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Apple MacBook Pro getting makeover, says new report

Apple

(CBS) - Macheads have something to look forward to in 2012. A recent report by Apple Insider alleges that the entire notebook lineup will be revamped by the close of the year.

Full coverage of Apple at Tech Talk
MacBook Pro rumored to get Retina Display

All rumors point toward the 15-inch MacBook Pro getting the first refresh. According to Apple Insider's source, all existing MacBook designs will be phased out in favor of a slim MacBook Air look.

Some of the rumored upgrades include a switch to solid-state drives and omission of optical disk drives. It wouldn't be the first time Apple pushed consumers out of their comfort zone. When the original iMac 3G was introduced in 1998, it didn't have a 3 1/2 -inch disc drive, which was standard at the time.

In Dec., DigiTimes speculated the upgrade would include Retina Display. However, that all depends on whether or not Apple's figured out a way to manufacturer screens that large for mass consumption.

"It's not a question of making just one. That, of course, can be done. The challenge is making lots of them," a source told CNET regarding a similar rumor that the iPad 3 will get Retina Display. "This is a quantum leap in pixel density. This hasn't been done before."

Gizmodo is declaring that Apple must abandon legacy technology and also ditch Ethernet ports and FireWire in favor of Thunderbolt. Yikes! That means having to buy more converters.

If Apple Insider's sources are correct, these upgrades will make its way to the 13- and 17-inch models.

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