2012 MacBooks ship with updated SSD connectors, controllers and MagSafe adapters
Summary: The new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models feature new connectors and ports that need to be considered if you're upgrading from a previous model.
If you're salivating over the prospect of purchasing one of Apple's just-announced MacBook Pro or MacBook Air models, you'll want to take note of a few important hardware changes before taking the plunge.
For starters, both the new (mid-2012) MBP and MBA sport new SSD connectors, which will create problems for users that were considering moving their SSD from a previous generation MacBook Air, to the new one (like I was).
Although the new SSD connector looks similar, but both OWC and iFixIt have confirmed that the SSD modules for 2010/2011 and early 2012 MacBook Airs do not work in the mid-2012 MBA or MBP. As you can see from the photo above, the new SSD module is also slightly wider than the previous MBA SSDs. While the new mid-2012 SSD module looks similar to mSATA, iFixIt confirms that it isn't the same connector.
The flash-based SSDs in new MacBooks also feature a SandForce SATA-III controller chip (stamped with Toshiba markings, as noted by iFixIt). The SSD is still removable so you'll be able to upgrade the drive once third-party components become available. OWC tells me that "as the first aftermarket manufacturer of SSDs for the MacBook Airs you can bet we're going to move as fast as we can on this."
Another change in both the mid-2012 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is the presence of a re-designed MagSafe 2 connector. This time Apple changed more than the shape of the head, the MagSafe 2 connector is larger than the original making it incompatible with all MagSafe adapters from previous MacBooks including the one on the end of Apple's 27-inch LED and Thunderbolt displays. The connector housing (with the dual status LEDs) is now aluminum in the MagSafe 2 as opposed to the white plastic used in MagSafe adapters to date.
An Apple retail rep told me that the change was made to the MagSafe to "make it sturdier" and so that it would "charge faster" although this is doubtful considering that both the old and new MacBook Air's ship with a 45W power supply according to the tech specs.
If you're planning to purchase a new MacBook Pro or Air you might consider purchasing a few extra MagSafe 2 adapters (45W/MBA or 85W/MBP, $79) for your desk, couch, bed, bag - whatever. A less expensive options is Apple's new MagSafe to MagSafe 2 adapter ($9.99, Apple Store) that converts the older/narrow-style MagSafe charger to the newer/wider MagSafe 2 connector found on the mid-2012 hardware.
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Talkback
Availability
Availability
And still
They
It's comparitive
Much like...
Or mine.
Would you like some cheese
We all know you think Apples are overpriced. We don't need to hear it every single week. You don't like the cost - buy something else. Of course that is what you tell us you do anyway.
Seriously though, the whiny cry baby repetition isn't getting old, it IS old.
Use what works for you. I do and that includes Macs, Windows, and Linux machines on hardware from Apple and Dell.
Larger surface area?
This could increase the current flow a little due to a better connection and it's sturdier.
So apart the size difference, the new magsafe is an improvement.
The reasons for the change are in the details in design, which blog articles and commentators don't care about.
As long as they continue to sell
Only times I use the DVD drive in my early 2008 MBP
Besides, if you really need DVD burning, you can always get an external burner for around $40 if you look around.
MagSafe 2 connector redesign
Remains to be seen how well that kludge will "play together" with USB cables or flash drives in the adjacent port. if needed, Mediabridge offers a sturdy 6" USB M/F extender which should eliminate most such conflicts...