Apple updates MacBook, MacBook Pro

That the 17" model comes with a "douple layer Superdrive"

Not sure what douple is but maybe MacNN wrote the copy for Apple ;)

They would build a 12 inch like the g4 powerbook, I would have my order in asap. They would sell like hot cakes.

12" notebooks are poorest sellers across the industry. There is very little interest (for the same reason they no longer make/sell 9" notebooks) - the screen is simply too small. The sub-notebook category is so minuscule that nobody is making money on it, unless they charge obscenely high amount for an under-powered, under-sized laptop.

Those who were buying 12" PowerBook because 15" was too heavy for them can now get MB Air and get the benefit of a normal-size keyboard and decent-size screen. If there still is someone left wanting a minuscule computer, they'll have to get a Windows machine; Apple simply can't afford to build a computer only to sell 17 of them.

...Blu-Ray DVD-R drive? :)

The remote is no longer included, it's an extra for $19. I also notice that the shared level 2 cache on the MacBooks drops from 4MB to 3MB...

I just got a new MacBook Pro. Oh well. That's life as an Apple customer. I love my Mac!

If you bought it in the last 14 days, you can return it for the new model with a 10% restocking fee. CAll your local Apple Retail store (if nea one) and see if they have the new model in stock.

12" notebooks are poorest sellers across the industry.

So 12" is a poor seller, but Apple makes a 13" laptop. I guess that extra inch is a big key there or something, for it seems to sell well.

There is very little interest (for the same reason they no longer make/sell 9" notebooks) - the screen is simply too small. The sub-notebook category is so minuscule that nobody is making money on it, unless they charge obscenely high amount for an under-powered, under-sized laptop.

I don't know of anyone who would call a 12" laptop a "sub-notebook".

Oh, and your description on how to make money in it seems to describe the MacBook Air.

Those who were buying 12" PowerBook because 15" was too heavy for them

No, those who were buying the 12" Powerbook was because they wanted a PRO machine with the features of a 15" powerbook (unless you think the iBook of your was a pro machine). The MacBook doesn't compare because it's more consumer oriented.

...can now get MB Air and get the benefit of a normal-size keyboard and decent-size screen.

Again, no. The MacBook air is great as a nice little secondary computer, assuming you don't need any features. If you want firewire ports, USB ports, a DVD drive, card slot, it isn't a choice at all.

If there still is someone left wanting a minuscule computer, they'll have to get a Windows machine; Apple simply can't afford to build a computer only to sell 17 of them.

I'm sorry, the last time I checked, Apple was making 10 billion dollars a quarter with record profits. People are proclaiming their market share is rising. Yet you still try to pull the "they're a small bit player who have to keep the number of models low in order to just make any money" excuse?

Oh, and Apple doesn't have any problem selling MacPros while the 'large' market demand for those isn't there.

All they want is a computer the size of the MacBook (which, again, Apple makes, so someone must be using it) but with the features/capabilities/look of the pro. If Apple can afford to hit the niche market the Air sits in, there shouldn't be any reason they can't hit the niche of the 12" PB owners.

I recall there was a big demand among non graphics pros for a sub-notebook with 12/13" screen being the definition of sub-notebook. Apple answered that demand with the 12" Powerbook to much acclaim.

They then decided to pull it because lo and behold they were doing a 13" wide screen iBook(MacBook) option so the subnotebook crowd had their update.

Now with the awesomely thin 13" wide screen Pro Air model that demographic gets an even cooler replacement for the ole 12" Powerbook sub notebook.

And the rest of us get the regular MacBook Pro with the ports!

I think it's a given that when they do an 15"/17" Air it will have more ports due to more room on the thick bottom back part of the body to allow for more.

If it has more USB and maybe a firewire port then I'm all set.

I still want a simpler way to reinstall the OS if and when I want to without the connections hassle.

There is no consumer interest in sub-notebooks? I don't know where you get your stats, but t Eee PC (as an example), is on fire right now. There is plenty of demand for smaller, highly portable notebooks.