curious why you’re still thinking in terms of “sockets” this isn’t Intel/AMD and macs haven’t shipped with sockets for years - except the Mac Pro which will not be announced for close to a year still.
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Apple Event to Unveil First Apple Silicon Macs Could Happen on November 17
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curious why you’re still thinking in terms of “sockets” this isn’t Intel/AMD and macs haven’t shipped with sockets for years - except the Mac Pro which will not be announced for close to a year still.
But would you buy one right now at full price for 3+ year old tech? That’s my main issue.
The un-fixable problem is that there is no room to add a second port. That's why they opted to not do it in the first place. That's a problem with the body style and not a problem with any chipset limitation. It's not stated anywere, but it really doesn't need to me. You can look and the damn thing and understand that.
I'm not trying to invalidate YOUR desire for such a machine. I'm saying that you're in the minority and that's why that machine got replaced with the 2018 MacBook Air, which is essentially the same machine (with the same exact class of processors and tech innards) but with two ports (Thunderbolt 3 at that) instead of one). The current Air is not much larger. I'm not saying you need to like the current Air, but Apple felt as though that better served the needs of a greater range of users. I AM saying that port options and ergonomics were a factor. I HAVE a 12" MacBook and there's no way in hell that I would use it extensively even if the processor and keyboard weren't what they are on it and I know that I'm far from alone in that.
It's an Apple TV. Not an iPhone or an iPad. The Apple TV doesn't get regular upgrades the way an iPhone line or some iPad lines do (don't forget that most iPad lines don't even get consistent updates to their underlying SoC). The fact that there's newer tech doesn't really do much when there's nothing pushing the limits of the tech that's out there now (nor is there any indication that Apple is going to drop support for the next tvOS release on any device that can still run the current). The 4K model is still fast as the A10X is still performant. Wanting newer inside just for the sake of it is beyond silly.
Wrong! Apple chips are not based on ARM designs and haven’t been for 8 generations.
So Apple Silicon is the correct nomenclature so as not to confuse people that don’t know any better.
Still a month to go ☹
excited for the ASi devices, mainly iMac and Mac Mini.
I think they will release an ‚entry level’ Macbook and an iMac to start the transition. With the powerful/Pro variants later down the line.
Probably just wishful thinking, that they will launch a base/entry model Mac Nano in Apple TV size.🤞
excited for the ASi devices, mainly iMac and Mac Mini.
I think they will release an ‚entry level’ Macbook and an iMac to start the transition. With the powerful/Pro variants later down the line.
Probably just wishful thinking, that they will launch a base/entry model Mac Nano in Apple TV size.🤞
The ARM Macs will most likely sell out quickly with shipping estimates sliding into 2021.
The thing that I really want now is an iPad that can run OSX apps.
And it could happen. Apple said that their new ARM Macs use the same ABI as their iOS devices - literally, you can take binaries built for iOS and run them on ASi Macs natively, unaltered. It’s a big selling point.
So if that’s the case - and I can take an iPad app and run it natively on a Mac, why not the other way around? Why not take a Mac app such as Xcode and run it on the iPad? Okay, the touch interface isn’t ideal (for any productivity apps, really), but keyboard/trackpad cases are a thing and the portability is something I’d appreciate.
That would be my ideal device. Something as thin, light and powerful as an iPad... but with the option to plug it in to a larger screen and enjoy your full Mac workflow at any time.
And it could happen. Apple said that their new ARM Macs use the same ABI as their iOS devices - literally, you can take binaries built for iOS and run them on ASi Macs natively, unaltered. It’s a big selling point.
So if that’s the case - and I can take an iPad app and run it natively on a Mac, why not the other way around? Why not take a Mac app such as Xcode and run it on the iPad? Okay, the touch interface isn’t ideal (for any productivity apps, really), but keyboard/trackpad cases are a thing and the portability is something I’d appreciate.
That would be my ideal device. Something as thin, light and powerful as an iPad... but with the option to plug it in to a larger screen and enjoy your full Mac workflow at any time.
Good point. Thanks, now I know I must wait a few more weeks so that I don’t regret my decision!
As I said I worked at companies where managers had it, and their only complain was that it doesn't have fans, so the machine would slow down during extensive use. Otherwise they loved the size, weight, battery life and whole appearance. They used it mostly docked, and I would too, meaning the smaller size is only an issue when you work away from your desk. I don't know where you live, but if you commute by train, every single inch could mean the difference between feeling comfortable working or not.
On the single port, In can't see finding the necessary space for another port being a bigger task than shrinking the current Air under 1 kg. Anything less would be a failure compared to the competition. Furthermore, a lot happened in the years since the MacBook's release. USB-C monitors are more prevalent, they can solve the issue of display, power delivery, usb ports, external speakers and ethernet connection with one cable. The only issue is with MacOs, that it doesn't support DisplayPort daisy chaining, hence the only need for a second port is when you need multiple external displays.
I could and would love to see this as the killer feature of pro models in a few years. Something like it's a normal iOS on the go, but when connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, you can bring up a MacOS(-like) environment.
The very same “I saw the prototype “ and “they’ll make the glasses in memory of SJ” Prosser.
Apart from Macs selling in much lower numbers then iPhones and iPads, that’s really just a guess.
There are two possibilities. The safe bet is a passively cooled MacBook (Air) with a chip very similar to the A14.
However, if Apple wants to send the message that they have the most powerful chips in desktop computing, then they will come out with a MacBook Pro 13" with a much higher clocked, actively cooled A14-like chip with for example 12 versus 6 cores.
I am hoping for the latter, that's what Steve would do
You’re suggesting Apple deliver a mobile chip in a laptop, aimed to make a statement about desktop computing power? Really? I want a powerful sans-fan MBP 14”/13” more than the average person but it’s not going to show their prowess of desktop computing power
that is up for the Mac Pro replacement.the real key is in Applications that support this new chip platform. Without it we could be looking at limited G3/G4 chips prior to Intel.
You’re suggesting Apple deliver a mobile chip in a laptop, aimed to make a statement about desktop computing power? Really? I want a powerful sans-fan MBP 14”/13” more than the average person but it’s not going to show their prowess of desktop computing power
the real key is in Applications that support this new chip platform. Without it we could be looking at limited G3/G4 chips prior to Intel.
My guess is "desktop computing" here refers to "as opposed to mobile (phone/tablet)".
The A14 "Sicilian" is a six core (2B/4L) SoC with a four core GPU.
The A14X "Tonga" will almost certainly be an eight core (4B/4L) SoC with an eight core GPU.
Rumors suggest that the first dedicated Mac SoC could be 12 cores (8B/4L) and while they do not mention GPU, I expect it would be 8 cores, as well.
Apple is also working on a dedicated 5nm "Lifuka" GPU and I expect this will be combined with the Mac SoCs to replace the AMD dGPUs in models like the iMac 5K and MacBook Pro 16. I would also not be surprised if those Macs had SoCs with more cores than 12.
B = high-performance Firestorm "big" cores.
L = energy-efficient Icestorm "little" cores.
The A14X "Tonga" will almost certainly be an eight core (4B/4L) SoC with an eight core GPU.
Rumors suggest that the first dedicated Mac SoC could be 12 cores (8B/4L) and while they do not mention GPU, I expect it would be 8 cores, as well.
Apple is also working on a dedicated 5nm "Lifuka" GPU and I expect this will be combined with the Mac SoCs to replace the AMD dGPUs in models like the iMac 5K and MacBook Pro 16. I would also not be surprised if those Macs had SoCs with more cores than 12.
B = high-performance Firestorm "big" cores.
L = energy-efficient Icestorm "little" cores.
The weight difference between the current MacBook Air and the 12" MacBook is negligible. Anyone losing their marbles over something like that simply doesn't understand how good they actually have it. It's just that simple. Many places give people PCs that are 3-4lbs and tell them that's what they're getting. A MacBook Air is still ultraportable enough for that sub-1lbs difference to not matter. These days, with the job economy being what it is, you're not going to have someone quit their job because they don't have a paper thin laptop. That's lunacy.
Finding space for a second port on a machine like that would come at the cost of the headphone jack. The machine tapers such that it gets harder to fit a second port without adding bulk and weight (which is what you're so keen on avoiding in the first place). It's not a practical computer. Take it from someone who owns and uses one.
I am perfectly fine with getting rid of the jack for another usb-c. I get that you own one and doesn't fit your needs, but I've owned 12" ThinkPads for over 10 years, sadly some of it with hd ready panels, and I'd still choose them any day over bigger models. Actually that's how I first got familiar with Macs, I was desperate to get rid of my T470p, and one of my colleagues just replaced his MacBook Pro, so I could jump at it. At desk I use notebooks docked with closed lid, at work and at home too, and in other situations the portability triumphs the drawbacks.
I guess you are from the US, we have different experiences in job markets. Here a fair bit of companies in IT simply give you a budget to choose your computer within that range.
It's nice that you're perfectly fine with that. And that you're perfectly fine with the 12" MacBook. The fact that you're into it isn't up for debate. The fact that enough people weren't into it to the point where Apple went in a different direction is the point being made here. Most people would not be cool with dropping the headphone jack just to get USB-C on a machine that could just be made less than a pound heavier to avoid such concessions. Again, if the Air is too heavy for you to travel with on a train, plane, or automobile, you've got other issues at play.
What works for you and me as individuals is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that the 12" MacBook had criticisms that outweighed its praise. It had problems that go beyond what Apple has been able to fix with the keyboard and with Apple Silicon. Just because those problems aren't an issue to you doesn't mean that they suddenly go away for enough people to convince Apple that it's a good idea again.
Right. Here in the US, they are cost-driven and aren't going to deploy you a machine of your choosing because (a) that can often be an IT management nightmare and (b) consumers will often pick form over function and then complain about how we IT folk can't make it work. That sort of nonsense breeds more work than anyone realistically needs. BYOD is totally a thing though. But that's the user supplying THEIR own machine and not them selecting what WE have to support as such things are not really fair to the IT folk that have to support it. In any case, given the lackluster performance of Intel's processors, the minimum I'd have a user use on the Mac side of things would be a 2-port 13" MacBook Pro. Because the last thing I need is a user that wanted an ultralight MacBook Air whine and moan because it's choking on two large spreadsheets when the 2-port 13" MacBook Pro would've only weighed .3lbs more. These are still VERY light machines.
I think we said more than enough about it, just some quick remarks: I just can't see Apple settling for
the Air form factor as their ultraportable while the competition has 2-300 g lighter machines, given they f***ed up their entire line for years just to trim a little thickness.
And on the support, we didn't receive one besides hardware issues, which made both sides extremely happy. IT device management and developers don't bode well.
Yeah, the issue of sometimes also having to carry around the 2+ kg brick-like notebook the client gives us to reach their internal network, or the partner to evaluate upcoming beta functonalities. And I've mentioned the train because of limited space, a few centimeter sometimes means a properly opened screen vs being stuck under 90 degrees.
Not quite.
" This copper-based version of the Light Peak concept was co-developed by Apple and Intel. Apple registered Thunderbolt as a trademark, but later transferred the mark to Intel, which held overriding intellectual-property rights. "
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On 24 May 2017, Intel announced that Thunderbolt 3 would become a royalty-free standard to OEMs and chip manufacturers in 2018, as part of an effort to boost the adoption of the protocol.[74] The Thunderbolt 3 specification was later released to the USB-IF on 4 March 2019, making it royalty-free, to be used to form USB4.[75][76][77] Intel says it will retain control over certification of all Thunderbolt 3 devices.[78] Intel also states it employs "mandatory certification for all Thunderbolt products." [79]
Before March 2019, there were no AMD chipsets or computers with Thunderbolt support released or announced due to the certification requirements (Intel did not certify non-Intel platforms). However, the YouTuber Wendell Wilson from Level1 Techs was able to get Thunderbolt 3 support on an AMD computer with a Threadripper CPU and Titan Ridge add-in card working by modifying the firmware, indicating that the lack of Thunderbolt support on non-Intel systems is not due to any hardware limitations.[80][81] As of May 2019, it is possible to have Thunderbolt 3 support on AMD using add-in cards without any problems,[82] and motherboards like ASRock X570 Creator already have Thunderbolt 3 port.[83]
In January 2020 Intel certified[84] ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 and now vendors are freely allowed to produce Thunderbolt controller silicon (even though those ASRock motherboards used Intel Titan Ridge).[85]
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So besides the history of the development of the technology, implementing Thunderbolt in AS is not an issue at all and future AS based Mac products will support the technology.
There are not many PCs that are THINNER than the current Air. The current Air is pretty damn thin. So much so that it has to use a Y-series Intel chip, which sucks for performance. So, your point about there being thinner laptops, if even true, is moot because the user experience is still crap.