Sources confirm plans for a smaller, ultra-thin form factored MacBook Pro

MacScoop has obtained reports from sources believed to be very reliable, claiming that Apple is developing a smaller and ultra-thin form-factor MacBook Pro.

The new laptop should be even thinner and weigh less than the current models in the MacBook Pro line-up. In spite of this very tiny and lightweight form-factor, the miniaturized MacBook Pro should keep its built-in optical drive and sport a dual-core processor, providing unequalled size/performance ratio in the PC industry, sources told MacScoop.

As it was claimed in former reports we obtained, Apple should use the 12 inch form factor while the use of "widescreen" a aspect ratio sounds obvious.

Sources added that the exact price tag for this product is not defined yet, but discussions with people who are very well informed on Apple's pricing strategy for current and forthcoming products brought us in the conclusion that Apple's new laptop could be priced in the $1700~$1800 range.

Release timeframe remains the most uncertain point in all the reports we could gather, as no information has filtered from manufacturing sources. Some sources even believe that Apple hasn't yet placed any orders to its suppliers, as the product is said to be in the final stage of its development. Though manufacturers might have kept mouths closed regarding this project, current information makes us believe that the ultra-thin MacBook Pro shouldn't be expected before February 2007.

Back in February late March of this year, we were the first to report that Apple was working on an ultra-thin 12 inch sized Mac laptop based on the Intel architecture as a replacement of the, now defunct, PowerBook 12 inch. At the same time, most of the Mac-centric publications claimed that Apple would abandon the smallest form factor in the MacBook Pro line-up, in favour of the entry-level 13 inch MacBooks.

Since that first report, some analysts also pointed out that Apple should enter the sub-notebook market next year but provided no details and release timeframe on the products. Moreover, we can note that in a "market share gains strategy" context, Apple could certainly benefit from providing more choice to its customers and widening its target market.


http://www.macosxrumors.com/article...-smaller-ultra-thin-form-factored-macbook-pro

 

Thanks for the post Bruce. I don't know what to make of this, I'm no expert on sifting through truth and bull in Mac rumors. I will say that if they're still designing this thing and no orders have been placed, there's no way February is a release, more like July.