Rumor Mill: 17-Inch Macbook in the Works; Mac Mini Still Going
Despite a drop in sales on Apple products this year, Apple may unveil a shiny, 17-inch Macbook model at this week’s Macword Expo. Built a bit like the Macbook Air, this model is slated to have a fixed internal battery, unlike its sister products. Otherwise, it would have the same uniform enclosure and features of the current versions.
While it’s unlikely that people will be jumping to buy a bigger Macbook to replace their old, worn 13 and 15-inch models, similar rumors of a new Macbook Mini and the OS Snow Leopard suggests that Apple is staying aggressive amid the downturn.
Speaking of rumors, sources have been spreading the word that Microsoft will be making huge layoffs to the tune of 15,000 employees. While this claim may not be substantiated by Microsoft themselves, as their hiring plans are currently “under review.” Whatever that means.
As we eagerly await the Microsoft 7 unveiling, the down economy might put an interesting twist on the OS and device battle between Apple, Microsoft and smaller competitors. I’m a little curious about the 17-inch Macbook in particular, considering that anyone who needs a larger screen (digital filmmakers, sound recorders, you know what I’m talkin’ about) would go with something more powerful than a standard Macbook, anyway.
Would you drop the dough for a bigger Macbook, or is this rumor too bland to be true?









Grace Moon
Kelly McCartney
Diana Cage
Kent Martin
Professor Crandall
Michelle Sewell
Ashley Harness
Elizabeth Koke
Erin Blackwell
Julia Watson
Staceyann Chin
Sarah Papplardo
Angela Jimenez
Patrice Kamins
Amy Nicole Miller
The L Word Pages















#IranElection
facebook
MySpace
flickr
Youtube
the l word was/will be chock full of shameless Apple product placement…is VP trying to get mac freebies/$$ too???
[Reply]
While the Mac looks cool and all that, I have yet to find one that does what I need it to do. It seems the Mac is geared more towards the media and publishing industries, as well as gaming and basic end user stuff. I have yet to find one that can do what I need it to do, run the software I require, and handle all the devices I have to attach. Simply put, the Mac lacks the power, durability, and flexibility I can get in a laptop one third the price.
As for Microsoft, the rumored layoffs were announced in Europe last November. Seems Vista wasn’t the hit Microsoft thought it was, although it did boost sales in OEM versions of XP Home and Pro (users were replacing their Vista OS’s within a few months). Some computer makers, particularly HP and Compaq, took a huge marketing hit when they tried to force users to stick with Vista, voiding warrantees on any computer that had older OS’s on them. IT buzz is that Vista will be dumped soon in favor of another generation OS in the pipeline from Microsoft.
Hopefully they’ll beta test and debug the new one BEFORE requiring everyone to upgrade to it.
[Reply]
Sarah……. I am a Macaholic and I am wet with anticipation !! I currently have a 17″ MacBook Pro a G5 Desktop. I am thrilled with the innovations incorporated in the new 17″ MacBook Pro…. shit, I’m truly a techno geek !!
Not only are the graphics, and colors incredible, but the battery boasts 8 hours of full use on a complete charge. And, it can be charged up to 1,000 times. About a 5 year life span. That is around 3 times longer than a ‘normal’ laptop battery. They are incorporating an adaptive charging system (a chip in the battery, monitors it’s charging needs) so the battery is never over charged.
The visuals are drop dead, fucking gorgeous! 2.3 million pixels of perfection!
It sports a, high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen display on the 17-inch MacBook Pro, with desktop-quality color (it is fucking awesome) in an Apple notebook for the first time.
The 1920-by-1200-pixel resolution (133 pixels per inch) means you can view more palettes and windows, or watch HD video, in its native 1920-by-1080 resolution.
The display offers a 60 percent greater color gamut than previous generations for richer, more vibrant colors….. And, a 700:1 contrast ratio that makes whites brighter….. and blacks blacker. I can’t wait to get mine!!
17″ MacBook Pro = true love and happiness, techno geek style !!
Drivin’ to the Apple Store,
LBDL
[Reply]
even just surfing & word-processing, i’d go for a bigger screen but not sure what price is. not that i’m about to, any time soon. mine’s not a year old yet.
[Reply]
I’m interested in the Mac mini so I can use Mac software. I like to be multi-platform as well as multicultural in life.
[Reply]
he’s not gonna die, come on.
http://www.mercurynews.com/businessheadlines/ci_11371261
he’s got a hormone imbalance!
[Reply]
Can you explain the “Steve Jobs is gonna die soon” rumor?
please of wizard of tech gossip.
[Reply]
He’s got a hormonal imbalance that is wreaking havoc on his ability to absorb nutrients, which is causing him to lose weight (rapidly). Kind of like my thyroid problem that all the docs told me 15 years ago would kill me in three. I’m still here, and managed to gain a few pounds to boot, so I imagine Steve Jobs will do just fine.
[Reply]
I understand what your saying CMW. Everyone’s needs are different.
However…….
A Mac is about performance, not just it’s awesome looks. The ‘looks’ are a bonus…….In the Film and TV industry ,where I have spent a good portion of my life, a Mac is essential….
If you are a pro, the editing possibilities are endless. Final Cut Pro on a Mac, is a natural fit. The perfect compliment. The video/graphics software that is available is unbelievable, and the quality …..Well, it’s what everyone is experiencing in the new ‘digital’ movie theaters, and on everyone’s 1080 HDTV’s at home. I have yet to see a Post House, or Editing Facility in Hollywood that edits on anything else.
For the average consumer, it is loaded with software that is unbeatable for outstanding video creation and editing, music creation and editing, photo programs, etc.
I know musicians who have opened the box, and build music programs that are not only professional, but with a mix that is so outstanding that they can cut CD’s in no time……
A Mac is a machine, and the innovations are well worth the extra cost. Yes, of course it is not for everyone. Like anything else, it does depend on what your necessary applications will be. If you’re simply into ‘word processing’, web surfing, etc, it’s a waste of money. Although, some of the iLife ‘word’ programs are outstanding.
Performance, reliability, ease of use, limitless possibilities……. that’s a Mac.
For real, they’re awesome.
** [I've been an 'Apple' girl since day one.....I've never had a virus, I need no anti-virus software. The Apple 'geeks', in the Apple store, are an incredible group of freaks that love what they do and will answer all of your questions with a big silly geek-a-fied grin. And when you call tech support......you are actually connected to someone who likes what they do, and enjoy the challenge !! ]
Yeah, I know………. I’m kinda crazy about Mac’s !!
[Reply]
I’m not a doctor - but I don’t think you can be cured of pancreatic cancer, can you? I’ve known two people who died within a couple of years of being diagnosed with P C.
Steve Jobs will be getting the most advanced treatments, no doubt.
[Reply]
I MADE A BOO BOO….. “I currently have a 17″ MacBook Pro a G5 Desktop.” That statement makes no sense at all. I should have written: I have a 17″ MacBook Pro laptop, and a G5 desktop. Heeee heeeee, I certainly do wish the edit feature around here lasted longer !!
[Reply]
Hadn’t thought about that…..but I hope so - good idea actually! Freebies for the cause….putting wares to good use…..
[Reply]