Our Thoughts on New MacBook Models

While most of the details about the new MacBook models leaked (with Apple's blessing?) couples of hours before the Keynote, the latest was an interesting moment as it defines a new strategy for notebooks.
The manufacturing process was indeed one of the key point of the event, as it revolutionizes the way notebooks are designed and produced, to have both light and rigid models. Apple really presented it as the basis of its long-term strategy for notebooks. If the process might be initially more expensive, by recycling Alu enclosure the cost will most likely decrease quickly while bringing a greener Apple to Greenpeace.
Unfortunately, when looking at the new MacBook models we have a mixed feeling. Somehow, one could thing that to maintain similar prices while having to invest massively for the new innovative manufacturing lines, Apple dropped some features and functions. If the new MacBook models features DDR3 RAM, known to be more expensive than the current DDR2, and MacBook Pro have a NVidia SLI Hybrid video solution, all other components are a big compromise:
- The new entry-level MacBook Pro sport only 3 MB of cache, the faster Core 2 Duo with 6 MB of cache is now a BTO....
- All video adaptors have to be ordered separately, the most expensive one is priced 99 €!
- The MacBook does not have FireWire anymore. This was not mention during the keynote, most probably because it would have driven some remarks or comments from the audience. Of course, one can argue that this is a defined choice to clearly differentiate the MacBook from its more expensive and fully featured brother the MacBook Pro.
- No more matt display, while most video and photo Pro users prefer such display than the now standard glossy models. However, we will judge based on usage, and we agree that it is important to get LED backlighting on all notebook, for both preserving battery life time and our environment.
One the other side, if you are rich enough, and ready to spend nearly 2900 €, you can get the high-end MacBook Pro sporting a Core 2 Duo clocked at 2.8 GHz and a 128 GB SSD. On the other side, the MacBook has been really improved, appearing as a true brother of the MacBook Pro. If the FireWire port is now missing, it should frankly only be a problem for a small number of users as USB2 is now offering high speed transfer and new HD video camcorder are often now using the USB2 interface instead of the FireWire, while it was the default output port couple of years ago. So the main problem will be with external HD as USB2 remain slower than FireWire 400.
In summary, Apple changed its notebook strategy, most probably to keep capturing new market share, even though so long time Mac users might be disappointed by the lack of some features, they will remain faithful to the community. In addition, one should not forget that its OS first defines a Mac, and with Snow Leopard our Macs should get a second breath. Last but not least, if you prefer the previous MacBook models, then hurry up and go to the refurb store as Apple is emptying its stocks.