Next Generation MacBook Pro wishlist: USB3, WiDi, 3G?

Seth Weintraub
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February 12, 2010
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Even with iPad-mania in full swing, we're still interested in seeing Apple's next generation MacBook Pros, which should be released on any given Tuesday.  But will these MacBooks simply be Core i5/i7 processor updates or will they have something more?  I've already talked about why a 3G card would make sense, but there are some other technologies lurking in the shadows that would be great additions to these machines.

I spoke to a Buffalo Technologies guy at Macworld who seemed pretty up on USB3 in the marketplace.  He correctly said most new mid to high end motherboards will have USB3 in 2010 and ASUS has recently purchased 5,000 Buffalo USB3 modules for testing their USB3 motherboards.  He said other companies have been purchasing their technology for testing as well (without going into detail but with that "knowing look").  Also, he noted that Snow Leopard has native support baked in for USB3, so it seems like it is on Apple's radar.  What better machine to put the new backwards compatible 10-pin connectors into than MacBook Pros?

Most unlikely, but ever so interesting: Intel released their new WiDi Wireless display technology at CES this year.  It requires Core i3/i5/i7 processors and Intel motherboards (so no NVIDIA).  The technology itself is supposed to be for Windows 7 64-bit only, but wouldn't it be nice to see something like this on MacBooks?  It basically compresses HD video and sends the signal over 802.11N Wifi to a node on the network which then connects via HDMI to a display. 

We'd love to see this type of technology on our MacBooks.  Wouldn't you?

Comments (76)

Elijah Nicolas (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 12:59pm

I definitely want to see the movement of the USB3 speed through the industry in terms of adoption due to the high capacities of our devices. The faster the transfer rate, the easier, faster and less tedious it would be to "Backup your iPhone" or whatever other PMP.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 1:27pm

I expect USB3 on all new Apple products, starting with the MacBook Pros and iPhone:

  • Apple already has USB ports on all their computers. No change in port "real estate".
  • Chip vendors are transitioning from USB2 to USB3 now.
  • USB3 host interfaces are backwards compatible with USB2
  • USB2 will be rarely seen on motherboards within a year, just like USB1 is today.
unknown (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 3:43pm

Is that what you EXPECT is it? Why stop there? Why not expect it to hover? morph into different shapes? cook dinner? Go to work for us? And if Apple does not include all of them I am never buying Apple again.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 6:31am

There will be no USB 3, 3 G, or WiDi until the voices in Jobs' head say so.

Blahblahblah (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 9:49am

"MACBOOK PRO, make me a Lamb Ragu now!"

God that'd be sweet.

?man (not verified) | February 14, 2010 - 1:45am

No sex for a while?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 17, 2010 - 6:24am

LOL!!!

You got the point!

jamest | July 17, 2010 - 4:52am

Haha, it also make me laugh.
Nice one..
Regardless of the funny things going on here, I liked most of the products of Apple and wish the company good luck. By the way, I liked to use the griddle while using the ipad, despite the fact that I wouldn't recommend doing this simultaneously.

life is good

gitenjit | July 28, 2010 - 9:20am

Penis Enlargement Pills such Vimax and Vigrx have the largest list of benefits among other penis enlargement products

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 1:02pm

I think Apple will make he first line of computers with the new LightPeak connectors, and Intel did say 2010, and it was rumored that Apple had helped in some way with it, so I could see this happening.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 1:12pm

Since there is no LightPeak standard yet, or LightPeak products to buy, of LightPeak chips or cabling, it seems unlikely that LightPeak will be available any time soon.

Zaphod (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 1:10pm

@9to5Mac Noob

ZOMG! LightPeak is fscking bad ass... One connector to rule them all! I hope Apple does it.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 1:21pm

A knowing look??? Wow.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 2:48pm

I will instantly buy any 13' or 15' MBP with an i7.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 3:04pm

13 to 15 feet, thats a terrible laptop.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 3:07pm

You don't think 13' or 15' would be a little too big? I don't think Apple is going to put 12x larger displays on their computers any time soon.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 3:41pm

shift + '

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 2:56pm

I second that!!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 3:08pm

me too right now!!!!!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 4:10pm

USB3 won't be on the Macbook/Pros until then next rev in late 10 or early 11.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 4:21pm

Yeah, well you are wrong.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 12:49am

I must say that I'm very impressed with your well constructed argument!

Luis Alfaro (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 4:54pm

WHAT ABOUT A BLU-RAY DRIVE, WE NEED IT RIGHT NOW INSIDE THE NEW MACBOOK PRO COMPUTERS.

SO I'M GUESSING BLU-RAY DRIVE IN THE NEW MACBOOK PRO.

PLEASE, STEVE MAKE IT HAPPEN, WE NEED THE BAG OF PAIN.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 12:51am

WAT.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 5:58am

HELLO KANYE WEST HOW ARE YOU LOL WAT

Marcus (not verified) | February 14, 2010 - 5:53pm

Epic diss. Two burns for the price of one!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 7:12am

How about removing that pesky caps lock key?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 9:35am

OMG THERE IS A CAPS KEY? I HAVE BEEN USING SHIFT THIS WHOLE TIME MUCH EASIER!!! A++++++++ WILL BUY FROM AGAIN

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | February 13, 2010 - 9:56pm

You can just inactivate the Caps Lock. See http://www.macgeekery.com/tips/kill_caps_lock

MikeR (not verified) | February 12, 2010 - 4:58pm

Along with your suggestions, I would also like to see:

- Blu-Ray reader standard with an optional writer, but I not sure if Apple will let us have Blu-ray since they want to push digital downloads via iTunes.

- Also, HDMI out, Upgraded iSight Camera, and Option for 1TB hardrive.