Next-Gen MacBook Spy Shots 'Confirm' Laser-Cutting Method

We are likely looking at the first genuine picture of what is one of Apple's unassembled next-gen MacBooks, those who spotted it say. The design appears to confirm Apple's rumored manufacturing methods of carving the laptop's shell from a single, solid piece of aluminum.

Earlier this week, Macworld dropped a bombshell by claiming that Apple's long-speculated “Brick” was in no way an actual product, but a manufacturing process involving laser beams and water-jets powerful enough to cut through aircraft-quality aluminum. Although this spy shot is yet to be confirmed as evidence of the new MacBook's existence, it backs up the story pretty well.

As you can see, this laptop case has been carved out of a single piece of metal (except for the sides, engadget says), while the ports indicate that there will be a mini-DVI port on the side instead of the standard DVI port found on Apple's current selling MacBook Pros. Also note that, if this is indeed the new MacBook Pro, Apple appears to have reduced the laptop's size considerably. It looks about 2/3rds as thick as the current MacBook Pro, while the bottom is thinner than the length of a regular USB port. Judging by a MacRumors poster's measurements, it might have a 16:9 16-inch screen. The rest of his deductions (provided that the keyboard is the same size as that of the MacBook Air) are as follows:

CAPS LOCK KEY = 1.25"

MBA FROM CAPSLOCK TO RETURN = 10.75"

IMPOSED CAPSLOCK KEYS FROM CAPSLOCK TO EDGE OF CASING X BOTH SIDES = 5"

The bottom casing is 10.75"+5.00" = 15.75"

The MBA screen-enclosure (measured diagonally) to bottom-case ratio is 15" to 13"

That ratio applied to 15.75" would suggest 18.17" accommodate for the fact that screens NEED some border and we have a 2-inch reduction.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for this one to be true, but we're also dying to hear what you think. So, rush over below and leave your impressions.