Recent reports floating on the WWW have narrowed rumours that there will be a potential refresh of the MacBook Pro series in the upcoming WWDC 2007 this June. Alongside with the anticipated focus on Mac OS X Leopard and some secret features that will most likely be revealed during the WWDC keynote. Most notably the inclusion of virtual machine as part of the Mac OS X Leopard architecture. If true, this will effectively eliminate the need for Parallels, as an ancillary purchase with a Mac for those desiring to run Windows on their new Mac without needing to reboot. This prediction is based on the popular uptake of the Mac since its ability to run Windows was announced.
The potential MacBook Pro updates, include the replacement of the current Intel Core 2 Duo processors with those based on the Intel Santa Rosa architecture, dubbed Centrino Duo andCentrino Pro on the PC platform. Boasting an 800MHz bus speed with a 2.4GHz processor speed ceiling (current MacBook Pros run 2.33GHz processor at a 667GHz bus speed). The new chips are reported to have better energy management, providing for longer battery life and improved performance when running multiple applications simultaneously. The new MacBook Pro’s are also touted to be relaunched with LED backlight screens in place of the current flourescent backlit screens. Eliminating the use of Mercury whilst, proving to be a more energy efficient technology (longer battery life) which provides better colour uniformity and offers the possibility of thinner design.
According to various WWW reports, its claimed that Apple has ceased production of the current MacBook Pro series and is allowing existing stock in retails outlets to drain, leading up to the re-launch of the refreshed MacBook Pro series in the upcoming WWDC 2007. Expect fire sales and great deals in the month of June 2007.
To avoid disappointment, potential MacBook Pro buyers are, however, advised to wait, at least until after WWDC 2007 to make their MacBook Pro purchases. Following Apple’s pricing trend, the refreshed MacBook Pro series is expected to be similarly priced as the current models. If this trend persists, there’s no sense to pay the same for less, if its only a few week’s wait.
The much awaited, ultra portable ‘MacBook mini’ on the other hand, has been reported to be delayed and will most likely be given a miss this WWDC 2007. With any announcements related to this model, slated at end 2007.