Apple WWDC Announcements Today: New MacBooks, Mac Pro, OSX Mountain Lion, and iOS 6

[time space]

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference starts today and rumour has it (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/06/10/wwdc-2012-rumor-roundup-ios-6-mountain-lion-icloud-and-macs/) that they will be debuting major updates for both of their operating systems - OSX Mountain Lion and iOS 6 - as well as new MacBooks possibly including a new high end MacBook Pro with retina display - new Mac Pros, Apple's rarely seen desktop tower - and possibly updates to their MacBook Air and iMac lines.

The usual suspects will be liveblogging the keynote press conference starting at 1pm EDT:

Engadget Apple WWDC 2012 liveblog (http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/apple-wwdc-2012-liveblog/)

TheVerge live blog of Apple's WWDC 2012 (http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/9/3075320/wwdc-2012-liveblog-keynote-time-date)

ArsTechnica Liveblog: WWDC 2012 keynote (http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/06/liveblog-wwdc-2012-keynote-at-10am-pdt-on-june-11/)

[Simaahoy]

Going to jump on the Macbook pro this year, hope there's a significant change.

[wilsonlam97]

Woo hoo!

More stuff I can't afford lol

[time space]

Latest rumours (http://9to5mac.com/2012/06/11/more-new-mac-specs-macbook-airs-now-come-with-4gb-ram-standard-go-up-to-8gb/) suggest the updated MacBook Air will now be available with up to 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD + with the possibility of new Ivy Bridge processors, that could make the diminutive 11" MBA into a tiny little powerhouse.

http://www.thecoolist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/New-Macbook-Air-5.jpg

[bembol]

Waiting for new iMac.

Looks like free iPod touch isn't coming back for Back to School. Not a fan of the $100 App Store. :(

[rivet]

Is there a live stream? I really want to see if there is a retina and lighter 13 macbook pro.

[time space]

Is there a live stream? I really want to see if there is a retina and lighter 13 macbook pro.

No livestream, just the live blogs listed in the OP - Engadget and The Verge are running smooth so far.

They're just announcing the MacBook Airs now.

[Simaahoy]

Is there a live stream? I really want to see if there is a retina and lighter 13 macbook pro.

No live streams, but several live blogs http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/apple-wwdc-2012-liveblog/

[time space]

Here comes the new MacBook Pro...

[rivet]

Looks like no Retina display??

[rivet]

Spoke too soon, looks like a new line with retina display, interesting. But 15.4 so far, I really want 13, 15.4 is too expensive.

[Supercooled]

Wow, amazing resolution even higher than my 30" monitor in 15.4" form factor and thin as a razor. Might need to break my notebook and get a "replacement".

Actually, I haven't touched a notebook in so long. I'm either on my desktop or my phone. They need to make a newer display with Retina resolution.

[time space]

Final Cut editing window is 1080p itself within the larger screen.

[mod_it]

Spoke too soon, looks like a new line with retina display...

Woot!

Afraid to ask how much it will be here in Canadian $$$$$


Wow, amazing resolution even higher than my 30" monitor in 15.4" form factor and thin as a razor. Might need to break my notebook and get a "replacement"...

Apparently it's the "World's highest resolution notebook display".

Might break mine too lol (have a mid 2010 15" MBP)

[Dave98]

Impressive laptop but it's gotta be at least $3000+ considering even the 15" is $2199.

[rivet]

From macrumor

10:35 am Firewire 800 to thunderbolt adapter, and gigabit ethernet adapters coming.
10:35 am Also Thunderbolt camera.
10:35 am Showing an external Thunderbolt drive.
10:34 am MagSafe 2, two Thunderbolt ports, another USB3/2, and headphone jack on other side.
10:34 am Ports: SD slot, HDMI, USB3 USB2 combo ports on one side.
10:34 am Up to 7 hours of battery, 30 days of standby.
10:33 am Built around flash storage, 768GB max.
10:33 am Next-gen Kepler graphics, GT 650M with 1GB of VRAM
10:33 am Up to 16GB of 1600Mhz RAM.
10:33 am Fastest quad-core processors onboard, up to 2.7Ghz.
10:32 am Showing internals, batteries take up a huge amount of space.
10:32 am "Inside is just as amazing as the display."
10:32 am ....Diablo 3 also going to be Retina ready. :O
10:31 am Autodesk working on a new version of AutoCAD.
10:31 am Adobe Photoshop being cited as a 3rd party app that's coming.
10:31 am Applications do need to be updated to use Retina display, otherwise they'll be pixel doubled.
10:30 am Final Cut Pro also getting updated. Density of the display allows for 1080p video to be windowed at full res.
10:30 am Professional applications getting updated as well. Major Aperture update coming.
10:29 am iPhoto, Mail, Safari, etc all updated.
10:29 am Sounds like it has a new build though that's Retina enabled.
10:29 am Ships with Lion.
10:29 am Higher contrast ratios, deeper blacks, great angle of view. Glare reduced by 75% on glossy screen.
10:28 am World's highest resolution notebook display.
10:28 am 220 pixels per inch, 5,184,000 pixels.
10:28 am 15.4" across, pixel density is 2880x1800.
10:28 am "Absolutely stunning."
10:27 am Retina Display confirmed!
10:27 am Lightest pro notebook Apple has ever made.
10:27 am 4.46lbs.
10:27 am 1/4 thinner, about as thin as a MacBook Air.
10:27 am 0.71 inches thin.
10:26 am Phil placing finger next to the new MBP, thinner than his finger.
10:26 am Magnificent new display, incredibly thin.
10:25 am New MacBook Pro getting revealed...
10:25 am "Willing to discard old legacy things."
10:25 am Radically thin and light.
10:25 am siren.gif
10:25 am KILLER NEW DISPLAY.
10:25 am Key ideas: Next gen MacBook Pro...
10:24 am "What would make the next generation MacBook Pro?"
10:24 am Phil leading up to something covered by a black sheet...
10:24 am THIRD LAPTOP LINE!!!

[Supercooled]

Impressive laptop but it's gotta be at least $3000+ considering even the 15" is $2199.

The monitor? I don't think there is any rumour of a Retina monitor. The original 30" Cinema Display was like $3000 when it came out.

I guess Lion will ship soon, which is nice.

[Dave98]

The monitor? I don't think there is any rumour of a Retina monitor. The original 30" Cinema Display was like $3000 when it came out.

I guess Lion will ship soon, which is nice.

No, I mean the new MBP. Pretty sure I saw that the top end 15" "regular" MBP is priced at $2199 USD. This new MBP will definitely cost at least $3000+ Canadian taxes in

/edit

I was wrong

Starting configuration, 15.4", 2.3Ghz processor, 8GB RAM, GT 650M 1GB, 256GB flash... $2199

[CSAgent]

Here's what I never understood.

MacBook Pro is suppose to aim for the professional/corporate power user... But here's the thing, why no Compact Flash card reader? All the professional DSLRs from Nikon/Canon all use CF cards, their entry level cameras uses SD.

Why hasn't Apple built a CF reader or a all-in-one reader instead into their MBP line??

(CF cards are faster; and can be built bigger in terms of storage size.)

[time space]

$2199us

[mod_it]

I'm guessing it will start at $2400.

Anyone else have a guess?

----

EDIT: Let's see how the US price translate north of the border...

[Simaahoy]

WOOOT starts at Starts at $2199

Going to get rid of this laptop, and good timing since the back to school sale start tommorow although they scrapped their printer program.:cry:

[Supercooled]

Ships today, so Lion is ready! Hah, cool. I can't wait to see what the new Mac Pro looks like.

[CSAgent]

$2199us

Which means $2299 CAD.

[rivet]

CF card reader is too large, +Cf is dieing. I really wish Canon and Nikon ditch CF for SD a long time ago. I still have my rebel using CF card and is so much more expensive than SD.


Here's what I never understood.

MacBook Pro is suppose to aim for the professional/corporate power user... But here's the thing, why no Compact Flash card reader? All the professional DSLRs from Nikon/Canon all use CF cards, their entry level cameras uses SD.

Why hasn't Apple built a CF reader or a all-in-one reader instead into their MBP line??

(CF cards are faster; and can be built bigger in terms of storage size.)

[time space]

Impressive laptop but it's gotta be at least $3000+ considering even the 15" is $2199.

Which means $2299 CAD.

Not bad!

[time space]

OSX Mountain Lion includes system wide voice dictation.

[rivet]

Damn, I wish they have the retina on the $1000 to $1200 price point, the new one price is not bad consider it is Apple, but I don't know if I can spend so much on a laptop these days even if the laptops seem to be awesome.

[djemzine]

So when are the new MBPs coming out? Debating between the current 13" vs new gen 13". Also reading the engadget live blog is kinda confusing.

Was wondering if anyone knows the confirmed specs of the 11" Macbook Air or the 13" Macbook Pro and their price points?

[Dina_E]

lol no professional pay $2199 for a macbook pro.

only wannabe starbucks sipping yuppies who want to look "pro" pay the retail price.

apple has an extensive network for professional to get the products at a discounted rate. my friend runs a wedding photography business and gets his apple products for editing at 20% of retail.

[time space]

So when are the new MBPs coming out? Debating between the current 13" vs new gen 13".

Available today.

[djemzine]

lol no professional pay $2199 for a macbook pro.

only wannabe starbucks sipping yuppies who want to look "pro" pay the retail price.

apple has an extensive network for professional to get the products at a discounted rate. my friend runs a wedding photography business and gets his apple products for editing at 20% of retail.

Heh +1 and tis true.

[djemzine]

Available today.

Thanks. So basically to understand from what I read on the live blogs, the new 13" MBPs still have optical drives, ivy bridge CPUs, but no retina display? Correct me if I am wrong.

Hopefully Apple.ca puts up the specs on it soon.

[time space]

OSX Snow Leopard sells for $19.99US and for one price you can update all your Macs even as far back as Snow Leopard.

[time space]

Thanks. So basically to understand from what I read on the live blogs, the new 13" MBPs still have optical drives, ivy bridge CPUs, but no retina display? Correct me if I am wrong.

Correct - except it sounds like they may be starting at a lower price point.

[Simaahoy]

It will start at $2,229 in Canada for 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of flash storage. A model with a faster processor and 512 GB of flash storage will retail for $2,829.

New Macbook Pro

[djemzine]

Correct - except it sounds like they may be starting at a lower price point.

Thanks again. Also I take it the retina display one is the 15" + MBP version? Its weird that i5s are still dual core, as I know for desktops they're quad core.

Oo, I wonder how cheaper. Now I am thinking since there's no standard SSD, if its better to grab a current gen 13" MBP for $100 to $150 cheaper at various Big Ticket retailers or just grab the new MPB. Only difference is the Ivy bridge CPU. Hmmm. Thoughts anyone?

[rivet]

That is quite disappointing, I mean they should at least bump the 13 pro resolution to 1440*900 to match the macbook air. I don't know what to do now, the new retina macbook is awesome, but out of my price range, 13 pro still has this abysmal 1280*800 resolution.


Correct - except it sounds like they may be starting at a lower price point.

[djemzine]

That is quite disappointing, I mean they should at least bump the 13 pro resolution to 1440*900 to match the macbook air. I don't know what to do now, the new retina macbook is awesome, but out of my price range, 13 pro still has this abysmal 1280*800 resolution.

Dang, I thought they bumped the resolution. Hmm, a Macbook Air might be tempting then BUT was looking for the MBP since it has an optical drive. Parents need it to play their content.

[Supercooled]

Did they mention when ML will be available? I tried the developer's builds and they were good but very buggy. The features are worth the upgrade though.

[time space]

Full Siri service is coming to Canada! (and the iPad.)

[Dave98]

Did they mention when ML will be available? I tried the developer's builds and they were good but very buggy. The features are worth the upgrade though.


New Macs bought starting today, update to Mountain Lion will be free. WWDC devs get near-final developer preview today.
Price good for upgrades all the way back to Snow Leopard. One purchase updates all your personal Macs.
Mountain Lion... $19.99!
Delivering next month via the Mac App Store.

[rivet]

Local search which was US-only in iOS 5 is coming around the world.

Finally, no more " I am not allowed to find a location in Canada" BS in Siri.

[time space]

FaceTime extended to cellular in iOS6!

[desidealer49]

So offline reading list = death of pocket and instapaper?

[djemzine]

Ah I see Eyes Free is coming to Audi. Ja ja ja ja.

Also the feature where you can reply via a message when you are ignoring a call has already been out I think on Samsung devices. Glad to see that they are going to implement that on iOS6

[djemzine]

FaceTime extended to cellular in iOS6!

I.e. no WiFi required? About time to catch up with other competitors such as Google Hangout, Skype (not sure on this one), etc.

[TheRed]

AAPL went down immediately upon the next gen MacBook Pro announcement down to 579!! Thank goodness I sold all my apples at 585...

Investors still see this as a novelty since the new lineup of MacBook Airs and Pros don't even have Retina display yet hence won't sell that well and not for the mainstream. Only few people going to buy it since its not on the mainstream product lineup...

[time space]

AAPL went down immediately upon the next gen MacBook Pro announcement down to 579!! Thank goodness I sold all my apples at 585...

Better buy it back - Apple will be at $750 by Xmas.

[rivet]

I see it at 582 at the moment, of course, it is not the mainstream product lineup, but it seems Apple is trying to protect their profit margin here, they may put it down to more affordable 13 line maybe after competition going up with displays.

Bad for consumer though, you have to spend so much on a laptop if you want the new retina display.


AAPL went down immediately upon the next gen MacBook Pro announcement down to 579!! Thank goodness I sold all my apples at 585...

Investors still see this as a novelty since the new lineup of MacBook Airs and Pros don't even have Retina display yet hence won't sell that well and not for the mainstream. Only few people going to buy it since its not on the mainstream product lineup...

[rivet]

I can't believe iphone 3gs is still being supported by iOS 6, that phone really has a long life in today's tech world

[TheRed]

Better buy it back - Apple will be at $750 by Xmas.

No no I would stay in the sidelines at least until the Greece election is over. The coming next weeks is going to be crazy for the stock market! The markets has been recovering slightly last few days basically because of "talks" that the respective governments are going to do "something" BUT have no definitive plan yet!

For example, spain 100bln euro bailout...yeah sure...but where's the money comes from?! Thats the very reason the markets is down today. Next in trouble is Italy...this is gonna be contagion craziness. At the end of the year, the US Fed are probably gonna stop the stimulus running from 2008-2009 and guess what...the 2013 is gonna be a year of trouble. The US gov is running out of money. The ECB is running out of money... Printing more cash only bring more problem...oh well

[time space]

Damn, I wish they have the retina on the $1000 to $1200 price point, the new one price is not bad consider it is Apple, but I don't know if I can spend so much on a laptop these days even if the laptops seem to be awesome.


Bad for consumer though, you have to spend so much on a laptop if you want the new retina display.

What do you need such a high-res display for right now?

If you're a movie/photo professional, the price point is low - almost the same as the old MacBook Pro.

If you're not, then they'll be available on lots of notebooks in a year or two for cheap.

No current LCD manufacturer is going to be pumping out ultrathin mobile 2880x1800 screens for chump change - the chances that it was going to be $1000 - $1200 this year were zero.

[mbk.2k3]

i was hoping for some tweaks to the home screen layout.

slowly but surely they are removing the need for jailbreaking.

i think i'll be using siri much more now that location enabled results are coming to canada.

[time space]

AAPL went down immediately upon the next gen MacBook Pro announcement down to 579!! Thank goodness I sold all my apples at 585...

Investors still see this as a novelty since the new lineup of MacBook Airs and Pros don't even have Retina display yet hence won't sell that well and not for the mainstream. Only few people going to buy it since its not on the mainstream product lineup...


Better buy it back - Apple will be at $750 by Xmas.


No no I would stay in the sidelines at least until the Greece election is over. The coming next weeks is going to be crazy for the stock market! The markets has been recovering slightly last few days basically because of "talks" that the respective governments are going to do "something" BUT have no definitive plan yet!

For example, spain 100bln euro bailout...yeah sure...but where's the money comes from?! Thats the very reason the markets is down today. Next in trouble is Italy...this is gonna be contagion craziness. At the end of the year, the US Fed are probably gonna stop the stimulus running from 2008-2009 and guess what...the 2013 is gonna be a year of trouble. The US gov is running out of money. The ECB is running out of money... Printing more cash only bring more problem...oh well

That's a much better reason than your first one.

[djemzine]

What do you need such a high-res display for right now?

If you're a movie/photo professional, the price point is low - almost the same as the old MacBook Pro.

If you're not, then they'll be available on lots of notebooks in a year or two for cheap.

No current LCD manufacturer is going to be pumping out ultrathin mobile 2880x1800 screens for chump change - the chances that it was going to be $1000 - $1200 this year were zero.

Ya I don't need "retina" display at all from the new iPad to the new MBP. Hence why I got the iPad 2 and will be getting the non retina display MPB.

Oo apparently iOS6 Maps will have turn by turn navigation, hmmm, a bit too late imo.

[time space]

The Apple Canada website (http://www.apple.com/ca/) is back up with all the info, specs, and videos of the new products and OS's

[jjboy]

Ya I don't need "retina" display at all from the new iPad to the new MBP. Hence why I got the iPad 2 and will be getting the non retina display MPB.

Oo apparently iOS6 Maps will have turn by turn navigation, hmmm, a bit too late imo.

I find the retina display on the new ipad to be alot better than the Ipad 2. Granted not everyone has the same visual acuity so to some people there's no "point" to get a retina display unless they can see the difference.

[TheRed]

That's a much better reason than your first one.

My first and second reasoning compliments each other since WWDC does not exactly live up to the investors' expectations and the volatility in the market are going to make it worse for AAPL... 574 now. This morning the stock had small rally when the entire market is down...now since its over the stock is going south. Gonna wait until its 550 again, been there 5 times now this past few weeks. Perhaps 530 over concers of Grexit, and way below 500 when Grexit does happen.

[djemzine]

I find the retina display on the new ipad to be alot better than the Ipad 2. Granted not everyone has the same visual acuity so to some people there's no "point" to get a retina display unless they can see the difference.

Agreed but the only purpose I can see of having retina display is if you're a heavy gamer, reading eBooks (maybe), watching movies or perhaps photo editing. Otherwise for the average Joe, the iPad 2 is just fine.

[djemzine]

The Apple Canada website (http://www.apple.com/ca/) is back up with all the info, specs, and videos of the new products and OS's

Thank you. I wonder how this will affect prices of the current gen MBP and MB Air?

WHAT? The 11" MB Air starts at $1029 for the basic vs $999 for the current gen? Why the increase even if its $30 more? I see that the 13" MBP is $20 less than the current one, i.e $1229 vs $1249.

Hmm, go with current gen or new gen for both. Decisions, however Ivy Bridge is better, plus USB 3.0, and 720P front facing cam (no I am not using HD Facetime camera term), and slightly faster CPU speeds.

Question the new MB Air has Magsafe 2 vs new MBP having Magsafe right?

[TheRed]

The Apple Canada website (http://www.apple.com/ca/) is back up with all the info, specs, and videos of the new products and OS's

Oohh I'm drolling over it...to order or not to order...wish they make the 13" version but keep the resolution...15" is too big

[Zero1]

The Apple Canada website (http://www.apple.com/ca/) is back up with all the info, specs, and videos of the new products and OS's

Doesn't seem like optical drive is included based on the website. Guess I will have to wait and see when I have a look at it in person.

[Cide]

Since the new Airs will ship starting today, would I be able to pop into an Apple store this week and pick one up or will they sell out immediately?

[time space]

...WWDC does not exactly live up to the investors' expectations...

Although computers make up only a small part of Apple's business, one need only look at "investors' expectations" stock prices on the launch day of recent products such as the iPhone 4s/iPad 3 and Apple's stock price 6 months afterwards to see that there is little correlation.

The world economy on the other hand...

[djemzine]

Doesn't seem like optical drive is included based on the website. Guess I will have to wait and see when I have a look at it in person.

There's no optical drive for the 15" MBP with Retina display I think. The 13" and 15" non retina display versions do have an optical drive. Scroll to the bottom and you'll see: http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-pro/features/13-and-15-inch/


Since the new Airs will ship starting today, would I be able to pop into an Apple store this week and pick one up or will they sell out immediately?

+1 wanted to know and if other big ticket retailers will have it too.

[TheRed]

Although computers make up only a small part of Apple's business, one need only look at "investors' expectations" stock prices on the launch day of recent products such as the iPhone 4s/iPad 3 and Apple's stock price 6 months afterwards to see that there is little correlation.

The world economy on the other hand...

Investors expected to have the whole lineup of MacBook Pros to be rehauled with Retina Displays, New Designs, and new everything. Except, we get the same old design with just refreshed specs and 1 new model only. These expectations has been built up to the stock up until the unveiling. When the unveiling comes up short, its only going south. Mobile devices are the engine of AAPL, Macbooks only represents about 4-10% of the stock if I'm not mistaken. No doubt the iPhone 5 launch will be much bigger than this for the stock.

[time space]

WHAT? The 11" MB Air starts at $1029 for the basic vs $999 for the current gen? Why the increase even if its $30 more?

The Canadian dollar picked a bad time to cave.

[hugh_da_man]

I'm surprised they didn't release the whole new line of MBP as the thin ones and make the high res display an option. I don't know what it is but Apple doesn't seem as purposeful with their moves as they used to be when Jobs was running the company. Love him or hate him I think he was probably one of the most focused tech leaders ever and his inability to settle made Apple appear extremely polished at every turn. While still better than most companies they don't seem as polished now.

[djemzine]

The Canadian dollar picked a bad time to cave.

Ya so I noticed.

[TheRed]

I'm surprised they didn't release the whole new line of MBP as the thin ones and make the high res display an option. I don't know what it is but Apple doesn't seem as purposeful with their moves as they used to be when Jobs was running the company. Love him or hate him I think he was probably one of the most focused tech leaders ever and his inability to settle made Apple appear extremely polished at every turn. While still better than most companies they don't seem as polished now.

+1

[Xpwmata]

I can't believe iphone 3gs is still being supported by iOS 6, that phone really has a long life in today's tech world

Not all of the new features debuted in iOS6 will not be available on the 3gs... Essentially, the 3GS gets iOS6-lite...no Siri (obviously), no Shared Photo Streams, no VIP/Flagged mailbox, no browser Offline Reading list, no Hearing Assistance...

LOL, the iPhone 4 wont even get Flyover and Turn-by-Turn navigation.... nice support Apple!:lol:

[Aznsilvrboy]

FaceTime extended to cellular in iOS6!

Would it require a data plan? I'm excited about iOS 6...it brings a lot of changes that I think will be useful.

[djemzine]

Would it require a data plan? I'm excited about iOS 6...it brings a lot of changes that I think will be useful.

I think it might. Considering it is on a "cellular" network correct?

[rivet]

That is crap, iphone 4 should get more support, guess iphone 4 to iphone 4s will be like iphone 3g to iphone 3gs, it will be outdated much quicker even it looks the same.

Not all of the new features debuted in iOS6 will not be available on the 3gs... Essentially, the 3GS gets iOS6-lite...no Siri (obviously), no Shared Photo Streams, no VIP/Flagged mailbox, no browser Offline Reading list, no Hearing Assistance...

LOL, the iPhone 4 wont even get Flyover and Turn-by-Turn navigation.... nice support Apple!:lol:

[Simaahoy]

Apple Store still down smh:-0

[CMvan46]

Will iOS maps have offline turn by turn or do you need wifi/data for that?

[toad8787]

Does anyone know when stores like Best Buy will get the new models? Or how long that usually takes?

[djemzine]

Does anyone know when stores like Best Buy will get the new models? Or how long that usually takes?

No idea but you can call. I think the Apple Retail store will be the first to get.

On an off topic note does anyone know if Apple Care extended warranty or standard warranty covers battery replacement? I know Best Bug's extended warranty does for MBs overall.


That is crap, iphone 4 should get more support, guess iphone 4 to iphone 4s will be like iphone 3g to iphone 3gs, it will be outdated much quicker even it looks the same.

I think it has to do with iOS6 having a fragmented eco system no?

[crimsona]

Will iOS maps have offline turn by turn or do you need wifi/data for that?

The turn by turn functions go hand in hand with Siri, so it'll require a data connection

The girlfriend is going to be pissed with her iPhone 4 missing turn by turn after I told her to look forward to it. Oops.

[time space]

Apple Store still down smh:-0

It's back up now with all the new pricing, ready to order.

[jjboy]

Agreed but the only purpose I can see of having retina display is if you're a heavy gamer, reading eBooks (maybe), watching movies or perhaps photo editing. Otherwise for the average Joe, the iPad 2 is just fine.

It's a lot better for browsing. On my Ipad 2 I frequently have to enlarge pages especially on forums because the smaller texts are blurry. Things just look better. Don't really agree on the games part because most retina compatible games are upscaled.

That being said I think the new Ipad actually took a step backward. The extra weight and heat are really a turn-off.

[jjboy]

The turn by turn functions go hand in hand with Siri, so it'll require a data connection

The girlfriend is going to be pissed with her iPhone 4 missing turn by turn after I told her to look forward to it. Oops.

No offline maps mean you still have to purchase a gps(app) if you travel outside Canada. Turn by turn it's a nice feature but you can get the same thing for free from Waze. (Albeit not as pretty)

If they introduce offline maps then it would great:|

[Nyl]

What do you guys think of the new vases for the iPad 3? I don't have a case currently for mine, so I'm looking at this one for my first.

[toguy]

Since the 17" model is being discontinued, I figured it wouldn't be long before we'd see an ad like this:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/sys/3071424939.html

[time space]

Since the 17" model is being discontinued, I figured it wouldn't be long before we'd see an ad like this:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/sys/3071424939.html

Heh - there's lots of 'em at the Apple refurb store - starting at $1689 (http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/17).

[CMvan46]

What do you guys think of the new vases for the iPad 3? I don't have a case currently for mine, so I'm looking at this one for my first.

Good deal. I just got a new ipad and bought the smart cover and a back cover that works with the smart cover. Has a magnet on the back to hold the cover on the back for you but those 2 covers cost me $65, this is $50 apparently.

[time space]

Latest rumours (http://9to5mac.com/2012/06/11/more-new-mac-specs-macbook-airs-now-come-with-4gb-ram-standard-go-up-to-8gb/) suggest the updated MacBook Air will now be available with up to 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD + with the possibility of new Ivy Bridge processors, that could make the diminutive 11" MBA into a tiny little powerhouse.

http://www.thecoolist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/New-Macbook-Air-5.jpg

$2199 all dressed!

(8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2.0/3.2 GHz i7 Ivy Bridge processor)

[Nyl]

Good deal. I just got a new ipad and bought the smart cover and a back cover that works with the smart cover. Has a magnet on the back to hold the cover on the back for you but those 2 covers cost me $65, this is $50 apparently.

On the apple store it says 55 not including tax. I'm still unsure but I guess I'll take the plunge

[bigEfromGP]

Lots of day traders did the same for a quick flip. Just look at the discontinuity in the opening price today from yesterday's closing and the last month trend. The stock price just rose rapidly and it's going back to its last steady state. It's most likely related to speculation than to real market reaction to the announcements of hardware releases (just keeping up with new generation components, incl. retina displays.) In addition, the real innovation is going to be the new OS release later in the Fall.

I'd guess AAPL will pick up again in Winter after the expected flop of Windows 8. Microsoft has always been a copy-cat company (remember Lisa?) and W8 seems to be a lousy version of apples OS for touchscreen devices but aimed to traditional desktop and laptops without touch/gesture interfaces! :facepalm:

-----
MS W8, where is the start menu desktop option?

Ok, I'll bite:

So, by your definition, what will make Windows 8 a flop? Who exactly is expecting it to flop? ******************

[shaolinmonk]

Siri jokes lol

http://m.youtube.com/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DwVO2xNW9ZQ0&v=wVO2xNW9ZQ0&gl=CA

[Longobongo]

waited for a hardware refresh and really tempted to get a macbook air 13" for its portability, style, and the ability to run windows/linux if I so choose

would you consider this the best ultrabook in this case? I'm also thinking of the asus zenbook, samsung 9 series, and sony t which are all in the same price range I think.

[nasa25]

I was going to pull the trigger on a new retina mbp at my education pricing of $2029 ($200 off) a few hours ago but I hesitated. It went from a 7-10 day availability to 2-3 weeks :-(

[mikeo007]

I've never been so impressed and disappointed at the same time. 13" and 15" MBPs with very minor spec bumps offer very poor value. The retina 15" though looks like a great value. Plus, the 13" Air dropped by $100, nice.

[BennyBP]

Since the 17" model is being discontinued, I figured it wouldn't be long before we'd see an ad like this:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/sys/3071424939.html

This guy is so dumb. Im honestly tempted to reply to his ad just to tell him that the 17" is still available at most retail sites like futureshop.ca, bestbuy.ca...

What an idiot.

+ who cares if the new mbp doesnt have ethernet, I can turn my iPhone 4S into a hotspot in the unlikely event that there is no wifi avail.

[djemzine]

Since the 17" model is being discontinued, I figured it wouldn't be long before we'd see an ad like this:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/sys/3071424939.html

Heh. Wondering if I can "lowball" him. Jks jks. 17" TOO BIG.


I was going to pull the trigger on a new retina mbp at my education pricing of $2029 ($200 off) a few hours ago but I hesitated. It went from a 7-10 day availability to 2-3 weeks :-(

Yikes, its that popular and it seems they're pushing out their availability behind schedule eh?


I've never been so impressed and disappointed at the same time. 13" and 15" MBPs with very minor spec bumps offer very poor value. The retina 15" though looks like a great value. Plus, the 13" Air dropped by $100, nice.

Uh how is it $100 less for the 13" Air? The current gen one is $1299.99 at FS for example whilst the new 13" Air is $1229. A difference of $70. Also it seems that the new gen 11" Air is now $30 more than the current gen. $1029 vs $999.

[bigEfromGP]

Calm down, ma'am!

I was just commenting on the behavior of the stock price and how it could rebound later since a key component of the competence, i.e. W8 for wintel pcs, is being launched without hardware supporting its more relevant features in desktop and laptop computers (not tablets or touchscreen devices.) I didn't mean to irk windows fan-ladies. My apologies if I did. ;)

I'm not an Apple fanboy, though I like its OS. It's not me, it's all over the Internet: W8 without hardware able to interpret gestures is a little bit futile. For example, http://www.businessinsider.com/windows-8-review-2012-3 and http://reviews.cnet.com/windows-8-review/ Quoting from CNET's review.

I am not irked, I just wanted to know how you have some mystical powerful knowledge that Windows 8 will "flop"; I had hoped that you would provide proof, but you came up short. Neither of your links posted anything close to predicting a "flop" by Windows 8; in fact, the first one you linked to made a very specific mention of how Microsoft did not copy Apple, which was what you accused MS of in your first post. Your second link did not support your arguments either, so I don't know why you posted it as well.

Since it's all over the internet, as you claim, please give specific links to reputable sources that predict Windows 8 will flop. And you still failed to tell me the qualifications for a flop/non-flop in your eyes.

[TheRed]

I am not irked, I just wanted to know how you have some mystical powerful knowledge that Windows 8 will "flop"; I had hoped that you would provide proof, but you came up short. Neither of your links posted anything close to predicting a "flop" by Windows 8; in fact, the first one you linked to made a very specific mention of how Microsoft did not copy Apple, which was what you accused MS of in your first post. Your second link did not support your arguments either, so I don't know why you posted it as well.

Since it's all over the internet, as you claim, please give specific links to reputable sources that predict Windows 8 will flop. And you still failed to tell me the qualifications for a flop/non-flop in your eyes.

#1 reason to flop: Fragmentation.

Fragmented experience between Metro and Classic Desktop UI.
Fragmented hardware between Intel and ARM which means not all apps will work on both machines. Devs will have to develop for two totally different microprocessor architectures.

That said, I'm still holding MSFT. Wonder why I didn't sell it on April...

[hugh_da_man]

#1 reason to flop: Fragmentation.

Fragmented experience between Metro and Classic Desktop UI.
Fragmented hardware between Intel and ARM which means not all apps will work on both machines. Devs will have to develop for two totally different microprocessor architectures.

That said, I'm still holding MSFT. Wonder why I didn't sell it on April...

After using W8 for a while I'm fairly certain it won't flop for the first reason. The classic desktop UI is a fallback for things that don't support Metro and it works well for how I've used it. It doesn't feel unnatural and I can work in desktop mode the same way I used to work in W7 without even noticing.

For the second item, that shouldn't happen either. I'm fairly certain Microsoft is saying that apps will work in Metro on either ARM or Intel. It'll suck that you won't be able to install desktop mode apps (ie. legacy) on ARM but I don't think that leads to fragmentation as ARM devices won't even be able to install those applications (and I don't think ARM devices will compete too well unless they're in the $200-300 range because you'll be able to buy a convertible with an intel processor for $500-700). It'd basically be like saying you can install all of the iOS apps on your iPad or Macbook Pro (which you can't do) but you can only install desktop apps on the Macbook Pro. That would be considered flexibility not fragmentation imo.

[bigEfromGP]

#1 reason to flop: Fragmentation.

Fragmented experience between Metro and Classic Desktop UI.
Fragmented hardware between Intel and ARM which means not all apps will work on both machines. Devs will have to develop for two totally different microprocessor architectures.

That said, I'm still holding MSFT. Wonder why I didn't sell it on April...

I don't think fragmentation will be much of an issue at all, but even if it is, that hasn't slowed down Android at all, the most popular mobile OS out there now. Also, you point out that devs will have to develop for 2 different architectures, but I would like to counter that the fact that PC's, tablets and phones will all be able to now run the same apps, so that *may* offset the ARM vs Intel issue. Secondly, and much more importantly, the sheer ridiculous volume of OS's that Microsoft sells will more than be enough to convince devs. If devs really hated developing for a 2nd format, Mac OS would have 0 programs. If devs are willing to port to Mac OS (I think they said they have 27 million users now) then they certainly will develop for the less popular of the 2 windows formats (hypothetically, let's say only 10% are Intels for Windows 8; following Win7 numbers, thats still over 70 million users).

[bigEfromGP]

That said, I'm still holding MSFT. Wonder why I didn't sell it on April...

I expect that you will short MSFT then soon enough?

[desidealer49]

Windows will never flop unless 80% of world's consumer population has a strong income source that enables them to buy expensive apple computers.

Not every one has $2k+ to blow on a laptop.