New MacBook Pro's and iMac's on the way - Report

According to a report, new MacBook Pro's and iMac's are on the way early 2011.

It is being reported that Apple is in the process of updating the iMac and MacBook Pro lines with a view to launching redesigned models in the first half of 2011. Digitimes is suggesting that the new MacBook Pro models will have a form factor that is similar to the current new MacBook Air whereas new versions of the iMac will be launched with a new screen size and reduced prices.

The current model MacBook Pro was last revised in April of this year whereas the iMac has not been updated since October 2009.  It is suggested that the MacBook Pro will launch with four new models, perhaps in a range of 11-17 inch screen sizes or 2-3 screen sizes but with a greater range of specifications.

The most likely change in both models will be the addition of SSD storage, reflecting Apple’s new trend set by the MacBook Air.  The performance enhancements seen when using SSD are phenomenal and consumers will eager to get their hands on models with this type of storage.  However, given the current cost of SSD storage, it is likely that the iMac will continue to offer dual SSD/HD storage but at a reduced price.

Several rumors have floated around over the past few months indicating that Apple is considering touch sensitive screens and pivoting displays in their desktop computers but it’s not clear if the company would go down that road so soon.  

Regarding the MacBook Pro, it is likely that we will see a design with much more similarity to the MacBook Air but with a slightly thicker base, silver edge around the screen and improved battery.  We may see an Intel Core i5 added into the base models and Apple may even drop the white polycarbonate MacBook from their line-up, instead replacing it with an aluminium unibody base model MacBook Pro.