One sad footnote following today’s WWDC keynote: it appears that Apple has put an end to the 17-inch MacBook Pro, at least for now. The unit is no longer in Apple’s tech specs product matrix.
Up until yesterday, Apple still listed the 17-inch MacBook Pro as an option – the $2,499 machine came equipped with a 2.4 GHz quad-core i7 microprocessor, 750 GB hard disk drive, and AMD Radeon HD 6770M GPU. The system may still be available through some third-party Mac resellers, and is still listed among the refurbished units available sold via Apple’s online store.
Billed by Apple as “the ultimate mobile studio,” the system came equipped with a 1920 x 1200 pixel display. And that, right there, is probably why Apple chose to put an end to the massive mobile workstation.
Because on Monday, Apple also introduced the Retina Display-equipped 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. That newly-tooled machine sports an astonishing 2880 x 1800 pixel display – the highest resolution of any laptop available today, and higher even than Apple’s 27-inch Thunderbolt Display.
While there might be some benefit to the larger form factor of the 17-inch, it does seem increasingly anachronistic to have such a massive laptop when its primary benefit – higher resolution – has been usurped by a slimmer, smaller model that is mostly its better, for less money to start. A Retina Display-equipped MacBook Pro with comparable storage and better graphics is only $300 more than a 17-inch MacBook Pro would be.
I admit to a special fondness for the 17-inch model. I hopped on board that bandwagon years ago, when Apple introduced the 17-inch PowerBook G4, and stuck with that size after Apple made the Intel switch with the MacBook Pro. It was huge, heavy and unwieldy – I rarely walked away from a week-long sojourn at a trade show without welts on my shoulders from lugging the thing around in my backpack – but it was comfortable to use, in the same way that a vintage Cadillac is a comfortable ride.
I only gave up the 17-inch years later when a hardening economy and my own emptier pockets forced me to downsize. Now I’ve gone to the other end of the spectrum – I’m writing this article on an 11-inch MacBook Air. It’s certainly not as big and comfy as my old 17-inch MacBook Pro, but I don’t miss the welts.
From 17 to 11? I’ve been using the 15 size for years. Now I can’t decide on which model of Air to get. Is the 11 really that easy to use?
I use the 15 at work, and I still much prefer the 17. Even with the Retina Display on the 15, I’d still choose the 17.
Yes, absolutely. The biggest adjustment was file storage. I’ve developed accommodations using cloud-based services like SugarSync and Dropbox. When Mountain Lion ships, I’ll use Documents in the Cloud, I am certain.
I’m a graphic designer and need the 17 screen. I think there are a lot of designers and photographers that will be very disappointed with the decision to eliminate the 17 inch.
David said:
I’m a graphic designer and need the 17 screen. I think there are a lot of designers and photographers that will be very disappointed with the decision to eliminate the 17 inch.
I am disappointed too…. Its a shame that there doing it right now 🙁