04-23-2012, 11:30 AM

Apple predicted to discontinue 17-inch MacBook Pro

Though updates for the 13- and 15-inch models are on the horizon, Apple may not continue making its 17-inch MacBook Pro, according to one analyst.

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04-24-2012, 12:02 AM

You don't need to discontinue it, you just need to price it accordingly. The price jump between a 15" and 17" is unjust when the parts are not all that different in cost, which brings up a point: if the 17" is profitable, why remove it, regardless of how slow it sells? We keep on hearing these rumors that the real "Pro" level computers(Mac Pro and MBP) are being dropped are altered away from their original roots, and it's all a bit unsettling. I like what these pro machines stand for, regardless of how slow they might sell, because to me at least, they are the computer I will eventually want to own. It's like Mercedes dropping the S-class because it's a slow seller when compared to the E-class. The most people buying a Mercedes, they get into a lower mark, and eventually go up to that S-class. What is Apple going to replace that dream of wanting that top-end machine when these are being rumored to go extinct?

04-24-2012, 02:03 AM

Well, it's a simple fact... most folks who buy a notebook machine whether it be a Mac or PC simply do not buy 17" models. Look at all the leading PC notebook makers and what they offer: Dell, HP, Sony. Their most expensive models are those that are 13", 14" and finally 15". That's their bread and butter. Apple might drop the 17" and price the 15" accordingly. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen.

04-24-2012, 12:05 PM

With Apple's seemingly increasing hostility towards its professional customers, I wouldn't be shocked if this one turned out to be true. $300 extra above the 15-inch isn't as outrageous as some would lead you to believe when you consider that you have to spend another $100 on the 15-inch just to get a decent screen resolution (1440x900 by default is a joke), the 17-inch is the only model with either an Express card slot or more than two USB ports, and the speaker quality is very noticeably better.

04-24-2012, 05:10 PM

This is one of those things where if I need what the 17" is offering I'm just going to buy a MP.

04-24-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Germany_chris

This is one of those things where if I need what the 17" is offering I'm just going to buy a MP.

That's somewhat confusing. An almost 40 pound MacPro isn't exactly portable like the 17MBP.

04-24-2012, 07:27 PM

LOL. A 17" MBP isn't exactly portable either but I hear you....

04-24-2012, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by iggibar

That's somewhat confusing. An almost 40 pound MacPro isn't exactly portable like the 17MBP.

Not to mention that's the other Mac model whose death has been foretold in rumors.

04-24-2012, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by chscag

LOL. A 17" MBP isn't exactly portable either but I hear you....

Compared to some 17" HP's I've had/used, it's like carrying a feather. I don't mind the weight at all.

04-24-2012, 11:52 PM

Frankly, for portable PC, I prefer the 12 inch or 13 inch size. That's portable!

04-25-2012, 12:24 AM

A 17" MBP is not all that heavy. As others have said it's a lot easier to lug around than a lot of other 17" machines.

If Apple does zap it and the Mac Pro, the Pro market will go elsewhere. Sad if it's true.

04-25-2012, 12:31 PM

I think that Apple's concern is that I think they are pretty much maxed out on their production output. With improving working conditions in China and increased demand for products, they need to shorten up their line.

04-25-2012, 01:04 PM

I'm more inclined to wonder about display cost. If the rumor about retina display for the Mac line is true, I'm inclined to think the consumer cost of the 17in MacBook Pro is going to be a significant increase.

I know that the iMac has a much larger display, but the 27in iMac only costs $2000, where the 17in MBP cost $2500. I can see them bumping up the cost on the iMacs a few hundred, but the 17in Pro is already insanely expensive.

04-25-2012, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

A 17" MBP is not all that heavy. As others have said it's a lot easier to lug around than a lot of other 17" machines.

If Apple does zap it and the Mac Pro, the Pro market will go elsewhere. Sad if it's true.

Still, I prefer hauling a 15.. if I want a bigger screen.. an external monitor works wonders.. IMO the 17's not big enough to warrant the larger footprint for travel. That's just me though.

04-28-2012, 08:32 PM

With improvements in screens, isn't looking at a 15 inch today easier than a 17 inch years ago?