Apple, you disappointed me, and many others. We expected to see, the $2199 model across the board, we expected that this retina display and thin body would be put into more, cheaper models. This model that you did release is too held down by limited capabilities, so it isn’t quite a Pro, but yet, because of its price, it isn’t a consumer computer either. In case none of you have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to recap WWDC 2012 for you. First, they introduced new standard MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs (which I’m buying a new MacBook Air), and they introduced the “next generation” “retina display” MacBook Pro.
New MacBook Airs
The new MacBook Airs were first and to me they were, in my opinion, exactly what I thought would happen, a minor spec boost. Well maybe Sandy to Ivy isn’t minor, but it isn’t the biggest upgrade yet. It has three main new features. One, it has 1.8ghz-1.9ghz Ivy Bridge and with its usual SSD it will be pretty fast. Two, it has a new price scheme, both computers are $100 off the last generation models. And three, the graphics have updated from Intel 3000 to 4000. It also has new connections such as USB 3.0 (expected) and MagSafe 2 (unexpected). The display has also remained unchanged.
The new 13 inch MacBook Pros
The 13 inch MBPs received little update, a .1 ghz change from last years model (however keep in mind it is a new processor). It still has a HDD and Disc Drive (unexpected). It has the same amount of RAM and storage. The model does have improved graphics like the Airs. It has gone from Intel 3000 to 4000. It appears the front camera has improved. The USB, like the Air has also improved. The Bluetooth between the two models has improved as well, last years was 2.1, this years is 4.0. In terms of weight and thickness, it has remained virtually unchanged to my complete disappointment. The display has also remained unchanged.
The new non-retina display 15 inch MacBook Pros
The new 15 inch MacBook Pros have also received little update. The main difference is that last years model that was 2.4ghz (Sandy bridge) and it is now 2.7ghz (Ivy Bridge). This MacBook Pro still has the HDD (or SSD depending on which one you buy and a disc drive). The graphics have also improved from Intel 3000 to Intel 4000. It still has the same up to 8 GB of ram, which all of you know is not true, unofficially it can have more. The storage has improved. This years model can go up to 1 TB (or 1000 GB) or 512 GB in SSD, while last years model went up to 512 GB (non SSD). There is an update in connections, including an additional ThunderBolt, a USB 3.0 and a MagSafe 2 connector. The weight, price and cost are all the same. Again, the display is not retina display.
The “Retina Display” 15 inch MacBook Pro
I have to admit this thing looks amazing. This is why I’m angry at Apple because it also starts at $2199. STARTS at $2199. That is not in my price range. However, for those of you who do have $2199 from your back pocket to afford this computer, I will go over it anyway. First off, it has a retina display. Like the new iPad, it has more pixels than your typical high definition TV. It is 2880×1800. It now has 2.7 ghz like its non-retina display brother. It has the same Intel 4000 upgrade as its brothers. Officially, this computer now supports 16 GB, and it remains to be seen if it unofficially supports even more than that (there would be no point in more than 16). It has up to 768 GB of SSD. See how I said only SSD this time, this model does not have HDD nor a disc drive. It has two thunderbolt, HDMI, two USB 3.0, the new MagSafe 2 connector and it lost the FireWire and Ethernet as expected. This accounts for the .2 inch lost in depth and its 1.14 pound weight loss, which is something some people will enjoy. These features sound wonderful to me except two things. I carry things around so I want things light enough to carry (my iPad goes everywhere I go, it is glued to my hand). The 4.46 pounder is still a little heavy for me, the MacBook Air is very light and fits my needs. The second thing that is wrong is the fact that it is too expensive. It is not a consumer MacBook, but I’m not sure if it’s exactly professional either.
The 17 inch MacBook Pro
My apologies to everyone. The MacBook Pro 17 inch has died. Many have speculated that this will happen. Again my sympathy to anyone who knew MacBook Pro 17 inch and loved it. I believe Apple made a mistake here. There are professional users who want a lot of real estate. Please comment how you feel about losing the 17 inch MacBook Pro. RIP MacBook Pro 17 inch.
Wrapping things up
All in all, I am slightly disappointed at what Apple put out. However, I will look at it this way, maybe Apple saw that it just wasn’t possible to make it cheaper. Maybe it wasn’t possible to put it across the board. Let’s remember Apple called this the next generation while only putting out 15 inch Pros, who’s to say they won’t put out 13 inch of the same next time around. It isn’t the end, this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what will come out of Apple within the year and next year. This is just the beginning of something great, something insanely great even, and I cant wait to see it grow.
Thank you for reading,
Joe