Historically, Apple loves cleanly delineated product lines, so the “MacBook Pro” re-shuffling seems strange even if the socialist element is a fun side effect. Unless they’re clearing out the MacBook for something else entirely.
Think about it: Right now a single, lonely model bears the name MacBook. A model that’s been around forever, too. On the other hand, there are three sizes of MacBook Pros in six, count ‘em, six flavours. Lopsided much? The poor thing gets no promotion, either. It was quietly updated to be faster than aluminium MacBook last week, warranting just a one-line mention during the WWDC Philnote. Where’s the splash pic for Apple’s most affordable Mac on the Mac page?
So, why is Apple basically wasting one of their most powerful brands, their “most popular Mac”?
Because they’re about to call something else MacBook.
It’s the only logical explanation for the muddled, complicated and totally un-Apple product line. Why all of their core notebooks are now called MacBook Pros. Why MacBook denotes a single notebook, one that perpetually seems like it’s on its way out—because it very likely is on its way out.
There are two possibilities that stand out for MacBook: A new, even cheaper notebook, following the hard price cuts across the iMac and MacBook Pro lines. Or at the very least, a completely redesigned MacBook family that looks way different than what Apple is currently calling MacBook Pro, and maybe even the current MacBook. That’s the more conservative take.
The other possibility is mostly in fap-fap fantasyland, but we can’t rule it out: What if Apple calls that tablet thing MacBook? (Indicating it’s at least somewhat different than most people have been imaging.) What better way to use one of their most iconic brands to signify a complete shift in mainstream computers? Calling the tablet a MacBook would be incredibly ballsy, but an incredibly powerful signal, too.
Either way, we’re pretty sure Apple isn’t just going to let the MacBook wither and die—something new is coming that’s gonna be called MacBook, and we’d wager relatively soon, too.
Or maybe Apple’s just becoming a little bit more like every other PC maker and doesn’t know what the hell they’re doing with their brands anymore. But I somehow doubt that.
Brent McMillan
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 12:09 PMMy feeling is that the Macbook IS in transition with the profitable white polycarb model used as a stop gap until a new lineup can be launched.
If I was a betting man I would be expecting Apple to launch a new MacBook line up with screen sizes/dimensions heading closer to (but not entering) the netbook range.
I’m not suggesting this potentially ‘new’ MacBook range will be used to compete directly in the netbook space, I feel Apple aren’t attracted to this market using the OS X platform at least. But I do think they may look to exploit some of that demand for machines with a smaller footprint.
So maybe a 13″ & 11″ design, with iPod Nano-like colour selection?
As for the tablet rumour going around… if true I doubt it will carry the MacBook moniker. It doesn’t fit in with the ‘book’ component of the ‘MacBook’ brand that typical notebooks visually link to. Apple are fussy with this sort of branding imagery.
Nathan
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 12:17 PMI agree, maybe a MacBook Mini ?
Luke Ramsden
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 12:52 PMMacPage
Except that sounds like a new item on the McDonalds menu.
iPage.
iTablet.
MacTab
haha I’m out.
Steve McQuarrie
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1:00 PMMacBook Touch… the tablet.
Then you have MacBook Touch/Mini – MacBook (White)- Macbook Pro.
I’d expect the MacBook Touch/Mini to be around the same price as a MacBook if it came out because Apple won’t sacrifice profit (nor shoudl they be expected to) for the sake of trying to compete with generic netbook – they’ve said that’s not their end game. They’re competitor AWARE, not competitor focused.
And eventually the standard white MacBook would again become a unibody aluminium one when the Pros get a (significant – end of year?) specifications bump.
Tristan
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 2:48 PMDammit… I was already to go and buy a 13″ Pro today to replace my Air (really miss firewire) but this does make heaps of sense… not sooooo much the tablet, but more the smaller MacBook’s… and I really want an 11″ or 12″ machine…
Simon
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 4:19 PMWhat if they are about the release a e-book reader?
reeco
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:23 PMdefinitely makes sense. Apple always have a revolution every couple of years. If they release said product at the end/start of the year then it would fit perfectly with that idea.
They didnt by a chip maker for no reason. Based on the info for that company it would seem that the probable chip would sit, performance wise, above Atoms. Basically enough to run OSX with “enough ease” but not so much power that it eats into core2duo territory(macbook pros).
Cant wait
p.s Do people realize that the 12″ macbook was one of apples most popular products? also had a diehard following.Hmmm something to think about