Next MacBooks to tout glass trackpads?
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Mon July 28, 2008
MacBook Glass Trackpad
The next generation of MacBooks will mark a radical change to the company's trackpad design, says a new rumor. Both the regular MacBook and the MacBook Pro will allegedly switch to glass-surfaced trackpads that allow multi-touch gestures. It's unspecified as to whether the change will also add new gestures beyond the simpler pinch, rotate, and swipe motions used with the existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro or will just make gestures easier to perform.
The report also expands on apparent confirmations by AppleInsider that both systems will use new aluminum casings. Either uses a "completely different" manufacturing process that builds the majority of the system shell with a single piece of aluminum. The outer appearance is also more rounded and thinner for each equivalent model.
Apple is widely believed to use the new introduction for its first notebooks based on most of the components from Intel's Centrino 2 platform, including faster and more efficient Core 2 Duo processors and potentially X4500MHD integrated graphics for the MacBooks.
If accurate, the rumor would have Apple introduce the new systems in late September, or nearly two months after the early August rollout of the parts the company will need for the larger MacBooks. It should also come roughly in time with the unveiling of Intel's low-voltage Core 2 Duo processors, which are the most likely candidates for a refresh of the MacBook Air.
after the start of school
07/28, 02:13pm (1 reply) reply
??
Ok, I'm long out of school, but why does Apple always introduce new machines after the start of school. Kids going to college need to order right now to have the machines ready to go for the school year.
simdude
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Joined: Jun 2004
simdude
07/28, 02:15pm reply
Probably because the back to school deals Apple runs helps clear out inventory, while the new announcements help spur holiday-based sales...... only to get updated again after the holiday is over.
Cruel.
gambit-7
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Joined: Feb 2001
after the back to school?
07/28, 02:15pm reply
Apple almost never releases anything in September. If it's going to be after the "back to school" period, it will be October in the "Holiday Season" period. Apple haven't released a laptop in September since 2003, with September reserved for iPod announcements and the Mac Mini for some reason!
Feathers
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Joined: Oct 1999
why?
07/28, 02:33pm reply
Why bother with a glass trackpad? So there's one more part that's easy to break and not covered by warranty? It's not like they need to do this for multitouch and gestures.
testudo
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hehe
07/28, 02:44pm reply
There is only one "gesture" I'll make if Apple doesn't fix the track pad!
manleycreative
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hehe 2
07/28, 02:44pm reply
It's the same gesture I'm making right now toward the iPhone and MobileMe. lol.
manleycreative
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Joined: Sep 2005
Interesting, but..
07/28, 02:50pm reply
The idea of a glass trackpad is kind of neat. With a lcd screen behind it, perhaps application specific icons could be incorporated to enhance the user's experience with any given program. Just the same, I'll have to withhold comment on whether it is good or bad, as the product doesn't presently exist. I've seen the iPhone trackpad, and used it. not bad if you ask me, but I wonder if that is what the laptop will finally end up with?
Exciting stuff-hope it's good, I'm looking to replace my PB 1.5 Ghz G4 soon.
Monde
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Joined: Jan 2004
if they add glass
07/28, 04:04pm reply
I can see thousands of folks demanding replacements and recalls immediately as they drop their laptops and the trackpad breaks - cracks or shatters_ I can also see pending lawsuits as someone cuts themselves on said broken glass_
UberFu
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Joined: Oct 2002
Glass?
07/28, 04:22pm (1 reply) reply
I think its far more logical, and reasonable to believe that if Apple were to use a multi-touch track pad it wouldn't be made of glass, it would most likely be constructed like the screen on the iPod touch and the iPhone....as we all know by now those items do not have dangerous breakable glass screens.
Kensington
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Joined: Jul 2008
glassness
07/28, 04:24pm reply
the glass on the iphone and the ipod touch seem durable enough.. i'm sure apple wouldn't put any less durable parts on their laptops.
Can't wait for these new ones! My 1.25 ghz powerbook is getting old
Guest
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