Today, (15 July) Intel announced their Centrino 2 (Montevina) platform which incorporates a faster Penryn Core 2 Duo processor, faster bus speed, faster integrated graphics (GMA X4500) and the option of WiMax support.

The new Penryn chips will run from 2.26 GHz up to 3.06 GHz with a 1066MHz Front Side Bus. This is an improvement over the existing processors which range from 2.1 GHz to 2.8 GHz with a 800 Mhz Front Side Bus which currently power Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro. Apple is expected to incorporate the new processors in the next version of the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Historically, Apple has not adopted Intel's platforms in their entirety, so, for example, they may choose not support to WiMax, a next generation wireless broadbrand standard.

Apple's laptops were last upgraded in February with only modest speed bumps. While Montevina's speed upgrades are also said to be modest, it has also been rumored that Apple will be revamping the physical design of their next notebooks to bring them in line with the current iMac and MacBook Air. Recently leaked photos depicting a more tapered design of the MacBook Pro are believed to be real. Apple's next laptops are rumored to arrive sometime during Q3 2008 (July-September).

Meanwhile, Intel's next major processor revision starts in late 2008 and continues into 2009 with Nehalem. Nehalem promises dramatic speed increases and increased multi-threading and multi-core designs. Nehalem processors suitable for notebooks, however, will not likely arrive until well into 2009.

(from AppleInsider)

Apple is the only top 10 notebook manufacture that has not released new Centrino 2 notobooks.

I'm going to miss the design of the current Macbook Pro...

Ah, oh well, I guess it's time to move on.

Wow! The iPhone and now this!! I can't handle the pressure...apple = so much speculation...So can't wait till I get my hands on a new macbook (first mac). Turning XP to look similar to OS X just isn't doing it for me!

Apologies for being off-topic but you really must post a screenshot in the 'Post your desktop' thread. I'd really like to see your efforts.

Done

Hmm very hard to see and picture the new casings for the MBP..

I'm happy with the current one..But I guess its time for a change..

Finally centrino 2!!

HOLD THE PHONE! Intel are releasing quad core chips for laptops next month Methinks they will be incorporated into the MBPs with the centrino2duos in the MBs. Possible? I think so Shannanigus!

IMO the white macbooks need the update the most, the inside of one looks so 3rd gen ipod. Also think that the current mbp look fine but will be updated soonish

Tooo much speculation - I have been holding off...... bf keeps telling me a new laptop is in the pipeline....... I wanna get rid of the Toshiba so that I have a MB which will just match the iMac........ !!!!!

I think that they just updated the MBPs.

Looks good. THey've added the multi-touch trackpad and bumped up the processor.

Anyone seen it at the Apple Store today?

EDIT: Disregard, I'm seeing things

Also hanging out for new Macbooks. I'm considering switching to Mac, at the moment the model that appeals is the 2.4ghz with 2gb, except the 160gb HDD just seems a bit stingy, hopefully new models will have bigger HDD's and faster processors as well

Everything about that I agree with, except the next gen of NVidia cards (mega power drain and heat for performance). Go with Mobility Radeon HD4870 for this round. Next round to NVidia if they get their act together.

I agree. I have a dying iBook, my other half is about to go overseas so potential for reduced price and this will they/won't they is driving me crazy. Honestly the insistent secrecy and no confirmation that there will be an update is just annoying!

As someone who's only recently jumped on the bandwagon so to speak, do the older models historically drop in price much before an impending new release? I'm guessing not on the Apple Store but perhaps in bricks and mortar stores like JB Hifi (though a quick check at lunch time yesterday revealed they are the same prices as the Apple Store)