MacBook Pro 2012 Release Will Feature New Name, 15-Inch Model Available in Weeks
Apple is preparing to unveil its new MacBook Pro 2012 in just a few days at the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco June 11. Following various rumors Apple fans are eagerly waiting to see whether the new laptop will have the revolutionary Retina Display boasted about on the new iPad.
According to recent Apple Insider reports, Apple is planning to unveil a new notebook simply called "MacBook," with the information coming from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI, who is described as "a reliable source of information on unannounced Apple products."
Kuo has said the new MacBook will indeed have retina display technology, a tapered-edge design, and a far-improved battery life than the old MacBook Air. This seems to confirm what was said in an earlier report when the retina display debuted on the third generation iPad. At that time it was said the new technology would almost certainly show up on the new MacBook. Apple claims its retina technology is the best display ever on a mobile device. However, in a recent image leak of the alleged new MacBook Pro box it had been noticed the retina display was missing from the features list – leading some to question whether the retina display would be left out of the latest release. However, it now appears as though the retina display will definitely be featured on the new laptop.
According to Kuo, the new MacBook line will be offered in 13-inch and 15-inch models, and will be slightly thicker than the ultra-thin Macbook Air but thinner than a MacBook Pro.
According to previous reports it will not have an optical disc drive, and forego hard disk storage for a solid-state drive.
The new MacBook will be priced starting at $1,199 for the basic 13-inch model and $1,799 for the 15-inch model. Kuo said he believes the 15-inch MacBook will go on sale soon after the unveiling, but he doesn't expect the new 13-inch MacBook to be available until August. According to him, the smaller MacBook has "limited space for thermal dissipation," and will also use a "lower-yield" Retina display than the 15-inch model.
It is believed that Apple will update almost its entire Mac lineup during the WWDC event.