Apple unveils new MacBook and MacBook Pro redesign to lukewarm response

Steve Jobs took the stage on October 14 with a bag full of announcements. In true Apple fashion, Steve unveiled numerous new products including a redesign and new manufacturing process for the MacBook and MacBook Pro line of portables.

Rumors surrounding the event suggested we would see numerous changes and, for the most part, Steve didn’t disappoint. In addition to the new MacBook and MacBook Pro portables, we also saw the introduction of a new 24-inch LED Cinema Display, an update to the MacBook Air, a $100 price drop on the base white MacBook and a speed bump for the 17″ MacBook Pro. Check out the video below for some additional information on the new manufacturing process used for the new MacBook and MacBook Pro. The aluminum brick method is interesting to see in action.

However, the response from consumers to the announcement has been less exciting than usual.  A trip over to macrumors.com reveals some fans are finding annoying caveats regarding the new design.  Some of the big issues:

• The MacBook no longer offers Firewire (400 or 800) and the Pro now only offers Firewire 800.  This is not good news for users with Firewire peripherals such as external hard drives, sound cards, video cameras, etc.  Apple computers are supposedly designed with video editing in mind yet a decision was made to remove Firewire from the best selling portable.  It may be old but Firewire is still the standard many MiniDV camcorders use for the transfer and capturing of content to and from tape.

• Apple has adopted a new manufacturing technique involving carving the case structure out of solid pieces of aluminum.  While this definitely makes for a more solid case design, it may also be keeping the price of the machines from dropping.  Many excited consumers were expecting to see a new MacBook priced to take on the other computer manufacturers offering machines for half the price.  Instead, the price for the aluminum MacBook models starts at $1,299.

• Apple has employed a two-tone color scheme to the MacBook and MacBook Pro to match the look of the iMac and new Cinema Display.  Some like it while others seem to feel it distracts from the “clean” look of past products.

• While it is nice to see LED display technology standard on the new MacBook and MacBook Pro, many users are bothered by the discontinuation of the matte screen option for the MBP.  For those who work outdoors or in an office with bright lights, the glossy screen may prove to be an issue.  Also, some people have complained of additional eyestrain while working with a glossy screen.  This one is definitely a personal preference issue.

• The new touchpad is now made up of glass and no longer features a tactile button.  Users will have to learn to interact with their computer in a slightly different manner from before.  Not a big deal to some but an inconvenience to others.

• MacBook Pro buyers who wish to use any display other than Apple’s new Cinema Display will have to purchase the $29 adapter to go from the Mini DisplayPort to standard DVI.  An added expense for a majority of MBP buyers.

The new manufacturing process should definitely make for less dented aluminum cases and will no doubt solve the discoloration issues surrounding the white MacBooks.  However, the price for the entry level Macbook has really gone up $200 as I don’t consider dropping the price of old technology a real solution.  Eventually Apple will phase out the white MacBook to keep a universal appearance among all their portables and the new entry price will be $1299 here in the States.

My take on today’s updates – the price is going to scare away a large pool of potential buyers.  Even at $899, Apple could have entered into the sub $1,000 buyer pool.  With Windows based laptops going for around $600 well equipped these days, Apple is going to have to offer more than a fancy new case and OS X to persuade many average consumers.

Is owning an Apple computer instead of say, a Dell, really a luxury?  Sure.  Is it so much a luxury that people are going to pay double for similar hardware?  I’m sure it is for some, however for many others, I’m willing to bet the decision will be easy.  Then again, this is nothing new in the world of Apple vs. PC.  People have grown to understand Apple products come at a premium.  I just think many people expected for Apple to try to put an end to that mindset with the new MacBooks.  It would appear not.