Last week we were delighted to see what could have been the first piece of solid evidence pointing out to Apple's new MacBook line. They say Apple is now carving the new laptop shells out of a block / brick of aluminum. The same aluminum shells have emerged again, in better quality imagery this time around.


Not only is the picture quality good, but MacX.cn is also showing what seem to be the new MacBook and MacBook Pro models from various angles. Some of the photos have revealed that, for once, an optical drive appears to be on the right side, when facing the laptop, while all the ports are on the left side, viewing the laptop from the same position, according to MacRumors.

The case does not appear to be tapered like the MacBook Air, the same source points out, with the power button being placed in the far top right corner or the device. A large trackpad akin to that of the MacBook Air and a "latchless" appearance sum up the list of observations based on these spy shots.


Picture #1 – MacBook
Picture #2 – MacBook Pro
Credits: MacX.cn

Up until last week, various such alleged “next-gen” photographs emerged, trying to be as consistent as possible with the latest rumors. That was until Apple started sending out invitations to an event where the spotlight will turn to notebooks, according to the company. Apple will be using its iconic Town Hall in Cupertino to make some official unveilings. The invitation itself bore the silhouette of a Mac laptop. Analyzing the picture, some have concluded that it is likely a 13" Aluminum MacBook. Others took this even further and designed the notebook silhouette into a mockup of how the new MacBook might look like.

Following these happenings, well-known Piper Jaffray analyst, Gene Munster, told clients he believed Apple's big announcement would concern a revamp of the company's entry-level MacBook line. Aware of Apple's upcoming Town Hall event, Munster confidently stated that the unveilings are likely to include MacBooks starting at $899 or $999. With a complete redesign of its 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros, these units are expected to carry an entry-level price tag of $1,899. New features, like a thinner design and a more sophisticated gesture-based trackpad, will help move the pricey units, the analyst said.