Supplies are drying up
Apple seems to be gearing up to update its MacBook Pro
laptops. Checks show supplies of the computer are more limited
than usual which is a sign that either the MacBook Pro is doing outrageously
well, which it isn't, or Apple has stuck the brakes on sales of the current
model before a new one hits the shops.
Kaufman analyst Shaw Wu expects an updated version of the
laptop would include a new processor from Intel. Apple could start shipping a new MacBook Pro during its
fiscal second or third quarters, which end in March and June, respectively.
Strangely Wu does not think that Apple needs to upgrade
its Macbook yet as it is still selling quiet well, although a refresh of the
MacBook Pro “makes sense to keep the product fresh", he said. We knew that the Macbook had biodegradable
products but does it really need a best before date now?
Apple last updated the MacBook Pro in June 2009, and said
that the cheapest version of the laptop at $1,199 has a lot in common with
Apple's $999 MacBook laptop. Apple updated the cheaper MacBook in October,
releasing a faster version that includes a "multitouch" track pad.
Wu said that further differentiation beyond the aluminium
casing, SD slot and FireWire can help the MacBook Pro preserve its premium
pricing," he added.