Any chance of a MacBook Extreme?

[Yixian]

Why is it "either you play high end games OR you use a computer for all the other regular things"? If I want a dedicated GPU and I need a laptop, which I do, I can't get a MacBook, I need a MacBook Pro.

In which case, I'd like my money's worth. Convincing the fanboys that 1" = better than PCs lolz seems like a pretty retarded way of rendering decent graphics cards unpractical for the MBP, meaning Apple spends less on components and increases it's profit margin -_-

Are there really that many people here that wouldn't take 3x better graphical performance for an extra 0.3 inches?


And don't accuse me of whinging, I have never once bumped this topic, I made my point but people keep accusing me of being some unrealistic uber nerd for wanting to stand on equal footing with our PC counterparts, so I have to keep reiterating my point: 0.3 inches for 1/3 of the graphical power is completely ludicrous....

 

[alphaod]

Thanks I'll keep my "crappy" GPU and keep my 1-inch thin 17" laptop.

 

[kabunaru]

Believe it or not, the PowerBook G4s before the MacBook Pros were a little bit thicker (mostly the 15" ones):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/samtherocker/637007353/in/set-72157594252204508/

IF Apple just put an Intel chip inside the PowerBook G4 then that would be great. Maybe that would've lead to a better graphics card if you so wished in the end.
But no, Apple has to make it thinner.
And I hope Apple puts an ATI card in the next MacBook Pro because they produce better image quality than Nvidia.

 

[nyzballa12]

Yeah, hopefully Apple chooses ATI for the next line up of MBP's

 

[omfintrepid]

I like my macbook pro quiet without the fans whirring under strain.
I like my macbook pro being thin and portable whilst still powerful.
I like how my macbook pro meets all my graphical needs.

I like my macbook pro the way it is, keeping in line with apple's current ethos.


All of the above is so often not the case on the majority of windows based laptops, or if it is, they do not tick 3 out of 3 boxes.

This is why I disagree with the original poster, because the Macbook Pro in its current form set's itself apart from most over laptops due to the above. The second you start making compromises is the second you lose what makes the macbook pro different from other high end laptops. If you want compromises, go to the PC market... I presume you are smart enough to know Apple's track record in compromising is not renowned.

Simply put, it is the way it is.

 

[shakenmartini]

Why is it "either you play high end games OR you use a computer for all the other regular things"? If I want a dedicated GPU and I need a laptop, which I do, I can't get a MacBook, I need a MacBook Pro.

In which case, I'd like my money's worth. Convincing the fanboys that 1" = better than PCs lolz seems like a pretty retarded way of rendering decent graphics cards unpractical for the MBP, meaning Apple spends less on components and increases it's profit margin -_-

Are there really that many people here that wouldn't take 3x better graphical performance for an extra 0.3 inches?


And don't accuse me of whinging, I have never once bumped this topic, I made my point but people keep accusing me of being some unrealistic uber nerd for wanting to stand on equal footing with our PC counterparts, so I have to keep reiterating my point: 0.3 inches for 1/3 of the graphical power is completely ludicrous....

I'm not a fanboy, but Adobe runs great on my MBP as do my other graphics intensive applications. The bottleneck is the CPU, not the GPU. If you need a Mac and need a good GPU then you need a Mac Pro desktop, not a laptop, with desktop specs, not laptop specs. If you are doing this kind of work you would never consider a laptop for your day-to-day work. Also OSX core graphics is far superior to the overhead needed for DirectX in Vista.

If it were 0.3" thicker it would be about 3 pounds heavier, no thank you.

Like said above, I'll take my 1" MBP with its "crappy" GPU any day over a HP or alienware monster. In fact, I specifically paid extra for a 17" MBP because it is the only 1" 17" notebook available and it is the only 17" notebook that has more than 1h battery life.

Obviously, a MBP is not right for you so I encourage you to go to Best Buy and pickup a 17" gaming rig that will make you happy.

 

[m1stake]

Have fun with Alienware customer service and build quality, too.

You're not convincing anyone, go buy whatever you need to buy. I, and I would suspect the other posters, don't care.

 

[Rossoneri]

I would like to post a new laptop to consider: the LG P300 (http://www.lge.com/products/model/detail/p300.jhtml)

This laptop has equivalent specs to the current macbook pro yet is the same size and less weight than the macbook air.

Not only that but it runs cooler, has superior build quality, and the same battery life as the macbook air, in an attractive design, all for a price less than a macbook air.

So if LG can produce this than I surely hope that the next generation of macbook pros will destroy those specs either in size or performance, or maybe both!

 

[omfintrepid]

I would like to post a new laptop to consider: the LG P300 (http://www.lge.com/products/model/detail/p300.jhtml)

This laptop has equivalent specs to the current macbook pro yet is the same size and less weight than the macbook air.

Not only that but it runs cooler, has superior build quality, and the same battery life as the macbook air, in an attractive design, all for a price less than a macbook air.

So if LG can produce this than I surely hope that the next generation of macbook pros will destroy those specs either in size or performance, or maybe both!

I was on that page for 15 seconds, and in those 15 seconds i noticed the following:

-Smaller screen
-Half the RAM as standard 1GB compared to 2GB
-Made of plastic, contrasting black and white colours so I would question your statement about superior build quality.

But nevertheless despite not having the same BASE spec's as the base MBP, you are right that it is a contender against the macbook air, however I would have to disagree about it rivalling the MBP without some serious customisation

 

[Rossoneri]

***

So you could easily add the ram, and hasn't the macbook taught you anything that aluminum is inferior to high quality plastics for a laptop shell. Also I just put that computer up there because that is what the macbook pro is all about, a powerful computer in an ultra sleek and portable design.

The next macbook should be no larger than the current but have the radeon hd3800 while also reducing the heat output (at least the heat output that the user feels).

If the LG p300 could accomplish that than apple should have no trouble with my demands.

Edit: Also lets not forget the the powerbook 12" was extremely popular for apple so I dont think apple should neglect the user who wants power in a smaller form factor.

 

[omfintrepid]

So you could easily add the ram, and hasn't the macbook taught you anything that aluminum is inferior to high quality plastics for a laptop shell. Also I just put that computer up there because that is what the macbook pro is all about, a powerful computer in an ultra sleek and portable design.

The next macbook should be no larger than the current but have the radeon hd3800 while also reducing the heat output (at least the heat output that the user feels).

If the LG p300 could accomplish that than apple should have no trouble with my demands.

Edit: Also lets not forget the the powerbook 12" was extremely popular for apple so I dont think apple should neglect the user who wants power in a smaller form factor.

Ok, I don't want to start an argument or anything perhaps I should re-literate. I personally prefer aluminium to plastic, as I had a previous laptop made by Acer that was in a plastic enclosure that started to fall apart so that experience put my off plastic (again a personal experience). I also would prefer a small dent (not pierced but dent) in my laptop rather than it getting all scratched up (again just a personal preference). Thats why i disputed build quality due to my prior experience and preferences.

I also agree, that is the apple ethos, compact but powerful hence why I agree it is a real competitor to the Macbook Air, which some believe to be under powered to a crippling extent (a theory to which i don't subscribe). I also agree that future macbook's/macbook pro's will be slimmer or at the very least keep their current dimensions and while they SHOULD reduce heat output however I don't think thats going to be easily achievable for apple in the case of the MBP. Pro components combined with minimising space will no doubt result in heat, as mentioned before the Macbook air whilst not using pro components still has issues with heat (some models). Also consider my post above about apple liking to keep fan noise to a minimum and their love of aesthetics and I don't think I am that off course in my speculation.

 

[zsft]

I also would prefer a small dent (not pierced but dent) in my laptop rather than it getting all scratched up (again just a personal preference).

So AL won't get scratched up? lol?

... Pro components combined with minimising space will no doubt result in heat, as mentioned before the Macbook air whilst not using pro components still has issues with heat (some models)...

I would think it's rather the direction in which "heat" is directed. Being very thin, the MBP uses its metal surface in combination with the fans, thus we feel it generates alot of heat. Now, please define "pro components" real quick for me. Because it looks to me like that LG is on par will the MBP, besides the smaller screen, the less powerful graphic card, the card reader, the 1 extra USB port (MBP has only 2 right?), the HDMI output...etc etc...and OH OH, the plastic body and thus BETTER wireless connectivity. Oh shoot, I bet a PRO needs good wireless connectivity.

And I'm sure all PRO adobe software runs fine too since it's not GPU accelerated (yet), and since a PRO obviously doesn't play games, Geforce GS class, that's fine.

So, carrying over your MBP definition of a "PRO", how is it not an LG P300 PRO? And ok lets not talk about base line models here, because its pretty easy for companies to bust out the lowest spec. Look at each notebook maxed out.

 

[Digital Skunk]

....

FW400
FW800
Express Card 34
hi def screen
crisp audio.

You're wrong about wireless connectivity
You're right about the things that define a pro though. Pros use what they have, but they won't balk at using better stuff when it comes down to getting work done efficiently and faster.

 

[Rossoneri]

***

First off, we are not arguing just discussing, I too prefer aluminum to plastic, however the denting and warping problems need to be fixed because you dont want bad build quality to become apples reputation.

Also, its not the internal heat that needs to be lowered in the macbook pro just he external heat. The macbook pro is about 20ºF hotter externally than the average laptop (110º vs 90º) and that is a major problem that needs to be fixed. I used the LG P300 as an example that apple are no longer alone in with small but powerful laptops and that they need to step up the performance to justify there higher price. Remember that for a switcher OS X is a negative not a positive (until they actually use it and realize its superiority )

 

[kockgunner]

First off, we are not arguing just discussing, I too prefer aluminum to plastic, however the denting and warping problems need to be fixed because you dont want bad build quality to become apples reputation.

Also, its not the internal heat that needs to be lowered in the macbook pro just he external heat. The macbook pro is about 20ºF hotter externally than the average laptop (110º vs 90º) and that is a major problem that needs to be fixed. I used the LG P300 as an example that apple are no longer alone in with small but powerful laptops and that they need to step up the performance to justify there higher price. Remember that for a switcher OS X is a negative not a positive (until they actually use it and realize its superiority )

i totally agree. you just can't keep on saying that OS X is the major deal breaker when asked why a macbook pro is worth $1000 over the competition -- people just won't accept that. apple really needs to put performance back in their pro machines to justify their price to attract more impartial customers.

 

[UltraNEO*]

i totally agree. you just can't keep on saying that OS X is the major deal breaker when asked why a macbook pro is worth $1000 over the competition -- people just won't accept that. apple really needs to put performance back in their pro machines to justify their price to attract more impartial customers.

Is that so?

Well... I guess people have already accepted it, cause they're selling MacBookPro's like hotcakes! Near enough everyday there's a new owner on those forums, haven't you noticed?

Sure. Apple should put more PRO-end equipment in their Pro end machines. I guess it wouldn't hurt to equip them with a mobile versions of the Quatro videocards or the ATI equiverlent for the professionals that need them. In my opinon, it's better than using the standard grade chips. Atleast make it an optional extra for BTO's.

Also sort out that crackling sound!!

Can't believe the MacBookPro has been on the market all this time yet the sound ain't sorted out! Are the engineers at Apple deaf? Hard of hearing? It's bleedin' annoying!

 

[alphaod]

I would like to post a new laptop to consider: the LG P300 (http://www.lge.com/products/model/detail/p300.jhtml)

This laptop has equivalent specs to the current macbook pro yet is the same size and less weight than the macbook air.

Not only that but it runs cooler, has superior build quality, and the same battery life as the macbook air, in an attractive design, all for a price less than a macbook air.

So if LG can produce this than I surely hope that the next generation of macbook pros will destroy those specs either in size or performance, or maybe both!

Actually it's about .63 lbs heavier than the MBA, definitely doesn't run cooler (nor does it look cooler). Where did you get the superior build quality from?

I'm sure people pay for the MBA design and appeal, so who cares about price. If you care about price, you get a MB.

And Apple's current stance is very good; most people are happy with what is available, complainers like you and me are few, so I don't see them trying to compete. AFAIK, these companies are trying to make appealing designs to compete with Apple.

And LG.... uggghhhh.

Sure. Apple should put more PRO-end equipment in their Pro end machines. I guess it wouldn't hurt to equip them with a mobile versions of the Quatro videocards or the ATI equiverlent for the professionals that need them. In my opinon, it's better than using the standard grade chips. Atleast make it an optional extra for BTO's.

Also sort out that crackling sound!!

Can't believe the MacBookPro has been on the market all this time yet the sound ain't sorted out! Are the engineers at Apple deaf? Hard of hearing? It's bleedin' annoying!

Well I'm sure if those "pro" apps that need OpenGL optimized GPUs where to become OS X friendly, Apple might consider using a Quadro/FireGL, but right now those are all Windows applications, so why would Apple care about Windows?

And that sound, well Apple has probably like 10 people working on the Macbook Pro, so they have can't dedicate the resources to fixing a cracking speaker when only a number of people have that issue.

 

[Eidorian]

That's a nice little LG laptop for the hardware.

 

[magallanes]

Well I'm sure if those "pro" apps that need OpenGL optimized GPUs where to become OS X friendly, Apple might consider using a Quadro/FireGL, but right now those are all Windows applications, so why would Apple care about Windows?

And that sound, well Apple has probably like 10 people working on the Macbook Pro, so they have can't dedicate the resources to fixing a cracking speaker when only a number of people have that issue.

My previous notebook was a so called "pro" notebook with a (not cheap) quadro graphics card and its suck in 3dstudio max (Windows), the advantage of quadro is pretty limited for a specific cases and yet this graphics card (even a certified one) can give some troubles with the editor. Also, quadro is not so cool for Autocad.

So, IMHO the current mbp (not counting the heat trouble) plus a memory expansion is a professional notebook

 

[NovemberMike]

My previous notebook was a so called "pro" notebook with a (not cheap) quadro graphics card and its suck in 3dstudio max (Windows), the advantage of quadro is pretty limited for a specific cases and yet this graphics card (even a certified one) can give some troubles with the editor. Also, quadro is not so cool for Autocad.

So, IMHO the current mbp (not counting the heat trouble) plus a memory expansion is a professional notebook

Standard graphics cards are designed to think in terms of games, where the important thing is to make sure that everything gets done quickly. If something is taking too long, they approximate the result in order to speed things up. This is great when you are playing Quake, but if you are rendering something in CAD you don't want approximations, you want the real thing.

Quadros cards aren't necessarily faster, they are just more suited to the task that a professional will do than a GeForce card.

 

[UltraNEO*]

Well I'm sure if those "pro" apps that need OpenGL optimized GPUs where to become OS X friendly, Apple might consider using a Quadro/FireGL, but right now those are all Windows applications, so why would Apple care about Windows?

Who said anything about Windows? Whlst we're on that subject...
If Apple honestly don't care about 'Windows', how come we have BootCamp floating about? Doesn't VMware and the likes, cover the windows compatibility issues? Or was introducing BootCamp a marketing ploy to attract more Gamers to the platform?

And OpenGL...

Sorry, not entirely true!

Take it you've not ran Maya on MacOSX then? There is a option of running in OpenGL and I have to say it's not as nippy as it could be. OK... Be it be 0.001% of the MBP users would use the machine for 3D work, even so... shouldn't they offer this feature? Why not sell it as a premium?

In the end..
We all know it won't happen.

Though, if they introduce quad-cores on the MBP, I can't see why they shouldn't/can't make it a optional extra! Like who'd be using video intensive applications (e.g. Motion) on their on their MBP's anyway? Believe me, with quad-cores.. the number of serious "pro" users will rise!

 

[durant0s]

I play TF2 daily on my MBP and get between 70-110 fps. I have the 512mb GFx card. I don't see the problem here... I mean I don't get nearly the frames I do on my P.C. that I built but I understand that because its a laptop. I can play TF2 anywhere that has wifi and get a great frame rate.

 

[m1stake]

I play TF2 daily on my MBP and get between 70-110 fps. I have the 512mb GFx card. I don't see the problem here... I mean I don't get nearly the frames I do on my P.C. that I built but I understand that because its a laptop. I can play TF2 anywhere that has wifi and get a great frame rate.

you're supposed to be whining, because the card sucks and the processor sucks and the case sucks and LG is better and Alienware is better and it's too expensive and um well lets see uh its smelly.

THE MBP IS A GREAT COMPUTER, STOP WHINING AND BUY ONE, OR STOP WHINING AND DON'T BUY ONE.

Thanks guy.

 

[zsft]

No no we have to whine! It's what makes the world go round...or else technology will come to a stand still and that's no fun!

 

[Yixian]

So you could easily add the ram, and hasn't the macbook taught you anything that aluminum is inferior to high quality plastics for a laptop shell. Also I just put that computer up there because that is what the macbook pro is all about, a powerful computer in an ultra sleek and portable design.

The next macbook should be no larger than the current but have the radeon hd3800 while also reducing the heat output (at least the heat output that the user feels).

If the LG p300 could accomplish that than apple should have no trouble with my demands.

Edit: Also lets not forget the the powerbook 12" was extremely popular for apple so I dont think apple should neglect the user who wants power in a smaller form factor.

We don't actually know what the HD3850s heat production values are right now, but the card has been specifically manufactured to produce a lot less than it's forebears. Perhaps it will require a few watts more than the 8600M, like 2 or 3, and therefore it's probably going to be a few degrees hotter.

But should we really settle for a 3x less powerful card because Apple won't make the design changes for a 3x more powerful card? If it comofrtably fits in ~1.25" PC laptops, then underclocked and with some high quality thermal paste (makes a pretty big difference) chances are there's NO reason it couldn't be put in the MBP.

THEN we will really see what Apple is up to. Whether it is bothering at all with any kind of design philosophy, or whether they really are ripping us on the GPU.