Re-defining "Pro": The 13" MacBook Pro

Once again, Gruber called it (aside, I wish I had his sources); the naming distinctions between the unibody 13" MacBook and the 15" MacBook Pro are now gone: say hello to the 13" MacBook Pro. Complete with a lower price (starts at $1199 and goes to $1499 in stock configurations), and more features (SD card slot, FireWire 800, 7-hour battery), the 13" MacBook Pro will likely continue to be Apple's best selling laptop.

This is an interesting reversal of branding. When the unibody MacBooks were released last fall, they appeared nearly identical to the larger, "Pro" labeled companion. The two big differences (aside from screen size) were the video card configurations (integrated for the MacBook, as opposed to integrated and discrete in the MBP) and the lack of a FireWire on the "amateur" edition. Many of us speculated that the removal of FireWire was done primarily to distinguish between the two lines and try to move consumers up to a pricier model.

There was a lively debate in the posts about FireWire's exodus from the unibody MacBook about what constitutes a "pro" machine from something that shares the same design but is smaller in size. Without rehashing the whole debate, it pretty much mirrored those "my dad is richer than your dad" fights that always seemed to break out at high school parties in my district. In my experience, when arguments essentially become "you're only a pro if the label says so," the real-world distinction is gone.
Although the lack of FireWire raised the ire of quite a few Mac fans, it clearly didn't affect sales. As Phil noted in the keynote, the 13" unibody MacBook is the best selling Apple notebook. If anything, I imagine the distinction between the two lines has only blurred further, leading to even more users going MacBook rather than MacBook Pro. Couple that with the economy and the advertising attacks aimed at price, and well, unifying the MacBook line makes a lot of sense.

It used to make sense to differentiate between a consumer-focused laptop and a laptop aimed at professionals. However, as time has elapsed, not only is raw performance between the two lines pretty much at parity (excluding 3D graphics tests), the needs of the consumer much more closely align with the needs of the professional. Continuing to brand nearly-identical products differently doesn't make a lot of sense.

Continuing to use the MacBook name on the old white plastic design still makes sense. The 13" white MacBook offers a terrific value (and great performance). Now there actually seems to be a distinction to stepping up $200 to go "Pro" -- the 7-hour integrated battery, the SD-card slot, FireWire 800 and the option of a SSD drive.

In an interesting move, the new lower-priced MacBook Pro 15" is what would have been considered a MacBook just yesterday. The $1699 US model lacks the dual video card option, and instead has the same integrated 9400M chipset as the 13" models.

So, what are your thoughts on the new unification in the Mac line-up. Does the name (or the features) change your decision about getting a 13" or 15" Mac laptop? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macboo…

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Analysis / Opinion Hardware Macbook Pro MacBook

Once again, Gruber called it (aside, I wish I had his sources); the naming distinctions between the unibody 13" MacBook and the 15" MacBook...

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Jen

The fact that the Pro line now has a 13", made me forget about the 15" model. As a college student, portability is key. It makes more sense to have a 13" laptop than a 15". However, the lack of firewire, SD slot and other factors made me stop looking at the original Macbook line. I've since order the 13" pro, and I'm quite excited!

July 10 2009 at 5:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jennyp

To anyone wondering about the new MacBook pro, my experience so far is that it's the most pleasing small laptop I've ever used. I didn't think I could get on with the glossy screen, but it's growing on me, and the colour is very nice. The only gripe I can see is software-related - the inability to disable "pinch zoom". It's a fast and capable machine and it's truly portable. No complaints!

July 09 2009 at 6:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rickey

Thanks for the information. The 13-inch Macbook comes with excellent features. The keyboard has improved a lot and typing is really a pleasure. It is simple and easy to use. This macbook will really satisfy the customers. For more in detail refer http://www.etechreviews.net/mac-is-back-13-inch-macbook-pro-summer-2009-notebook/

July 06 2009 at 6:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Joseph

Does anyone think we will see even more updates to the Macbook PRO line around Christmas and what do you think we will see?

Some new mobile nVidia chips just came out...

http://gizmodo.com/5290473/nvidia-geforce-200m-graphics-cards-just-made-your-notebook-old-and-busted

What about a Bluray superdrive??? Even faster processors???

I COULD WAIT FOR SANTA! :)

June 16 2009 at 11:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Joseph's comment

Christina Warren

I definitely think we'll see processor upgrades, not sure about the mobile graphics chips -- but six months (or even four) is a long time in computer time.

I think blu-ray support will be largely dependent on how the licensing stuff goes this summer. It's supposed to get much, much easier for manufacturers to start putting the drives in their products, but I guess we'll have to see.

June 16 2009 at 11:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Devon

Yeah, I bought my 13" unibody last month for an amazing 900$ on ebay (Brand new) and I was super excited! Now with the introduction of the macbook pro, I don't feel ripped off. I'm happy that apple is offering a great notebook for an amazing low price. You cant be mad at apple just because you can't wait to get a new computer. I was using a 12" powerbook for the last 4 years and I would still be using it today, if apple didn't introduce an aluminum macbook. Once they did, I saved up my money and bought it. I didn't complain when I heard I could have gotten a faster processor, longer battery life and a backlit keyboard for cheaper. I was actually happier...think about what's to come. Look on the bright side, when you do decide to upgrade, you'll have an even better computer than ever imagined and at a great price I'm sure!

The fact that I paid 900$ may also be helping me ease over the introduction of the new macbook pro's. If I would have paid 1400$ like everyone else I may feel a little slated, but lets face it, you could have waited for the new macbook, and you still have an amazing laptop. Just learn next time to just wait.

Also like I stated earlier, if Apple would have introduced a 12" macbook pro, than I would have definately sold my unibody macbook and jumped on it. I really like the 12" size, it's perfect for me (i'm a college student). But the new 13" macbook pro feels and looks exactly like my 13" macbook. Plus my macbook has a replaceable battery slot inside, so I feel like my battery life is infinity! And my processor is only 256mhz slower, which is not too much of a difference. I do like the 8gb ram option though...I don't demand much memory, but it would be cool to say "my macbook has 8gb of ram" And I also like the back-lit keyboard. But I'll wait on an upgrade, because I like my macbook too much. It's easily the best computer I've ever owned!

Unibody specs- 2.0 ghz/ 4gb ram/ 128 ssd/---all for under 1300$= happy student!

June 11 2009 at 12:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Devon

I really wish apple would have introuduced a 12" macbook Pro rather than the 13". I really like the size of the 12" powerboooks, and if apple would have made the new macbook pro a 12", I would have easily sold my 13" macbook unibody (only 2 months old) and pounced on the 12" Macbook Pro. Oh well, I can wait.

June 11 2009 at 12:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to Devon's comment

now4real954

@Devon....why on god's green earth would they come out with a 12 inch MBP?

have you completely lost your mind...the fact of the matter is the 12 inch PowerBook was a standard display...not HD/widescreen which is what all the apple laptops have now...13.3 diagonally equals 12.7 actual width...as I measure my white macbook 13.3"

so you will never see a 12 inch laptop again...unless it is an 11. something inch netbook type macbook coming out sometime in the future...which I think is stupid...my 13" is too small at times to read the screen

June 14 2009 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Devon

RE: Scott

I'm just saying I loved the 12" size, and it would be great if apple came out with a 12" Macbook Pro & adjust the screen to be widescreen & HD...I'm sure Apple could do it! For me, being a college student, it was the perfect size to lug around...even on my lap it felt right, and wasn't too large. I don't have a problem with the 12" screen, it was fine.

I just think if apple kept the macbooks at 13.3" and made the Macbook Pro's for 12" & 15" & 17" they would have covered all aspects. The 13.3" are popular with mostly everyone, including college students. The 15" is nice if you want a big screen that is portable and professionsal. The 17" MBP is nice for people it want the most out of apple and a professional computer. I just think a lot of people would have bought a 12" MBP if they want an ultra-portable computer that is an alternative to the MB Air...plus it's more powerfull and has a slot-loading drive. That's my thinking anyway.

I just want an updated 12" notebook from Apple with current software and intel core 2 duo processor, Ram expandable to 4 (or 8) gb, and a SATA hard drive and a superdrive of course. For ME, the 13.3" macbooks are nice, but just a little too big for me, that's all...oh and no I have not lost my mind, I just like 12" Apple notebooks. :)

June 14 2009 at 5:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

oedipus

Honestly, I've got the 13" alum MacBook 2.4GHz, and rather glad I did get it early. The replaceable battery is paramount when doing photography outdoors while hiking and camping. The only things I really wanted were a better resolution LCD, a matte option, and BluRay support, which is way overdue. Sadly they haven't done anything in that direction, besides retaining firewire. SD cards can easily be overcome with a $3 thumb drive reader (http://www.amazon.com/Premium-SDHC-Card-Reader-Writer/dp/B0015GVQEC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244568410&sr=1-5). The price drop is nice, but why would I upgrade now? Where is any innovation in this upgrade?

June 09 2009 at 1:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to oedipus's comment

homan2

You have a relatively new machine, why would you upgrade?

June 09 2009 at 2:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris

marcus:

you're understandably crabby, as anyone would be, but really ... "they cannot stay consistent and focused"? you must be kidding. apple is an extremely focused company -- it's the nature of technology to change/progress. every computer manufacturer on the planet has new stuff coming up -- something better will ALWAYS be around the corner. get used to it. you've got a great machine. USE it and enjoy it.

June 09 2009 at 12:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Zach Hoskins

This shift is probably in preperation for a line of lower priced "netbook" (or, more likely, a 599$ or 699$ entry point). Pro's are the real computers, and Macbooks will become the even lower priced models, which will undoubtedly make Apple millions of dollars.

June 09 2009 at 11:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Zach Hoskins's comment

deadpillow343

wow dude, what, is apple suddenly HP or something? and btw people, there is no, nor will there ever be, a blu-ray player on any apple machine. steve jobs specifically said "no blu-ray" because he knew, like the mini disc, blu-ray will burn bright for about five years tops, and burn out; most likely to be forgotten.

July 05 2009 at 3:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jonibgud

Anyone have a guess as to how the new 13" MBP will handle Final Cut Pro? I was about to order a 15", but size matters, and smaller is better for this traveller, and I'd go with a 13" MBP if it can handle FCP... any help on this?

June 09 2009 at 8:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to jonibgud's comment

Christina Warren

My two-year old Black MacBook (2.16 C2D, mid-2007 edition) works great with Final Cut Studio -- that's what I always use for video editing. Given the faster chip technology (two generations of Core 2 enhancements, faster front-side bus and more cache), faster RAM (DDR3 rather than 2) and insanely superior graphics, I'd say you would be more than fine.

I can do light Motion work, I can't do anything too taxing, but I can do titles and animations without any issue -- the newer systems, even without the discrete graphics will surely tear a lot of that stuff up.

If you aren't doing a lot of heavy-duty post-processing (which would mostly apply to digitized 35mm anyway) or getting really into special effects, I can't imagine the system causing you any problems. Especially now that it supports FireWire 800 (which would make for a superb scratch disk).

June 09 2009 at 8:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply