New MacBook Configurations Emerge, No Low End Notebook?

Apple’s MacBook event today is drumming up hype and rumor leaks across the Blog-o-sphere. Last minute reports are narrowing down the price range and specs of the soon to be released MacBooks and previous rumors are being confirmed as well. Unfortunately, whispers of an $899 slot belonging to a new 24 inch Apple Cinema Display are being passed off as true which currently diminishes hope of a lower priced MacBook. The MacBook Pro however, is getting an odd upgrade with the 17 inch getting a minimal bump while the 15 inch receives a new case and better video performance.

It has been confirmed that Apple’s MacBook line will pack new Nvidia GPUs while the only remaining GMA X3100 model will drop down into bargain bin territory but what’s interesting is Apple’s implementation. Utilizing Hybrid SLi, dual GPUs will be in the new MacBook Pro consisting of a powerful GeForce 9600M GT and a lower powered 9400M when put into energy conservation mode.

Apple is likely to expand the use of multi GPU configurations through its notebook and desktop lines to emphasize the performance gains OpenCL gives when Snow Leopard ships next year. There has been no word on whether or not the new MacBook would sport a second low powered GPU. In addition, the MacBook Pro will sport a new design that allows for a more user friendly approach to upgrades. The battery will be longer and slim but cover the Hard Drive chamber and would allow hardware swaps similar to the MacBook.

There has been much debate on whether or not the new $899 slot that recently appeared on inventory sheets is a new lower spec’d MacBook or a new Apple Cinema Display sporting Display Link technology and LED backlighting. The part number “K29, MB382LL/A” is out of line from the MacBook’s numbering structure which ranges from “M97, MB466LL/A” to “M88, MB766LL/A.” The current Apple Cinema Display product number increases in increments from “M9177LL/A” which leaves some speculation to a totally new product or separate LCD without the Cinema Display branding.

In addition, Engadget has received leaked pictures of the new 15 inch MacBook Pro that is highly reminiscent of the iMac. The trackpad appears to be buttonless and sport multi touch gestures such as tapping to click.

The MacBook Air on the other hand, hasn’t received as much attention as its other siblings. Daring Fireball reports that the MacBook Air will also receive the Nvidia 9400M and gain an optional 128 GB SSD or 120 HDD.

Update: More leaked pictures from Engadget reveal the bottom casing of the new MacBook Pro and show a removable battery and access to the Hard Drive slot.