Report: Apple Developing 15-inch Super-Slim MacBook Pro

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Is the Pro about to get an Air makeover?

Just last week, Apple launched its new line of Sandy Bridge equipped MacBook Airs. However, it seems the MacBook Air is not the only superslim laptop Apple has been working on. Rumor has it that Cupertino's got an uber-skinny 15-inch MacBook Pro in development. Not only that, but the laptop is supposedly near completion.

MacRumors was first to report the news and readily admits that it's not sure if this is an addition to the MacBook Air line, or a new design for the MacBook Pro. However, the blog claims that what it does know is that the laptop has entered "late testing stages at Apple." The Unofficial Apple Weblog has since chimed in with its own version of events, reporting that yes, this will be a MacBook Pro. TUAW also reports that there will be a second model, this one a 17-inch notebook, to go along with the first slim machine and that both will appear as part of a MacBook Pro refresh.

There isn't much in the way of details at the moment. TUAW reckons that the laptops might be available in time for Christmas but, other than that, there's nothing regarding specs available right now. One of the more interesting points is that the Air's skinny form-factor has seen Apple ditch the optical drive. It's not clear if these diet-Pros will also lose their drives. While we're waiting for more information, let us know if a MacBook Pro dressed in MacBook Air clothing sounds like something you'd be interested in!

Further Reading

MacRumors: Apple Finishing Up Work on an Ultra-Thin 15" Mac Notebook

TUAW:Rumor: Apple's next 15" laptop refresh will be Air-like

Jane McEntegart
58 Comments Comment from the forums
  • masc243
    applesolutely
    Reply
  • iubyont
    There goes Intel's ultrabook concept.
    Reply
  • reggieray
    Let me guess, no DVD drive. So it is going to actually be a 15" Air.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    Would they merge the product lines?

    If so would it be the Macbook Air Pro or the Macbook Pro Air?
    Reply
  • reggieray
    I really hope this whole "You don't need no stinking DVD drive" thing blows up in Apples face. I am not buying another Apple. No DVD support, no Apple for me.
    Reply
  • Absolutely the way to go. Hopefully it is power/speed matches the current macPro
    Reply
  • cknobman
    "You want to buy one of these"

    as Lord Jobs waives his hand in front of your face.
    Reply
  • boiler1990
    I think Apple is trying to isolate itself from the rest of the market. No optical drives to install programs which can be purchased/downloaded from the App Store.

    Whether or not this will come back to bite them? We'll see.


    My other thought is that the dedicated GPU will be lost if this is as thin as the Airs. That would ruin the Pro's selling point.
    Reply
  • Not if we lose optical drive and firewire. not everyone lives in unlimited broadband land, and many of us have big investments in firewire drives. only the rich can throw away everything in the interest of innovation.
    Reply
  • nadavp3
    I don't need any optical drive.

    What I do need is dedicated GPU, this is why I won't buy the new 13" air (13 is my preferred size..) lets hope this one gets a proper GPU ha?
    Reply