An ultra-slim version of the Apple MacBook Pro may be in development, taking after the MacBook Air.
MacRumors reports a 15-inch, extra-thin Pro is in 'late testing stages' at Apple HQ. TUAW reckons a 17-inch model is also in the works.
What will the backroom boffins pack into a slimline Pro? The ultra-portable Pro is likely to feature an Intel Sandy Bridge chip and the super-speedy Thunderbolt data-transfer port. Thunderbolt is now standard in Apple's Air and Pro laptops, iMac and Mac mini desktop PCs, and Cinema Display monitor.
The new Pro model is likely to dispense with the CD drive to achieve Air-skinny dimensions, and perhaps even the Ethernet port too. Both are missing from the Air. The new Air features flash memory rather than the hard drive seen in the Pro, so it's not clear which a hybrid model would include. A hard drive would offer the kind of capacity Pro users expect at a cheaper price, but flash drives are faster and less likely to die if dropped, kicked or generally given a good hiding.
A thinner Pro would be another entry to the category Intel calls 'ultrabooks', alongside the Air and Asus UX21. The big question is what the laptop would be called. Air Pro? Pro Air? MacBook Prayer anyone?
It's probably still going to be called the MacBook Pro, but it is possible the slimline model could replace the recently killed MacBook sans suffix, and just be called MacBook. The original MacBook disappeared from the laptop line-up with the launch of the latest Airs.
The word on the street is that the slimline Pro could hit the shops around Christmas, hopefully joining the iPhone and next-generation iPad.
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Comments 2
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ace9988 28 July, 2011 14:18
if the pro becomes the size of the air....what happens to the air ?
Anonymous 31 July, 2011 18:37
My hunch is, no 13" Macbook Pro, just 15 & 17" models, base model to have 256gB SSD, upgradeable to 512SSD or may two of the aforementioned for 1 TB, 4gB DDR3 standard, upto 16gB DDR3, 2 x Thunderbolt ports, High Resolution screens, HD Facetime camera, no optical drive. i5 and i7 Quad core processors as standard, SD card reader, a possible ethernet port although I think they will do the standard upsell and give you the option of purchasing the £25 ethernet USB adaptor, 3 x USB ports, no IR sensor. Of course the obligatory Apple Stickers ; p
I'm certain they will keep the black glass enclosure to differentiate the Pro vs Air. The current 17" Macbook Pro is a little fugly on the keyboard region. I suggest including the numeric key pad as there is so much real estate around the keyboard area. I don't think the screen lid will be as thin as the Air because of the HD camera. Due to ergonomics, I think they will also adopt the tapered design of the air and I don't think it is going to much thicker than the air as they will have much usable area than the internals of the Air. Of course another limiting factor would be the depth of Firewire 800 ports etc. Aluminium and glass will still be the choice of materials, possibly carbon fibre but doubtful? I predict 21mm depth at the thickest point!
Lineup: Budget iPhone, iPhone 5, 9" iPad, 11" Macbook Air, 13" Macbook Air, 15" Macbook Pro, 17" Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, Mac Mini Server, iMac 21.5", iMac 27" and Mac Pro.
A little of subject but I also predict no more standard wireless mouse but instead a trackpad only for all desktops. And they should design the new iPhone 5 with a 5" screen that is completely edge-to-edge and perforate the screen for a concealed speaker and camera, taking inspiration from the little pulsing white LED on the front of the current Macbook Pro line up. And a slim depth by keeping the steel band at present as chassis and recessing the two glass panels so they are flush with steel band?
I wonder how much comes true?