New 15-inch MacBook Pro With Retina Display, USB 3.0 And Thinner Profile Almost Ready For Launch

Two rumors that just keep on coming back around both involve Apple’s portable machines, and we don’t mean the iPad or iPhone.

The first is the perpetual rumor that a new line of MacBooks is set to be unleashed, with new devices overdue and very much anticipated by roar warriors the world over.

The second rumor is that new MacBooks would be released that featured what could only be described as a high resolution display, possibly dubbed the Retina Display. Now it seems that there may be an element of truth to both of those rumors,with 9to5Mac reporting that the 15-inch, Retina Display equipped notebooks are on the horizon.

MacBook Pro

A third rumor may also be coming true, with the news that the unannounced MacBook Pros may also feature a new ultra-thin design, though not quite MacBook Air-like in their svelteness.

One feature that will find its way over to the new MacBook Pros that is part of the much loved Air, is more accurately described as an anti-feature. That is, there will be no SuperDrive this time around, with Apple deciding that the Mac App Store will be the main way of installing apps from now on. The company does sell external SuperDrives, should users decide they would rather still have access to those little plastic platters.

Another similarity to the MacBook Airs is the removal of the power button that has been part of the MacBook Pro lines for years. Instead, the power button has now replaced the Eject button on the top row of the keyboard. At least, that is according to the sources which are apparently familiar with parts that will eventually become part of the new MacBook Pros.

Other additions include – if the rumor is to be believed – USB 3.0. For the first time, a Mac is set to feature the new high-speed USB interface, suitable for increased throughput from USB drives and the like. With Apple’s move towards Thunderbolt for such devices, though, we find the addition of USB 3.0 to be an interesting one.

MacBook Pro 2011

Rumors of new MacBook Pros have come and gone over the last few months, though this one does feel more likely than those of the past. We will have to just sit tight and wait and see, but the news that the new MacBook Pros may not feature the same angled chassis as the MacBook Airs will come as both a surprise, and a disappointment to many.

We count ourselves amongst them.

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