AppleInsider Staff
Apple's remaining low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro model, which features a thicker legacy design and continues to sport an internal optical drive, may finally be on the way out this year, if the latest supply chain rumors are to be believed.
The new claims come from the infamous DigiTimes, which once again on Wednesday cited its usual, anonymous Taiwan-based supply chain sources. According to those people, Apple will stop production of the 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro in the second half of 2014, replacing the lineup with thinner models featuring high-resolution Retina displays.
"The sources pointed out that Apple has been reducing its MacBook Pro prices, narrowing the price gap between the MacBook Pro and the one equipped with Retina," the report said. "Apple stopped producing the 15-inch MacBook Pro in 2013 and will end production of its 13-inch model in 2014."
While DigiTimes does have a notorious track record for being the source of questionable Apple-related rumors, the writing has been on the wall for the 13-inch legacy MacBook Pro for some time. Apple has continued to offer the models along side its newer Retina models, which feature a thinner design, only solid-state storage, and lack optical disc drives.
While Apple may finally discontinue its previous-generation portables, the company may also expand its lineup with an entirely new high-resolution notebook this year. Well-connected insider Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities believes Apple is planning to introduce a new 12-inch MacBook model this year.
According to Kuo, the entirely new MacBook will feature an "ultra-slim clamshell form factor" that he views as a marriage between the portability of the 11-inch MacBook Air and the superior productivity of the 13-inch model. The display is also said to be on par with Apple's high-resolution MacBook Pro Retina display.
Kuo believes the new MacBook will be powered by an Intel processor, not a custom ARM chip as has been rumored. He has predicted that the incoming model, which would expand the MacBook lineup, will "redefine laptop computing once again following the milestone created by the MacBook Air."
Editors Note: For those interested in securing a legacy 13- or 15-inch MacBook Pro with CD/DVD, Apple Authorized Reseller MacMall is exclusively offering AppleInsider readers the lowest prices anywhere on these models (Between $100 and $395 off) when using the links in our Price Guides (segment below) and then applying Promo Code: APPLEINSIDER01. The reseller also only charges sales tax in a handful of states.
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61 Comments
In some ways this kinda sucks, but then again I can see why Apple would want to shrink its product line up and move people to the MBP retina. It would be nice to see the MBP Retina at the same price points as the non-retina one eventually.
I love my 15" MBP with the optical drive. I still need one and don't really want to carry around an external one. Plus I like having the ports I need on the side and not 20 dongles coming off it to give it the same functionality. I just threw an Intel 180GB SSD in it and its like a brand new laptop.
I just want the 17" to come back.
About Tim.
I am sure this will be the case. RIP. The thicker design had a huge advantage for those of us that love to tinker. Despite having a new 2013 Mac Pro, I'm keeping my old MBP 15" till it drops to bits. I love it as my ''go to' computer and in truth use far more than my iPad Air. For the last year I have an .5 TB SSD and a 1TB HD after ripping out its optical which is in an external case now. This year maybe I go all SSD. Thanks to Apple Care it also had a new motherboard last year so it should last a long time. That all said I guess the new Airs are amazing I just don't need one ... yet ...
Its all about the upgradeability. I believe most could not care less about the SuperDrive being built it.
I would be all over a Macbook Pro retina if I could service basic parts like the RAM and Drive.
If you are a person that needs 1TB of storage, the Macbook Pro retina is unaffordable for most people. A 1TB 7200RPM for the non-retina runs about $80. A 1.5TB 5400RPM for the non-retina runs about $120. And the argument of external storage is laughable. Why would I want a 3mm thinner laptop just so I could carry around a portable drive? NO!
A 16GB RAM, 1TB 7200RPM Non-retina 13" Macbook Pro can run you less than $1400. The cheapest 13" retina model with 16GB (soldered) RAM and 1TB SSD is $2499 + TAX
A 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Non-retina 13" Macbook Pro can run you less than $1800. Either way, you save a TON of money.
Apple can produce a retina Macbook Pro that is upgradeable but 2-3mm thicker. EASY!! Financially for Apple, they prefer your system have little resale value, require THEIR overprices "Geniuses" have to repair it, and force the system to obsolescence earlier and earlier.
Its a money grab and/or its Apple designers with a one track mind. Make it thinner at any cost of usefulness.
VERY VERY Frustrated with Apple.