Macbook refresh?

[crankypsp]

Does anyone know when the regular macbooks are due for a hardware update? Seeing that the MBP is already on SB and so is the MBA by this week, I was wondering how long it usually takes for the regular macbook to follow up. I was hoping to purchase a macbook before entering college in the fall, but if it doesnt update by then, I guess I'll just pick up a good deal on a regular laptop.

 

[Terpfen]

Does anyone know when the regular macbooks are due for a hardware update?

There is no fixed schedule for hardware revisions, thus there's no way to know when the MacBook is "due" for revision. The polycarb MacBook is entry level, so like the Mac Mini, refreshes are few and far between.

MacRumours' buying guide is the closest you'll get to the answer you want.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

Rumor is everything will get a bump after Lion. Yet to be seen of course. (Recently updated things excluded.)

 

[Chibo]

You can get a 13" MBP current gen refurb for less than a student discount Macbook... and it still has the same warranty as a new one.

 

[ToastyBread]

You can get a 13" MBP current gen refurb for less than a student discount Macbook... and it still has the same warranty as a new one.

Not through Apple (in the US at least)... an education store-discount MacBook is $899 new, while a refurb 13" 2011 Sandy Bridge MBP is $1019.

 

[Jon55]

It'll probably happen sometime in early 2012. I know, "that's far away" you're thinking, and you'd be right. But unfortunately it's more than likely what will end up happening. But, this past update has been rumored to be the final "incremental" update, and the next update of the MBP line will be a completely new design. I remember reading about it not long ago on MacRumors. I'm guessing it'll be released sometime around or slightly before Ivy Bridge's mobile processor/chipset is released/made public (Apple sometimes gets early pick of Intel parts).

That said, the current MBP lineup is very badass. Especially the top end 15" model.

 

[450]

Not through Apple (in the US at least)... an education store-discount MacBook is $899 new, while a refurb 13" 2011 Sandy Bridge MBP is $1019.

The Aluminum chassis is worth it.

 

[ToastyBread]

The Aluminum chassis is worth it.

I would say so, but students aren't exactly always on an unlimited budget (nor the families often buying kids their laptops for school).

Now, right now, it's definitely a given to go with the re-furb, given that the MacBook is still using a C2D while even the 13" MBP has an i5. Back when both were feature-matched however, it was a far more difficult call. It'll be interesting to see what hardware the upcoming refresh will give the MacBook.

Honestly though I've seen people take really great care of the polycarbonate MacBooks and have them hold up well over the years, so I wouldn't instantly dismiss it.

 

[scarr]

Rumor is MacBooks, airs and minis are getting refreshed tonight or next week. Although, you could find such rumors every week, these are the first to include the white MacBook.

 

[ToastyBread]

Rumor is MacBooks, airs and minis are getting refreshed tonight or next week. Although, you could find such rumors every week, these are the first to include the white MacBook.

I think it's highly likely, give it's been about 1 1/3 years since the last update. Of course I'm thinking that it won't be a near spec-match for the 13" MBP like the pre-Sandy Bridge situation was (where the MBP and the MB were almost identical spec-wise outside of I think the MBP having a FireWire port and the unibody enclosure).

For some reason I'm almost suspecting that Apple will use an i3 in the MacBook, but if they go with a i5 I'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[DSLisFREE]

I'm guessing the next refresh for MacBook would come out the same time as thebiphone5 which is rumored to be around september. Btw look on craigslist in your local are a 13" MacBook pro intel sandy bridge i5 can be had for $900.