Apple Store Down - MacBook Pro Updates on the Way

Apple (News - Alert) fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the meaning behind the fact that the Apple online store closed down earlier today. Is the computing giant planning to unleash something new and exciting?

This opening from the Thinq.co.uk blog says it well: “Traditionally, minor hardware upgrades from the Cupertino company are heralded by a temporary outage of the online shop, but that doesn't stop the technorazzi from getting its panties in a collective bunch every time someone trips over the power cable at Steve's secret bunker.”

The buzz around the industry is that this particular outage has something to do with a refresh to the MacBook Pro range of premium laptops. These Apple watchers are anticipating the industry will see Intel (News - Alert) Core i7 processors in the top end MacBook Pro running at 2.66GHz once the lights come back on.

Philip Elmer-DeWitt in his Brainstorm Tech blog paid homage to the yellow, “We’ll be back soon sign” made to look like a sticky note on the front page of the online store. This note has become the universal signal of an impending product release and appeared on Apple’s online stores throughout the world this morning. 



The update to the MacBook Pro is easily assumed as it is much overdue. This product line hasn’t been refreshed in 246 days, according to MacRumor’s Buyers Guide. MacBook Pro has been getting an upgrade roughly every 200 days.

The Silicon Alley Insider passed along a report yesterday that a French blog had reported Apple is set to announce new MacBook Pros on Tuesday to coincide with opening day of Macworld Expo 2010 in San Francisco. It has not yet been confirmed that this is the key to Apple’s plan.

Apple’s presence has long been considered the centerpiece for this annual trade show, which traditionally would kick off with a Steve Jobs (News - Alert) keynote and a domination of the floor with a huge display of products – all Apple addicts are now drooling in anticipation.

Apple announced in 2008 that Macworld 2009 would be its last. No worries for Apple fans everywhere – Macworld is still set to display a wide array of apps, designed especially for the iPhone (News - Alert).

 

Beyond speculation, we may just have to wait until the little yellow sign comes down to know for sure what Apple has up its sleeve. Considering its record for surprises, fans aren’t likely to be disappointed.

 

In other Apple news, speculation is surrounding the iPad, spurring analysts to predict prices could fall for the new tablet if demand does not meet expectations.  Credit Suisse analyst Bill Shope, who met with Apple executives, says the company's open to cutting the price on the iPad to help drive demand.