Why I like the new MacBook/ MacBook Pro.

Ok, just to clarify, I do like the new MacBook Pros and MacBooks.

And for many reasons, too.

1. Durability. My MacBook Pro is like a beaten-up chainsaw. Scorching, noisy, scratched, and a little dented. I think [and seriously hope] the MacBooks' new Unibody structure and glass display helps in keeping the Macs durable.
2. Cost to get the same performance as my MacBook Pro: US$1299. The MacBook's GPU is nice, even if it is intergrated. I checked it out, it's around the same performance as my Mobility x1600. Nice...
3. Oh, Hallelujah! Hard Disk Drive Accessibility! Finally, after cracking open my case 2 times with just a size 00 Phillips Screwdriver, I can throw the screw holding case and just open the latch to get to the Hard Drive. That wasn't too difficult, now was it, Steve and Jony?
4. Illuminated keyboard! On a MacBook! That's amazing! enuff said!
5. Did you see that display? I can't even see the iSight, and it looks so good, just like the iMac!
6. Me likes the GPU on the new MacBook lineup. Finally, a useable intergrated GPU, and a nice extra discrete GPU on the Pro line that you can turn on or off. That's really nice.
7. UPDATE: DDR3. Higher Memory Bus threshold. Potential to be faster [and more pricey], I guess?

I'm hoping the reflection off the display and the trackpad are useable. I'm a bit scared, but if they're useable, I may just upgrade at the end of 08 or beginning of 09 after MacWorld!

As the last Apple event of 08 comes to a close, let me start thinking what is ahead for Apple.

Apple's Future?

1. iPods in general

Firstly, Apple has a very stable iPod refresh rate: once every year, in September. But seeing the popularity of the iPhone, the iPod sales may start to dip after this year's holiday season. We may see very little changes to the iPod lineup. Maybe everything will transition to a touch-based control.

2. Pro Macs & Xserves

The Xeon-powered goods will get the Core i7 / Nehalem advantage early next year, probably around MacWorld. The Mac Pro in specific will get an upgraded Standard Configuration, especially in the GPU, to an Nvidia GPU.

3. Consumer Mac desktops

The iMac will probably be updated to gain Nehalem, new GPU, new Mini DisplayPort. I'm guessing that Blu-ray support may come in to the iMacs next year, but 'when' is another question altogether. The Mac Mini has not been updated for over 400 days to date, so it can go in 3 directions from here; get kicked out of the product line, get the 'budget Mac forever' treatment like the polycarbonate MacBook, or get morphed / redesigned [i.e.: updated]. If it does: it'll gain a new GPU and mobo, new DisplayPort. Before I forget, we may get Blu-Ray next year.

4. Notebooks [not laptops]

The Notebooks have just been updated. But don't be fooled by the new design. In April, they will be upgraded to Nehalem. If we're lucky, we have Blu-Ray support like the Mac Desktops, especially since the MoBos in the current MacBooks [just updated ones] have Blu-ray H.264 support. The GPU will be re-updated next year, around the same time as today.

5. OS X + Softwares

Snow Leopard. WWDC. Enough said. No big, major feature updates other than the ones advertised on Apple's page. I'll be freaked out if Apple actually creates an "OS X App Store". Please don't, Apple.

Oh, iLife needs updating to iLife '09. When iLife is updated, iWork will be too.

Oh, why not? Final Cut Pro 3, a new version of Aperture & Final Cut Express.

6. iPhone

I hate to day this, but Apple will probably add an improved camera, front facing camera, video chat, WiMax, Copy-Paste [in firmware].

7. New products: HDTV and NetBook?

Jason Calacanis mentioned HDTV with TV. I say nay. And during the Q&A session of the press event this month, the executives said something about the NetBook market still being a nascent market. When it matures [and it probably will by next year], don't you think  will start trying to dominate with a new product? Oh, TV may be extinguished. Not enough demand, IMO.

8. New CEO / iCEO

iCEO = interim CEO. [don't get the 'Haha! you're such a noob Apple fan, calling everything i-something!' cap on. This was Steve Jobs' title for some time when he just re-joined Apple. The 1st Gen iPod days... Who're you calling noob, now?] The candidates for iCEO / CEO: Phil Schiller, Tim Cook, Jony Ive. Steve's healthy blood pressure [110/70] shows he'll be around for a long time, but he's gonna have to make transition plans. Hence, the iCEO prediction.

9. Singapore Stores

Singapore will still not get an Apple Store with the fanciful Genius Bar. Get your friends to get Macs, maybe we will once 400,000 people in Singapore buy a Mac in one year. iTunes App Store is already open, iTunes Music Store may open next year if Apple is nice, but I'd say 'unlikely'.

10. Ads

A few more iPod silhouette ads, a few more "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" ads + something new for the Macs, and maybe new iPhone ads when new models arrive.