Quad-core chip makes sense for Apple laptop
If the speculation about a new MacBook Pro is on the money, the step up to Intel's quad-core mobile technology would have a profound impact on this vaunted line of Apple laptops.
Is a Core i series Apple laptop on the way?
(Credit: Apple)So, why would Apple adopt a Core i processor in a laptop? The short answer is OS X Snow Leopard. The new operating system is designed to be better at wringing more performance out of multicore processors--and the Core i chips pack four cores.
The long answer is the Core "i" chips themselves. The Core i, a.k.a. "Nehalem," is a brand new Intel microarchitecture brimming with performance improvements over the current Core 2 design.
For starters, the recently announced mobile i7-820QM processor integrates a hefty 8MB of cache memory--compared with the 6MB in the fastest Core 2 Duo that Apple currently offers on the MacBook Pro. Generally, the larger the cache memory, the better the performance.
But Intel has done a lot more than just up the transistor count via a larger cache. While the quad-core i7-820QM is rated at 1.73GHz, a single core can be "overclocked" to 3.06 GHz. Intel does this with a technology dubbed Turbo Boost, which speeds up and slows down individual cores to meet processing and power-efficiency needs, respectively.
Need more convincing? The Core i7 also comes with Hyper-Threading, which can double the number of tasks--or threads--a processor can execute. You won't find that in the Core 2 chips.
Digital media creation also gets a boost. Intel claims up to 81 percent faster video encoding.
And the mobile Core i7 is not a power hog--relatively speaking. The i7-820QM is rated at 45 watts, less than a third of the power envelope of the desktop Core i7. With such a powerful processor, heat would be an issue of course but the 45-watt power envelope is manageable.
That said, there are reports that Apple is not bringing out any more products this year. So, along these lines, alternatively, Apple could opt initially for the upcoming "Arrandale" Core i chips--due by the beginning of next year--that are based on a more advanced 32-nanometer manufacturing process. (Current Core i processors use a 45-nanometer process.)
Arrandale integrates graphics silicon into the same chip package as the main processor--a first for Intel. Because of this high level of integration, Arrandale, however, is a dual-core chip.
But probably the closest thing to a rumored MacBook Pro refresh is the iMac, which has the same space-constrained characteristics of a laptop. The quad-core Core i7 in the new iMac "boosts application performance up to 2x over the previous-generation iMac," according to Apple--and that's what consumers can expect with a Core i series laptop.
Brooke Crothers has served as an editor at large at CNET News, an editor at Dow Jones' Asian Wall Street Journal Weekly, and a senior editor at InfoWorld. His CNET blog covers chip technology and computer systems, and how they define the computing experience. He also contributes to The New York Times' Bits and Technology sections. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Follow Brooke on Twitter @mbrookec. 
OTOH, bonus time is coming early next year, and if it's as big as I think it may be, I'll be due for a new Mac about that time (my dual G5 is a bit too non-portable, and my Hackintosh is also a desktop).
I'm hoping that if this rumor is true, I'll be able to grab a 15" MBP w/ one of these puppies in it by then...
They will only arrive in the MacBook Pros with dedicated graphics though. The 13" and 15" non-dual graphics will likely stick with an updated dual-core design (with 4 threads?). That's my idle speculation, at least.
Odds are good that Apple's entries will cost the same or less than they do now, in keeping with the pricing structure they've had in place for what, 5 years?
Dunno - my dual G5 can put out some heat, but "over" heating has never been a problem. Nine fans (yes, 9) took care of that for me...
OTOH, yeah, a G5-based laptop was simply not going to happen.
It is really interesting IMHO. Forget Itanium, G5 high end is actually Xeon class. Nobody asks/asked for 3Ghz or Laptop Xeon as far as I know.
solitaire_pax: There is absolutely no problem with last gen dual core G5s (970MP), it is in fact running way more cooler than a Mac Mini Intel or Intel powered Mac. It is Steve who confused you. Perf per watt doesn't mean it will run cooler, Apple phone lines were almost flooded with customers when they saw how hot their Intel CPUs run.
Two of these I know were used in a building I used to work ing which had substandard electrical connections and substandard air conditioning, so it was hot in the summer! Considering the G4/ G3/ G1 models lasted far longer and in some cases were still running, I repeat - it was a surprise the G5 didn't last as long as it should have.
The G5 Towers used 9 fans _AND_ a liquid cooling system to keep everything cool, so something is bound to go wrong if the machines are not properly maintained and they get filled with lint.
...which to be honest would prematurely kill any computer plugged into such a situation.
I mean we're not talking apples and oranges here. *snicker*
They both use the same parts. They are both personal computers.
BUT BUT OH WAIT! ONE IS CRAFTED WITH 500% MORE LOVE AND AFFECTION AND THEIR BENCHMARKS SHOW 500% GREATER SPEED.
Sorry.... Apple = PC too same parts, same speeds.. Just with an OS that is built to run 90% less software than windows.
PC fanboys don't like to admit it, but they just cannot build a computer like a Mac (sorry the blue glowing lights don't really count.) I switched to Mac a few years ago, and I may never go back to the PC.
I ask you. What part of this post is hateful deary?
I wrote alot of truth, cracked a joke, had 1 line of sarcasm, and a rhetorical question that spelled out truth as well!
Maybe I need to look up the word hate.
I might not know what it means anymore ya know? They change these things once every five years. lol
Obvious troll is obvious.
Thanks for the report canon fodder. Real sharp thinking. And your post makes you unique? You just became what you hate by coming by and posting uselessly and pointlessly.
I felt the need because this article is pretty much pointless.
Apple uses the same parts as PCs.
Yes I am taking into account ericjm001s' post about how apple uses higher quality base materials.
Do you have proof of this? Have you taken samples to a lab and had them tested?
I'm being real with you here. I am curious to know if apple really does have diamond quality parts because the price tag suggests it.
As for the magsafe and multitouch track pad.
Are they really worth all that money?
Also I would never use touch pad anyway.
Touch screen perhaps but touchpad is only good for in a pinch.
Remind me again where it says anything about Iphone or android in this article?
I believe the article was about laptops. Not phones or handhelds.
Indeed obvious troll is obvious.
Correct - though you missed a piece: They use the same parts as a high-end PC. Getting a Dell or HP with all the same specs (w/o cutting corners, mind) is going to cost you nearly as much bank - often more once you count the mandatory software match-ups and the like... something you keep neglecting. ;)
Did I say there was anything about the iPhone/Android in the article? You posted about more software being better, I was just pointing out more software does not mean anything if the software available covers your needs. I don't believe the article mentioned oranges either. Nor did it compare any benchmarks, but please, keep trolling.
How was he complaining? Did I miss something?
Cary1 made a valid related post which expressed a truthful point.
Why is it 'Apple bashing' to point out what Apple can't, hasn't, or was late doing?
I call that talking about facts. Just like if you want a Core i7 in a laptop, you can get one from Dell or HP or several other vendors today, instead of waiting on Apple.
Well, waiting on speculation about Apple.
Well not complaining, trolling and he does it a lot.
"Did I miss something?"
Yes
Oh, and also, the reason why there is no HDMI on macs is because they are trying to promote Displayport, which is actually a superior connection, with greater bandwidth. Only problem with Displayport is that it doesn't use enforced DRM, its optional, which is why alot of the entertainment companies are not really wanting to touch it, they want to force HDMI to be the standard as a backdoot method of pushing DRM, so I am actually on Apple's side here and believe they have the superior and fairer technology. HDMI requires a HDMI certified graphics card and/or monitor otherwise it just wont play your content and will block it
http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7914
And Blu-Ray is just as bad for DRM and proprietry format lock-in http://bluraysucks.com/
Apple is not using HDMI because they are promoting a technology called Displayport that they helped to develop as part of an open standards group. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort
Displayport actually has greater bandwidth and a simpler connection than HDMI, and is actually less crippled by DRM. For an HDMI device to work you need a certified HDMI compatible display and/or graphics card (there was a problem in the UK not long ago where TV's being sold with HDMI connections where not actually certified yet, or using early versions of the technology which would later not display LEGALY PURCHASED media correctly)
In this case I clearly believe Displayport is the better technology but the entertainment industry doesn't want it as they would prefer to sneak heavily restrictive DRM through the back door.
HDMI is almost specifically designed with Blu-Ray in mind, which also has INSANE amounts of DRM
http://bluraysucks.com/
I for one would be quite happy if Apple stayed away from all these technologies for good, and the fingerprint scanners are just a gimmick and could potentially be even more of a risk to users if Biometric data is compromised. Imagine trying to prove you are who you say you are after identity theft if your biometric data has been hacked and replaced, its been done http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/researcher-raises-alarm-about-biometric-hacking-with-biologger/
Better quality parts ? Nope locked architecture and limited choice of components may give the illusion.
Still it's nice to see so much love for Apple(sic) that we even speculate on speculation.
I finally get someone to agree with me and see that my point is indeed valid!
:)
Why blame Apple now? They had to give up better PowerPC technology because fools were doing raw Mhz comparison, they wanted to run Windows and the companies like Motorola was so stupid to keep G4 in 133Mhz FSB.
Yes, Intel switch happened, it was sad but it doesn't make Apple a "generic PC". It needs massive hacks on block level just to be able to install Windows for God's sake.
HP, Dell, Gateway, don't have it.
So will you want a Ford or a Toyota?
*sigh* Another story about Apple "innovation". They are simply A.N.Other PC with a proprietary OS, and no (true) advantages.
I wasn't aware that BSD unix is proprietary. The GUI/Finder is Apple's schtick but the OS is not. Also, explain to me why MS has not eliminated the 8 bit technology in Win7 (registry - sole reason for it was the slow data transfer speed of large medium back in the early 80's). Gee. can't MS get out of the 80's in its OS yet? Also, explain why MS is the only one producing an OS that has DRM embedded in the OS itself. Apple at least only uses DRM at the application level. Gee, guess you like that restriction. Also, why is MS so restrictive and costly on their server OS licensing seats (in this regard Apple and Linux is much cheaper)? Sure MS has the remote sysadm further ahead, but that lead is going fast.
Better quality parts ? Nope locked architecture and limited choice of components may give the illusion.
Parts can be match, so I agree with you here. What can't be matched is the board design and overall box design of the systems. Apple's main board is better designed than your PC manufactured (non-exotic) ones. Apple actually takes the time to insure that its cooling system is the quietest with slower and better controlled fans. Guess you like those jet engine loud PCs. One thing I can agree with you is concerning the heat dissipation because of battery technology for laptops from all manufactures is just not there yet. Name one PC manufacture that utilized the unibody design for all their laptops (much more rigid and tougher)?
Still it's nice to see so much love for Apple(sic) that we even speculate on speculation.
Customer surveys over the last several years seems to indicate Apple is winning. Let me know when a PC manufacturer surpasses Apple in satisfaction. It depends on what you use your machine. For me I average over 6 years on a mac before I even think of upgrading. Only on my 3rd mac since 1990. Before then I was using my Amiga (that was a great machine).
There is alot of interest in what Apple does, and its not just Mac "Fanboys" , if Apple puts quads in laptops, then there is every possibility that we will see it becoming standard within the industry, and most laptops larger than netbooks this time next year may have quad processors in them. At the moment only a few very large desktop replacements by other companies use quad core's, Apple may be the first to market with a relatively portable quad laptop.
I think the main point against you is that there can never be an online discussion of anything Mac-related without someone turning it into another flame war.
Just shut up and use the computer you want to use and stop complaining about what someone else wants to use. It's getting old.
Jeeze man, I wasn't intending for this to turn into a flame war.
All I did was state my case and it got WAY out of hand.
Granted I'll give you I may have shaded my response a little bit of a color that would suggest I did. Please forgive me for getting a little excited.
I'm not complaining about someone else wanting to use an Apple.
If they want to blow a wad of cash getting one fiiiiiiine, no problem. I would like to understand the logic behind how this post is newsworthy and I would like to understand the logic behind apple equipment being absolute bleeding edge when the technology has been there for quite a while.
Perhaps I'm not meant to understand the logic.
Whatever. Bottom line is this has gotten out of hand and if I want any kind of a straight answer don't come to a place filled with people who could give me a valid answer that makes any sense.
And yes so I can connect my laptop to my TV (though more for Hulu etc.).
Are'nt all clothes made of cotton? According to you there should be no difference between Armani or the cheap clothes you buy at walmart
Oh, I get it. So it's for the brand name?
According to you the same parts that have been used for years in all PC's are latest and greatest mind blowing marvels in apple?
Your post coupled with the OP's post would seem to suggest this is the point you are stressing.
I don't see how this is a flame war. I'm desperately trying to understand the logic behind Apple PC's and the fact that they cost so much more and the fact that Apple PC's are supposedly to regular PC's as Armani is to "the cheap clothes you buy at walmart"
I'm really getting confused. :/
Armani? Geez
Let me help you here. Though the PCs and Apple use the same parts as different clothe manufactures use similar cotton. But if you start noticing the subtle differences, there are many varieties of cotton with one being far superior than other. Similarly you could get a PC with 6 GB Ram for far less than 6 GB in a Mac. If you notice the finer details, you would see the difference. PC might have DDR or DDR2 while Mac would be at DDR3. There are many such things like Bus speed, L2 / L3 cache, etc. Make the PC exactly like Apple you would see the price to be equal to or more than that of Apple
If you want to understand think Toyota. They build a quality car. Same plastic crap as my GM but it breaks less.
Quality is more than just the parts. it's how they go together etc. Sometimes it's not using the bleeding edge since that tends to break more than one step back. Regardless Apple does seem to build a qualiyt computer.
Next, Specs. I've learned you get what you pay for with specs. When I take a Dell, HP, etc. and make them have about teh same specs (instead of reading like they are nice hwen they cut corners) they end up being expensive machines. You get what you pay for with specs. Apple doesn't have low end specs.
Last the apple tax. Yes it does exist. It's not really noticable on the MacBook it's about 200-500 on the Pro's. I've never looked at their desktop line. This is comparing Computers that do the same thing with the same level components. Not trying to trick out a dog of a computer as a tricked out dog, is still a crap computer.
Well from what I can gather from the mac website, and using all specs that were shown, granted it's not all in one little box:
PC built on newegg that is comporable to base model IMAC(had to add a video card to make sure graphics were the same, so the price COULD be lowered. IF I went onboard graphics and had all the right numbers:
$908.86
Same processor, same NUMBER FOR NUMBER specs on ram.
the cd drive well I couldnt match because all I got out of apple was a cryptic "SUPER DRIVE" so I put in a Sony Brand DVD+RW with lightscribe.
Fortunately for the mac fans there were no number stats on motherboard speeds so I went with above average motherboard.
21.5 inch monitor with number for number match.
keyboard mouse wireless combo.
hard drive matched number for number.
Had no info on PSU so I went with a fata1ity 550W. plenty of power.
El cheapo PC case with a handle for toting around to lan parties.
IMAC:
$1,199
If you have other specs let me know and I will happily change the part line up to match it.
Both are right for their own users, but the question is, when can minimalism become to counterproductive, and when can providing too much knobs and buttons and information relating to your task be just as unproductive.
The bleeding edge 'aint all that either, anyone that has to have the latest gadgets is just as guilty as Apple fanatics waiting for new stuff.
(sorry for the essay xD just getting fed up with the way people seem to just automatically become snarky with each other in these comments sections, trying to bring a little thoughtfulness to the process here)
Last comment from me: There are idiots on both sides of the fence, the only way we can get rid of them is by being respectful to each other
To Intel: Are you insane? Where are the cheaper models? We called IBM POWER expensive and these things race with it, on Desktop without the enterprise bonus features POWER or Itanic 2 has.
Talk about dinosaurs in the dust!!!
that was a weak answer.
http://www1.euro.dell.com/uk/en/enterprise/Laptops/workstation-precision-m6400-cov/pd.aspx?refid=workstation-precision-m6400-cov&s=pad&cs=RC1050265
I mean look at this monster! Its HUGE xD
Next up, I have an alienware ,m15x that I bought just 3 weeks ago with a quad core i7 1.7 GHZ with a 9 cell battery (The best kind), and battery life is absolute CRAP. It only lasts 3 hours while doing work.
Think about it, apple has had an obsession with having a higher battery life. Mobile i7's drain battery life like nothing. Would it make sense for apple to put an overtly power-hungry battery into a laptop?
Next, apple never prices their newer models for more than their older models. For example, the 3.06 GHZ intel C2D imac cost $2400 as the high-end model, but now, it costs $2000 for a quad core i7 model for the high end. If anything, the next macbook pros are going to have the same price, or will be cheaper.
Arrandale is not a quad core but a dual core nahalem that will be marketed at as i7. And will be a 35 watt CPU. At least according to what intel has said so far.
The quad core chips now out are 45 watt. That is a huge power hog for a laptop. With the 1 inch thin laptops apple has, they prefer 25 watt CPU's and at most can manage 35 watts. Apple putting in a 45 watt quad core in their super thin laptops, does not seem to me to be at all possible.
- by Notebook_Drive November 9, 2009 1:34 AM PST
- It's true that i7 will boost up the performance of notebook, but will it alone do this? i think there's something more to be added with that processor.. anyway thanks for providing some nice information
- Like this Reply to this comment
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