Apple nears MacBook revamp release?

Speed bump and new iMac-like enclosure suggested

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

11th October 2007 09:29 GMT

Revamped Apple MacBook laptops appear to be nearing release, if online reports to be believed. The new models could be the first to sport revised power adaptors prompted byan apparent revision of the unit that ships with the MacBook Pro.

The new MacBooks are likely to be speed-bumped versions of the machines available today, with website ThinkSecret suggesting a shift from 2GHz and 2.16GHz to 2.16GHz and 2.33GHz - or to 2GHz and 2.2GHz, we'd add, if Apple also takes the opportunity of an update to boost the MacBooks' frontside bus speed from 667MHz to 800MHz to match the MacBook Pros. If it did, better graphics performance would also be part of the package.

There as been talk in the past that the MacBooks might also gain an aluminium enclosure, the better to match this past summer's revamped iMac rather than the MacBook Pro line.

The new machines may also feature a redesigned MagSafe connector - the magnetically attached lead from the laptops' AC adaptor. According to sources cited AppleInsider, Apple is preparing to replace its 85W AC adaptors as used by the MacBook Pro, it's suggested to make way for a model with a more rugged, resilient MagSafe connector.

Since the same connector is used on the MacBook's 65W AC adaptor - which is therefore susceptible to the same connector mishaps - it's hard to imagine Apple not rolling out a new model for the consumer computer's power supply.

Apple last revised the MacBook line up in May this year.