This question gets repeated on forums almost every day. The typical answer I see is “Buy it now, if you need a laptop now. If you don’t, then wait.” I always think to myself, “thanks for the help.”

The posed question really hinges on when Apple plans on releasing a new hardware revision of its professional-grade laptop. A few pieces of information have bubbled to the surface in the past few weeks that might help us answer the question at hand.

The first bit of news that surfaced in the last few weeks is based on a reported order from Apple for new 13″ and 15″ LCD screens. The timing of this rumor coincides pretty well with a statement released by Apple promising that their computers would be more environmentally friendly. Analysts familiar with Apple speculate that the 15″ screens will be for new MacBook Pros and the 13″ screens could very well be used in a new tablet PC.

The second point to make is that based on MacRumors Buyer’s Guide, the MacBook Pro is due for a hardware upgrade. Its currently past the mark for average number of days since the last hardware upgrade. This is not concrete evidence by any means, but its nice to have some statistical backing to any major purchase.

The last and most significant piece of information is the fact that Intel is shipping its next incarnation of the Centrino platform code-named Santa Rosa. The new platform aims to provide better battery life, faster memory access, and better network and graphic performance. There has been a noticeable surge in new laptop models being announced by major manufacturers and at this point in time Apple is missing that boat. That’s one reason why Apple should want to announce a new laptop upgrade sometime soon.

To me, all the signs are there plus I’m sure that Apple won’t want to run the risk of losing sales to its competition. I think we’ll see an announcement regarding a new revision of the MacBook Pro very soon. If not within a week or two, then certainly by the middle of June for Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference.

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