As expected, Apple today debuted a 17-inch version of the MacBook Pro, the second model in its Intel-based notebook lineup. The system, which retails for US$2,799, includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and is different than the 15-inch in that it ships with a FireWire 800 port (in addition to a FW 400), an 8x dual layer SuperDrive and three USB ports instead of two.
Like many of you, I paid top dollar for my MBP15 with a much slower FW 400 port and a wimpy 4x single layer SuperDrive. The 17-inch is spec’d to be the same thickness as the 15-inch (one inch) so that pretty much negates the argument that there wasn’t enought height in the 15-inch to fit the dual layer burner. And what about all the FW800 drives that I purchased? Bummer.
UPDATE:
I understand that Apple will and should improve their products over time. This is natural. I’m just a little miffed that Apple didn’t ship the MBP15 with the DL drive. After all, the 15 and 17 are the same thickness and that was the main argument I heard about them not being able to fit the DL drive into the MBP15. I can’t help but think that this was part of Apple’s plan to differentiate the MBP17. Some say that it’s wrong, some say that it’s good business.
The Apple apologists who think that Apple can do no wrong should remember that the previous PowerBook G4 was available with FW800 and a DL drive which they removed from the MBP. An obvious downgrade of these features.
technorati tags: macbook, pro, intel
As expected, Apple today debuted a 17-inch version of the MacBook Pro, the second model in its Intel-based notebook lineup. The system, which retails for US$2,799, includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and is different than the 15-inch in that it ships with a FireWire 800 port (in addition to a FW 400), an 8x dual layer SuperDrive and three USB ports instead of two.
Like many of you, I paid top dollar for my MBP15 with a much slower FW 400 port and a wimpy 4x single layer SuperDrive. The 17-inch is spec’d to be the same thickness as the 15-inch (one inch) so that pretty much negates the argument that there wasn’t enought height in the 15-inch to fit the dual layer burner. And what about all the FW800 drives that I purchased? Bummer.
UPDATE:
I understand that Apple will and should improve their products over time. This is natural. I’m just a little miffed that Apple didn’t ship the MBP15 with the DL drive. After all, the 15 and 17 are the same thickness and that was the main argument I heard about them not being able to fit the DL drive into the MBP15. I can’t help but think that this was part of Apple’s plan to differentiate the MBP17. Some say that it’s wrong, some say that it’s good business.
The Apple apologists who think that Apple can do no wrong should remember that the previous PowerBook G4 was available with FW800 and a DL drive which they removed from the MBP. An obvious downgrade of these features.
