 Duo processors, leaving only its 13-inch MacBook offerings with Core Duo chips.
91 Comments
What doesn't make sense to me is why would they update the Macbook to C2D and not the Mini.
Eventually everything will be updated, and of course not all at the same moment.
But if Intel prices Core cheaper than Core 2, then Core is the right choice for Apple's entry-level model. 64-bit or no, Core Solo and Core Duo are very fast processors, more than adequate for many people. A Core 2 Mini would cost more than a Core Mini, and that's a needless barrier to buying your first Mac.
I'd rather see a cheaper Mini result when Intel drops the price on Core 1. (And the same for MacBooks, actually: a Core 1 MacBook would be cheaper than Core 2, and still highly capable, so I'd like to see Apple continue to offer that as the entry-level portable.)
I would imagine at this point it's more a function of demand than anything else--Apple wants to be able to sell a boat-load of notebooks this quarter, which can only happen if Intel supplies the right amount of processors. Most people won't have heard, or even notice, the switch, so why sell a product that you don't have when you could be selling a bunch of what you do? Plus, phasing it in like this lets Apple work off excess CD inventory.
What doesn't make sense to me is why would they update the Macbook to C2D and not the Mini.
'Cause the Mini is basically sub-$600 bait to make other Macs look like better deals.
Apple sells about 5-8x the amount of MacBooks as does it Minis.
I'd rather see a cheaper Mini result when Intel drops the price on Core 1. (And the same for MacBooks, actually: a Core 1 MacBook would be cheaper than Core 2, and still highly capable, so I'd like to see Apple continue to offer that as the entry-level portable.)
I would too, but I don't think it's going to happen.... because, curiously, Intel hasn't discounted the Core 1 chips Apple is using. They're not cheaper than the Core 2 ones.
crap!
damn! damn! damn!
I said to myself: "No way in hell will Apple release a new model this close to the holiday shopping season."
So I ordered a MacBook to replace my wife's dead iBook on Friday.
It should be here on Wednesday.
damn! damn! damn!