New MacBook Pros to Carry Larger Trackpads, Dedicated SSD for Mac OS X?
While all signs are pointing to updated MacBook Pros appearing later this week, most likely on Thursday, details on what changes might be included have been rather scant. But a new report from BGR now offers a few claims about what might be included beyond an upgrade to Intel's Sandy Bridge processors.
The first tidbit of information claims that the new MacBook Pros will offer larger trackpads than those found on current models, opening the door for greater flexibility for users and perhaps options for more complex gestures.
The report also claims that the updated machines will offer a dedicated solid-state drive of 8-16 GB to house Mac OS X system files that would allow for fast system boot-up and performance. Additional machine storage would be made available in either traditional hard drives or with solid-state drive upgrades.
The next bit of information doesn't quite make sense to us, but we have been told the OS on the laptops will be loaded to a separate (internal) 8-16GB SSD while everything else will remain on the regular hard drive. There will be options for just SSD drives but the base models will feature regular hard disks with the SSD combo for the OS.
The idea of separate flash-based storage for system files is not a new one, as reports dating back to early 2006 suggested that Apple might adopt Intel's "Turbo Memory" feature that offered similar functionality. At the time the advantages of using an SSD/Hard Drive hybrid were improved performance and longer battery life:[Turbo Memory] utilizes NAND flash memory instead of the hard disk for computer startup and launching frequently used applications. The use of this technology would allow for faster boot up times and improved battery life in portables utilizing the technology.
Top Rated Comments
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13 months ago
Something tells me there won't be an optical drive! At least not on the 13" model
13 months ago
All of those features sound great, to me.
I hope, if true, they also come with a price decrease and longer battery. (Though admittedly, anything is better than my 2006-era MBP).
-=|Mgkwho
I hope, if true, they also come with a price decrease and longer battery. (Though admittedly, anything is better than my 2006-era MBP).
-=|Mgkwho
13 months ago
If the trackpad is going to be even larger it must have some sort of new functionality or something?
13 months ago
Would be satisfied if this turned out to be true! :)
(Though a little more SSD space wouldn't hurt for additional apps...)
(Though a little more SSD space wouldn't hurt for additional apps...)
13 months ago
If this is only for the OS, it's not ideal. I want space to put my applications so they launch quickly! 8 GB is too little, and 16 GB might be too little as well. Suppose it's better than a HDD only though!
13 months ago
less weight is good, I hope it's thinner like the new airbooks. that'd get me in line for one.
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