New Apple ultra-portable totes NAND flash…and no optical drive?
Generally I try to abstain from discussing long-hashed rumors like this never-dying whisper of an “ultra-portable” 13″ unit always debuting a couple quarters away from when the latest rumor surfaces; however, the most recent rumor being spread claims the new ultra-portable will function on NAND flash memory, and won’t have an optical drive…it would be sinful to leave it undiscussed.
So, AppleInsider is claiming the new ultra-portable unit will be debuted this January; the 13″ unit will weigh almost 50% less than the current 15″ MacBook Pro, will be based off NAND flash memory, will incorporate LED backlit displays, and won’t include an optical drive.
If this rumor stands up in January, I’ll be one excited ultra-portable Mac owner; however, lets discuss the new component specifications a bit.
Though 13″ displays do not make the unit any more “ultra-portable” than the current MacBooks; however, the type of display is significant in that it brings the quality of an LED backlit display (which has better coloring and light dispersion than CCFL displays) to the 13″ lineup. Professional quality in a smaller package.
NAND flash memory will allow nearly instantaneous loading and is far lighter and space-efficient than hard drives are; however, the price of flash memory is far from inexpensive, so you can bet if this rumor is for real, the ultra-portable unit will cost you as much as a MacBook Pro…maybe more.
What will be most controversial about this unit (again, if all these rumors are accurate) is the lack of an optical drive. Obviously, the spacial requirements of an optical drive hold back most portables from that golden state of “ultra-portable.” However, it would seem a bit of a step back to force users to keep an external optical drive around; the times aren’t so progressive that flash drives and other means are capable of replacing the current standard optical disc.
On the flip side, by taking out an optical drive and replacing a hard drive with NAND flash memory, you really would have an impressive ultra-portable unit. I suppose the logistics of an optical drive-less machine would be countered by the sheer joy of owning a slim, light professional portable unit.
All of these rumors seem plausible; however, I can’t personally get over the logistical dilemma of withholding an optical drive. Not to say I’m complaining…if these rumors come true, and a valid alternative to an optical drive is presented, I’ll be first in line at my local Apple store.
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November 12th, 2007
I see what you are saying about not having an optical drive because so many things are still stored on discs but really how often do you really need an optical drive now a days? When you are on the go are you really going to need to download that new album right away? And as for programs like microsoft it’s not like you are going to be installing it on the go. Any time you needed to do stuff like that you could hook up an external optical drive at home and do it there then be ready to go. And as for storing and moving information I can’t think of the last time I used a disk. It’s easier and more reliable to use a flash drive or even just email it.
So I guess all I’m really saying is that yeah it can be convenient to have an optical drive built in but if you are looking for something smaller really there is no price to pay.
November 13th, 2007
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November 14th, 2007
“I see what you are saying about not having an optical drive because so many things are still stored on discs but really how often do you really need an optical drive now a days?”
When you try running a game that requires a CD/DVD authentication check.
November 17th, 2007
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]