As regular visitors to this page may be aware, I’ve just sunk a whack of cash on a new MacBook Pro to replace my ailing Powerbook G4. The new machine should make mincemeat of tasks that the PB toiled over as it limped on with a nearly-full hard drive and one dead RAM slot. I should notice HUGE performance improvements in just about every area with the MBP. I held on for a few months knowing an update was round the corner with the Penryn chips, but when they finally dropped on Tuesday, I almost didn’t jump for it because they didn’t have the case redesign I had expected. When I thought it through, though, I took the plunge.
It seems the Editor of MacWorld is in the same situation as I was, but as he mulled it over he hit on the notion that Apple have actually perfected the designs of its product lines, and thus, any changes to come will only be minor. Perfected?? I don’t think so, but to an extent, he has a point. I’m glad I bought one when I did.
The basic design of my new machine is virtually identical to that of the 4 year-old Powerbook it’s replacing. Why leave it as it is? Well, the simple fact is, even though it’s getting old, the design is still sleeker and nicer than pretty much any other machine out there. There have been a few refinements, and I dare say they could make some more, but it really is exceptionally beautiful. And don’t forget, it’s just the external case! The real meat & potatoes are inside, and that part certainly HAS been changing.
So why chould they change the case? Well, I have a couple of minor gripes.
1) The paint-pitting issue on the wrist area. My Powerbook looks vile there now and it’s actually uncomfortable to use. There must be some sort of compound they can use to sort this out. Also, that front edge is pretty sharp…
2) The latch. The hook-latch system is horribly flawed. Surely the next revision will have the magnetic latch of the MacBook and the Air?
Neither of these is a deal-breaker for me. OK, I was also a little disappointed at the lack of a MacBook/Air-style keyboard, but again, that’s nothing serious. It’s still the sexiest darn machine that’s out there right now.
So will they change the case? Will there be a major facelift when the Montevina architecture comes in this summer? I’d be surprised if they didn’t, quite honestly. At least a little. Maybe a lot.
I could have held on for another 6 months. I could have waited for a new design. I could have held off buying because something better was round the corner. The problem is that there’s ALWAYS something better round the corner and I need the machine NOW. And in two or three years time, my MacBook Pro will still be a great computer, just as my Powerbook has been.
And if Steve does release a new case design later this year?
Well, I’ll probably post my MBP up on eBay before you can blink and get the new machine like the blinkered, materialistic, hypocritical Apple fanboy that I am.
Iain's Isle 