Feb 13th, 2008 Waiting on the MacBook Pro
It was with disbelief and frustration that I read this statement in an article published on MacRumors ten days ago (emphasis mine):
While the new MacBook Pros will likely incorporate only modest updates (Penryn and Multi-Touch), with their imminent release, its hard to justify the purchase of the current 8 month old models.
I’d just hit “Submit” on an order for a MacBook Pro just 15 minutes earlier — after a furious internal debate over waiting or not. I knew revisions for the pro-line machines were coming, but with my current PowerBook G4 (early-2005) acting more like a boat anchor than a productivity tool, and with a demanding work schedule and task-list, I felt I couldn’t wait any longer.
That statement shook me, though. It’s hard to justify the purchase of the current 8 month old models. It echoed in my head and haunted me for the rest of the evening — until I decided it was true. It was hard to justify it. In fact, it was too hard, so I cancelled my order.
Now I’m waiting, credit card in hand, for … well, I don’t know. Based on the rumors, it sounds like the new MacBook Pros will have new, Penryn processors, feature the new multi-touch trackpad (as found on the MacBook Air), and possibly have a new enclosure and/or a black keyboard.
To me, none of those items are worth waiting for. Since I’m upgrading from a PPC G4, I’m apathetic to a processor update — I’d be happy with a 2GHz Core Duo right now. I couldn’t care less about the multi-touch trackpad. And a new enclosure is actually potentially bad for me, as I’ve happily touted a 15-inch, aluminum laptop around for years.
So, really, I guess I’m waiting for two reasons: (1) so I don’t buy a brand new laptop that is practically obsolete the day it’s delivered, and (2) in case Apple introduces a next-generation MacBook Pro instead of just a revision to the current one.
At least I don’t feel alone in my particular campaign. Hundreds (if not, thousands) of others are also waiting on the new MacBook Pros. Based on what I’ve read, these are serious buyers, not just fanboys who can’t wait to see what Apple has up their sleeve. With the MacBook Air missing a niche market of professional users, you can almost smell the money people are ready to throw at Apple for a new, full-featured laptop.
[Photo credit: Photoshop mockup by “bayol05” of MacRumors forums.]
Sean Sperte is Geek & Mild. His passion for technology and media, along with his interest in 
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Comments
Steve 13 February 7:50pm
If you don’t like the new enclosure, or anything else about the new machine, you still benefit in that you can save a few bucks buying an “old” model.
Scott Nelle 13 February 9:28pm
I’ll bet you can find a nice macbook on craigslist that would put your G4 to shame, use it for a few months to tide you over, and then sell it for damn near what you paid for it. Just like cars, laptops take the biggest hit in resale value when they transition from new to used. Used to slightly more used is a different story.
Arthur 13 February 11:56pm
I had a similar experience when purchasing my G4 (1.67), but it was on the eve of the Macworld introduction of the Intel MacBook. The notion of holding out a few weeks for an Intel Macintosh that would obliterate the G4 nearly drove me batty. I probably held my order for about 10 days while scouring the web for any information and making feeble attempts at stringing along bits of rumor into probability.
In the end, I’m happy with my purchase, and I’ll offer you what I finally made me press Submit on my G4; build quality. I think that the last revisions of Apple’s line gives the buyer the best quality/performance ratios. Prior to this notebook, I had a 550Mhz TiBook, and when my brother got his about a year later (last prior to the AlBooks), there were noticeable improvements. Small, but significant.
Tim Van Damme 14 February 6:24am
Ghaaa! I’m in the exact same position! I need a new laptop and monitor by April 1st, but I just don’t want to order them now.
Drivin’ me nuts…
allgood2 14 February 6:36am
I guess it depends on what you are waiting for, Apple updated the laptop lineup back in November. Though, I guess some people consider the chip upgrades and hard drive options not enough. The problem with waiting for something big is that you’ll always be using something obsolete.
It’s easier to get into a mentality of attempting to upgrade on a cycle. For me, that means, I always try to replace my laptop within 3 months of Apple Extended Care. Before it ends or after, this gives me leeway to grab up the next new thing if its introduced at MacWorld (San Francisco edition), or to take advantage of back to school product introductions.
The only time I hold out is for rumors that are almost guarantees. You know the ones that state a new product this week, by multiple sources. Otherwise, your just holding out for a pie in the sky—you might get one, or you might get creamed.
Patrick Haney 14 February 7:43pm
We’re definitely due on the MacBook Pro front. I’ve been waiting for a compelling reason to buy one myself, but I’ve got myself a Rev A MBP to hold me over in the meantime, so an update to the line has to be significant in order for me to feel that I truly “need” a new one.
That said, I can really notice the difference between my single core MBP and my dual core Mac Mini at home. And it doesn’t help that I’m maxed out at 2GB of RAM. But the thing I’m really interested in is the battery life increase with lower power chips and LED backlit screens (my MBP lasts just over 2 hours during “normal” usage on battery power).
At any rate, we should see an update soon. How much of an update? Who knows. But an update nonetheless.
Sean 14 February 8:09pm
Well that was a great idea, Scott. I actually just picked up a MacBook from a Craiglist ad on the cheap — last night! So far I’m loving it! What an upgrade! (More on this later.)
Wedding Videographer 15 February 5:05pm
Whats up with the mini mac? can you run video editing software like imovie and final cut pro on it?
MacBook is def the way to go but I also want a mini.
Scott Nelle 18 February 8:34pm
Hope it works out for you, Sean. Let us know how it all turns out.
Casey Bombacie 27 February 5:28pm
good thing you waited. I hope you get 250 gb and 4 gb respectively.
Max 14 April 1:20am
I probably held my order for about 10 days while scouring the web for any information and making feeble attempts at stringing along bits of rumor into probability.
Pamela 22 June 7:55am
This is a puppy I want to have.
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