Geek & Mild by Sean Sperte

Jan 11th, 2006 The MacBook Pro

I’ve read several reactions to yesterday’s keynote, most of which are positive concerning the MacBook Pro (and other new offerings from Apple), but there’s also a low rumble of complaint against the name of “MacBook Pro.”

Just to get readers up to speed, here’s what the MacBook Pro really is:

• Intel-powered duo-core processor running at 1.67ghz and 1.83ghz
• Up to four times faster than current PowerBook models
• Same aluminum casing as PowerBook G4
• 15.5” screen, as bright as Cinema Displays
• Same weight as 15” PowerBook G4
• As thin as 17” PowerBook G4
• New features include (but aren’t limited to): Built-in iSight camera, “MagSafe” power slot, IR port and Apple Remote, pre-installed Front Row

So that’s the MacBook Pro. Of course, I want one.

Steve Jobs said something key during the … uh — keynote. He said “we wanted all of our product line to have the name ‘Mac’ in its title.” This tells you that the name was deeply considered before it was adopted. Other names have been suggested by the Mac community, but there are problems with each:

• iBook Pro - The iBook is branded as a consumer product already and simply adding a “Pro” to the title would confuse an already delicate branding situation. There’s also the fact that this is a new product line.
• iMac Mobile/Portable - This makes no sense. The iMac is a desktop system and has been adopted as such; and again, it doesn’t say “I’m a new product.”
• MobileMac - Would you want to walk into an Apple Store and ask for a “MobileMac?” Me neither.
• MacPad - Doesn’t make as much sense as “book” and sounds more like an Apple accessory than a Pro product.
• pMac - This is the best suggestion I’ve read/heard as it retains the “Mac” in the title while remaining simple and Apple-esque. The problem here is that the “p” would actually stand for something, while the “i” in iBook and iMac hasn’t ever been defined. Plus, “pMac” (probably) doesn’t look very cool when etched onto the aluminum casing.

So, when you really think about it the name makes sense … and it’s starting to grow on me.

More of my thoughts soon.

UPDATE: I came across a thread on the Apple Discussions site in which one person had a great recommendation for the new laptop name: Macintosh ProBook. Now that’s a solid product name. Fits the bill, gets it done. Apple, are you listening?