MacBook Pro Release Date Wish List 2012: 5 Features Apple Fans Want From Laptop

Rumors surrounding Apple's revamped-- perhaps redesigned-- MacBook Pro are painting a picture of what consumers hope to see in the next generation laptop.

Apple is yet to announce the new MacBook Pro release date, but leaked reports and rumors suggest the new 15-inch version of the laptop will launch as early as May with the 13 and 17-inch versions following in June.

Here are five things MacBook Pro fans want to see in the new version of the laptop:

Thinner Design: Since the release of the ultra-thin and light MacBook Air, MacBook Pro users have complained the case of the laptop is comparatively clunky. The current version of the computer weighs 4.5 pounds, which is almost double the weight of the Air. A potential re-designed MacBook pro is expected to come with a lighter case that is slightly thicker than the MacBook Air, but considerably lighter than the current MacBook Pro.

Retina Display: Since the launch of the new iPad, which came with a revolutionary 2048 x 1536, 3.1 million-pixel Retina Display, Apple fans are eager for MacBook laptops and iMac desktops to include the feature.The MacBook Pro and the iMac are the most likely candidates for the Retina Display as some of its features could compromise the ultra-thin and light qualities of the MacBook Air. A laptop with a Retina Display would also require a bigger battery to cope with the display, which would result in a thicker case, larger than that of the MacBook Air.

Intel Ivy Bridge Processor: Intel's Ivy Bridge is one of the most anticipated and likely features of the new MacBook Pro. The next generation Intel chips will launch on April 23, according to reports obtained by 9to5Mac. Intel's Vice President has revealed that its upcoming Ivy Bridge Processor will be built for Retina Display computers, 9to5Mac reported, which has spurred rumors that the MacBook Pro will be equipped with both the lightning-fast processor and the revolutionary display.

IPad/MacBook Hybrid: While it's highly unlikely, Apple fans have expressed interest in an IPad/ MacBook hybrid, similar to the ASUS Transformer Prime series. Apple gives us a MacBook with a detachable screen that runs like an iPad, Twitter user Apple Likes tweeted. While it's an interesting concept, the hybrid would merge two product sales into one, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Especially from Apple, who has always developed all its products separately,

Anti- Glare Screen: In the past, MacBook users have complained about glare on their screens. An anti-glare display will mean that the MacBook can be used under more lighting condition with the distractive highly reflective-glare of the screen.

Release Date

Current release rate rumors are set for June. Several authorized resellers, including Best Buy's online store, are reporting that the 15-inch MacBook Pro is out of stock, which has spurred rumors that the release is fast approaching.

Apple TV went through a similar stock shortage at second party retailers in March, and it was not long after the reports of inventory constraints that Apple launched the new revamped version of Apple TV, alongside the new iPad.