Well, the articles posted in MR and several users' recent threads would point to otherwise. I for one intend to keep my MBP for a long time.
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8 or 10 core GPU for the new MBA?
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more than surprised. where are you getting your info? because i don't know any 'average user' (am thinking non-video/photo/music/coding/business professionals) who updates yearly, or even every other year.
it's fine to make a statement, but please, back it up with facts.
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In the recent MR article, several posters discussed upgrading as if Macs were iPhones.
Agreed, but enough and fostered by even the articles MR posts. Treating M1 to M2 as a next iPhone upgrade.
I kept my last phone (6S) for four years. I'll keep my current one (11 Pro) just as long, if not longer.
I've had my current Mac for 13 years - admittedly too long, but I simply switched to using an iPad as my primary device while waiting for Apple to finally make a computer I wanted to buy, which, fortunately, they did with the M2 Air. I typically get 5 years out of an iPad.
Those who update their phones annually are outliers, and those who do so with their computers are especially so.
Agreed. I had my late 2008 unibody MacBook until mid-2020. Then I switched to the new M1s. That's 12 years of one laptop running.
My XS was passed down to my dad whose iPhone 7 died and I doubt a 12 Pro. I still carry an S4 which due to battery will be replaced this year with an S8.
But will all 10 cores always be active? I don't know how chips work, just trying to apply logic here.
They activate as needed. However power draw is already higher from mid-low to peak range.
There are some reports of the new MBP M2 (which has 10 base gpu cores) overheating. If that model which is thicker and has a fan is overheating, then how will a fanless M2 Air deal with 2 extra gpu cores under load.
Time will tell, but I assume they will throttle to keep within TDP/etc, basically all machines do it when pushed, so it's _kind of_ by design in a sense. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it, I can't wait for more reviews!
I'm sorry, but you seriously think the average laptop user upgrades annually?
And you base this off of several responses to some Macrumors article?
I don't know where to even begin describing how ridiculous you line of reasoning is.
I suspect that the average upgrade path (compared to say 10 years ago) is slightly more often now, given that it is effectively impossible to upgrade your machines. In saying that, it probably means going from 5 years down to maybe 3-4 years. I think that is reasonable logic?
Personally, I would upgrade each year if I had the capital. But I don’t - like many others. So I replace things once they die or are no longer supported. I assume most others are the same.
'suspect' and 'probably'. it's fine to theorize, but don't confuse what you think for what may be actual fact.
without a massive survey of macusers in the world, we can only speculate. the idea tho, that the average user, who thinks icloud is a backup strategy and 'right-click' means they've clicked the right way... upgrading is complicated, and i would imagine that most average users upgrade when they have to, or really really want to. theory, of course... 😄
As you say, there is no possible way to determine the actual situation. So what else is there to do but come up with our own theories
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Just to clarify, when we say average user, that's global right? Not confined to simply the US or some other developed country. I would even doubt 3-4 years. Maybe in the US or more affluent countries, but for the global average 3-4 years seems far too high.
It's a fair question, and my opinions are based on my experience and exposure. I have lived in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, which are fairly 'first-word' places. I also base it off of my professional experiences, working in technology and IT consultancy for the last 15 years. I consider my opinion to be somewhat skewed to that viewpoint, and not considering the general consumer base.
So unless you’re into heavy graphics usage, I doubt the additional 2 gpu cores will be meaningful. I have a 7 gpu core MBA M1, and can’t say I notice not having the extra core for my usage scenario (web browsing and office apps).
Novice questions: Is it likely that the GPU upgrade ever will have a benefit for basic things such as macOS GUI-display operations? Is the GPU upgrade useful for futureproofing? Is the GPU upgrade useful for viewing YouTube videos? Thank you, readers!
The extra gpu cores will add to performance otherwise Apple would not sell them although I know they love to upsell customers. You can get a laptop cooler to mitigate throttling to an extent. However if someone is really concerned about gpu performance why not get a Macbook Pro 14" for $1599 at Costco or Bestbuy. You will have 14 cores and while they might not be as powerful as M2 they have active fan driven cooling and heat pipes. Also a Macbook Pro 14" has a promotion screen that can refresh up to 120hz vs the standard 60hz. So if you do any intensive GPU work or gaming(On a Mac??) then get a Pro. It is literally the same price specced the same.
However if you are casual user and have a windows computer or console for gaming then just get the 8 core version. It will be more than powerful enough for a long time. The extra GPU cores are not useless but not really something anyone buying an air will ever actually need. I am sure there are some special use cases where creatives want a really light and portable machine and those extra cores will come in handy but for most people they are simply not needed.
The Gpu in the new air is way more powerful than just watching youtube videos at the 8 cores by the way.
However if you are casual user and have a windows computer or console for gaming then just get the 8 core version. It will be more than powerful enough for a long time. The extra GPU cores are not useless but not really something anyone buying an air will ever actually need. I am sure there are some special use cases where creatives want a really light and portable machine and those extra cores will come in handy but for most people they are simply not needed.
The Gpu in the new air is way more powerful than just watching youtube videos at the 8 cores by the way.
The answer is no to all three questions. Save your money unless you game or run a GPU-accelerated app (e.g. Adobe).
macOS GUI effects like transparency and shadows are very basic. There won't be a day where a 10-core GPU M2 will be faster for macOS. Not only is it unnecessary, it would consume more power.
Unless the app takes advantage of the GPU, there is absolutely no benefit for "future proofing."
YouTube videos are encoded using VP9 or AV1. Check Activity Monitor while you play an 8K video and you'll find it doesn't use any GPU.