New MacBook Pro to Use Hybrid Storage, Large Trackpad

[btarunr]

Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro computers are around the corner, with the company planning a Spring-Summer launch of new products. The new MacBook Pro models are said to use the latest generation of processors, chipsets, graphics, and an interesting storage solution. On all models, the MacBook Pro will feature an 8~16 GB internal SSD to boot from, and store the operating system. The rest of the storage will be handled by the hard drive. This ensures that at least the OS and vital OS programs will be snappy, benefiting from the SSD. Users can also opt for an all-SSD configuration, in which the data storage will be handled by a larger SSD. The next generation MacBook Pro will also feature a larger trackpad that gives users surface area nearly on par with iPhone 4 for multi-touch UI gestures.



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[Mussels]

so, sandybridge with OS on SSD and everything else on HDD? i wonder how that will work, mac users would probably want it automated so they dont have to choose where programs go.

 

[n-ster]

maybe onboard SSD just for OS and nothing else, meaning it is like an OS folder to them

 

[Mussels]

maybe onboard SSD just for OS and nothing else, meaning it is like an OS folder to them

hmmmm... so the equivalent of NTFS hotlinking with folders? interesting idea really.

 

[DaveK]

Whatever it is, it's going to cost more than it really should.

 

[n-ster]

Yea it is quite simple isn't it?

They should put 8GB of extra bootable RAM for OS IMO that would be awesome

 

[JerryTsao]

Without Jobs, Apple's staffs might lose their jobs.. Hope he get well soon.

 

[Error 404]

Without Jobs, Apple's staffs might lose their jobs.. Hope he get well soon.

Just think what other innovative projects they could work on without being restricted by Apple's "walled garden" way of doing things.

I'm assuming the mobile Sandy Bridge lineup doesn't have the same issues as the desktop range that had to be recalled? I'm looking into getting a new laptop for Uni, and the three brands I'm looking at are Clevo, Lenovo, and Apple...

 

[Mussels]

Just think what other innovative projects they could work on without being restricted by Apple's "walled garden" way of doing things.

I'm assuming the mobile Sandy Bridge lineup doesn't have the same issues as the desktop range that had to be recalled? I'm looking into getting a new laptop for Uni, and the three brands I'm looking at are Clevo, Lenovo, and Apple...

it had the same issues, but remember that 2 sata ports work just fine... most laptops wont use more than 2, so no problem.

 

[HalfAHertz]

It may be something like the other hybrid solutions where part of the ssd is used just for storing the OS and the other part is used as a sort of a cache - all the writes occur on the ssd first and are later copied to the HDD during low i/o times. Some more info 'ere [ wikipedia]

Also has anyone else heard the rumors about the introduction of intel light peak with this version of MBP?

 

[Maelstrom]

Also has anyone else heard the rumors about the introduction of intel light peak with this version of MBP?

Yep, will be interesting to see if the rumor is true (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2380664,00.asp, just one of many sources)

 

[Completely Bonkers]

Let's hope there is also a refresh of the Air... to include a better screen and SSD card reader. Then I would buy one... and install Windows on it but have one of the nicest looking netbookultraportables out there.

 

[Wrigleyvillain]

Yeah the users Home folders will be on the hard drive surely which can include third party apps etc. Cool idea.

 

[Andrei23]

all hail the half-eaten fruit

 

[timta2]

so, sandybridge with OS on SSD and everything else on HDD? i wonder how that will work, mac users would probably want it automated so they dont have to choose where programs go.

Yeah the users Home folders will be on the hard drive surely which can include third party apps etc. Cool idea.

I know Windows users are amazed by this, but Mac's haven't ever required that the Applications folder be in any certain place. And the "Users" folder is relatively easily movable as well. Typically applications (aka "third party apps") are stored in the "Applications" folder and not the "Users" folders which contain a users preferences, downloads, pictures, movies, music, etc. Stuff that can't be replaced by a reinstallation of the OS.

Let's hope there is also a refresh of the Air... to include a better screen and SSD card reader.

I think you are going to be waiting for a while on that one. Apple isn't going to provide another refresh less than 6 months after the last one. Maybe next year if you're lucky.

Just think what other innovative projects they could work on without being restricted by Apple's "walled garden" way of doing things.

Part of that "restriction by Apple's "walled garden" way of doing" is what makes Apple's products so good. The last time Jobs was not with the company and they tried it, it didn't work out so well, as a matter of fact it almost bankrupted the company (see "Mac Clones"). Jobs knew this was a huge mistake and as soon as he came back to Apple, that was one of the first things he did, killed the Mac clones. And Apple's profits have only went up incredibly since then.

Half of me likes to think that Apple would just be fine in the future without Jobs but the other half of me knows that he makes Apple Apple.

*Please don't triple post. -Moderation

 

[Completely Bonkers]

I think you are going to be waiting for a while on that one. Apple isn't going to provide another refresh less than 6 months after the last one. Maybe next year if you're lucky.

Yes, I know. Sadly. But that's why we talk about it at every opportunity to make sure they dont forget it again when they do finally refresh the new Air models.

 

[pr0n Inspector]

Also has anyone else heard the rumors about the introduction of intel light peak with this version of MBP?

It's Copper Peak actually.

 

[Jstn7477]

It's certainly a nice idea and will probably make the fanbois think that their Mac is more superior than ever, but at least technology is advancing. I'm considering getting one of those Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drives for my laptop someday, as they supposedly perform really nicely and I don't have the money to throw down on a full-blown SSD.