Apple’s MacBook Pro: Rotting Core? What Apple Doesn't Want You To Realize.

[Azmordean]

So I guess you bought, or you're going to buy a Windows based PC right?

Not yet, but considering it. I've been looking at the new Sony Z. I am also considering getting a real desktop again and getting something like the Vostro V13 for travel. Right now, that is what I am leaning towards actually.

And I don't know anybody who buys a Mac because their work/software is OS X dependent. That's not the only reason to buy a Mac.

I mentioned that because I've seen a lot of people in this forum bring it up. My point wasn't about Macs in general, but about Apple's current lineup. I'm sure people do it, but I simply cannot fathom buying any notebook out of Apple's current lineup. They are really no quicker than my now 2 year old Penryn MBP. And the price (excluding the MacBook) is still $1500+. Buying a Mac now is folly - much better to either wait for an update or get a PC.

My disappointment is Apple is falling behind again. When they first switched to Intel they were getting the chips BEFORE other computer makers. Now there are numerous options out there and Apple hasn't even announced new machines, let alone started shipping them. We heard March, now we are hearing April or even summer.

 

[Hal Itosis]

My disappointment is Apple is falling behind again. When they first switched to Intel they were getting the chips BEFORE other computer makers. Now there are numerous options out there and Apple hasn't even announced new machines, let alone started shipping them. We heard March, now we are hearing April or even summer.

That point has been made 100 times now.
So, what are we supposed to do about it?

Commiserate?

Okay, let's see... um, which GPU do you wish Apple had just slapped into the MBP and shipped out already (and exactly when do you think they should have done that)?

What would you have done if you were His Steveness?

 

[fpnc]

My disappointment is Apple is falling behind again. When they first switched to Intel they were getting the chips BEFORE other computer makers. Now there are numerous options out there and Apple hasn't even announced new machines, let alone started shipping them. We heard March, now we are hearing April or even summer.

That point has been made 100 times now...

But, no matter how many times people keep saying the above ("Apple is falling behind"), it just isn't true. See my post on the previous page for the facts of the matter (and links to support my statements):

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=9389290&#post9389290

The ONLY processor family that is suitable for an updated MacBook Pro is from the Arrandale family and those chips are just now beginning to ship from the major manufacturers. Just because a chip has a Core i7/i5/i3 name on it doesn't mean that it is suitable for use in a top-of-the-line, thin and light, battery-efficient design like the MacBook Pro. The "Core i" family of processors represents a range of different applications and the only one that "fits" is the Arrandale.

Here is more background on this issue (with additional links to support my statements):

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=9380896&#post9380896

 

[solarein]

If Apple is no longer serious about its full-featured computer business, then they should just make OS X available for every x86-based machine. That way I can get the latest hardware and enjoy OS X on it.

 

[Gomff]

If Apple is no longer serious about its full-featured computer business, then they should just make OS X available for every x86-based machine. That way I can get the latest hardware and enjoy OS X on it.

I'm sure Apple will abandon their highly successful, highly profitable business model to accommodate your needs.

After all, it's all about you getting what you want isn't it?

 

[solarein]

I'm sure Apple will abandon their highly successful, highly profitable business model to accommodate your needs.

After all, it's all about you getting what you want isn't it?

What part of "If Apple is no longer serious about its full-featured computer business" don't you understand? I'm talking about what they should do if they abandon it. I didn't say anything about wanting them to abandon it.

 

[Gomff]

Blah Blah Blah

And you're basing your assumption that Apple is no longer serious about it's full-featured computer business on what exactly?

 

[solarein]

And you're basing your assumption that Apple is no longer serious about it's full-featured computer business on what exactly?

Who said I'm assuming that?

Maybe you ought to learn what the word "if" means.

 

[snberk103]

If Apple is no longer serious about its full-featured computer business, then they should just make OS X available for every x86-based machine. That way I can get the latest hardware and enjoy OS X on it.

If "full-featured computer" means their entire line of notebooks, iMacs, etc. then I think it is going to be a long wait. Its a very profitable line of business, and like all things Apple its part of the bigger package. Computers/iTunes/selling entertainment all go together in one package. You can't get rid of one leg without huge negative impacts on whole package.

If "full-featured" means their MacPros and top end iMacs.... I'm not as confident. I sometimes really do wonder where MacPros fit into this model. But then, everytime I see an update to one of their Pro line applications I am pleased because it means that their pro computers are still part of their business model.

The conclusion I make is that their pro line, applications and systems, must be selling well.

 

[gfiz]

But, no matter how many times people keep saying the above ("Apple is falling behind"), it just isn't true. See my post on the previous page for the facts of the matter (and links to support my statements):

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=9389290&#post9389290

The ONLY processor family that is suitable for an updated MacBook Pro is from the Arrandale family and those chips are just now beginning to ship from the major manufacturers. Just because a chip has a Core i7/i5/i3 name on it doesn't mean that it is suitable for use in a top-of-the-line, thin and light, battery-efficient design like the MacBook Pro. The "Core i" family of processors represents a range of different applications and the only one that "fits" is the Arrandale.

Here is more background on this issue (with additional links to support my statements):

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=9380896&#post9380896

even if one agrees to your argument (which unfortunately there are holes to since arrandale cpu's have been selling for well over a month now in some lines), the other half of the argument is much more compelling. Not only is Apple behind (arguably), but they're also selling their C2D line at an unheard of tax comparatively. If Apple wants to sell state of the art technology at a premium, that's one thing (they used to be one of if not the first with new updates). Selling 4 year old tech at prices 3-4x of what some competitors are selling it at is just obscene.

 

[Hmac]

At the iPad keynote Steve Jobs said :

Apple’s revenues over $50b per year. Apple gets revenue from iPods, iPhones, and of course Macs. iPods are mobile devices. iPhones are mobile devices, and most of the Macs we ship now are laptops. Apple is a mobile devices company. That’s what we do.

I'd interpret that to mean that MacBooks and MacBook Pros are safe well into the foreseeable future...and since iMacs tend lean heavily into the MacBook hardware, they probably are too. However, a statement like that ought to be a little sobering for the Apple customers that rely on Mac Pro-level horsepower to get their work done. And certainly news about laying off 40 people that work on their flagship pro application (Final Cut products).

Relative to the post, I think it's pretty clear that OSX is going to be around for awhile, at least to support the MacBooks and iMacs, but if the iPad takes off and as this "mobile market" evolves, I certainly think OSX on a tablet device is a reasonable scenario.

 

[snberk103]

... since arrandale cpu's have been selling for well over a month now in some lines ... Not only is Apple behind (arguably)...

Sometimes it's just too easy... would someone else care to take this one?

 

[gfiz]

Sometimes it's just too easy... would someone else care to take this one?

please...but be careful (I'm not confusing Arrandale with Clarkdale if that's what you're hinting at)

 

[antibact1]

People can talk about the unfair Apple tax at the moment and say that they are lagging, but look at what competitors are doing with other professional laptops. If you look at the Dell Latitude line they are effectively mirroring both the pricing and hardware that Apple is providing. Yes it sucks, but they aren't alone.

 

[solarein]

People can talk about the unfair Apple tax at the moment and say that they are lagging, but look at what competitors are doing with other professional laptops. If you look at the Dell Latitude line they are effectively mirroring both the pricing and hardware that Apple is providing. Yes it sucks, but they aren't alone.

At my school a similarly equipped Dell Latitude E6500 costs half as much as a 15" MBP.

 

[spork183]

A beginner photographer worries about his camera (and, in the 21st century, computer).

A good photographer worries about his lens.

A great photographer worries about the light.

to paraphrase:

A beginning computer user worries about the brand.

A good user worries about the specs.

A great user worries about the experience.


That said, COME ON APPLE, DO A FREAKIN' SPEC UPDATE.

 

[solarein]

to paraphrase:

A beginning computer user worries about the brand.

A good user worries about the specs.

A great user worries about the experience.


That said, COME ON APPLE, DO A FREAKIN' SPEC UPDATE.

That doesn't make any sense. What is a great computer user? Notice the post you are paraphrasing talks about "photographers". It doesn't talk about "camera users". It would be nonsensical to talk about great camera users.

 

[spork183]

That doesn't make any sense. What is a great computer user? Notice the post you are paraphrasing talks about "photographers". It doesn't talk about "camera users". It would be nonsensical to talk about great camera users.

I defer to your superior knowledge in all things logic. I'd still like an update from Apple.

 

[HLdan]

to paraphrase:

A beginning computer user worries about the brand.

A good user worries about the specs.

A great user worries about the experience.


That said, COME ON APPLE, DO A FREAKIN' SPEC UPDATE.

I would say ANY computer user is more concerned about the experience. Aren't good specs part of the experience? I never heard of a "Good" or a "Great" computer user. That makes ZERO sense.

WRONG, most of the people that I know that are buying their first computer never cares about brand name.
Please don't try to counteract someone's point with nonsense.

 

[Gomff]

At my school a similarly equipped Dell Latitude E6500 costs half as much as a 15" MBP.

And here we go again with the simple, naive comparisons between Macs and PC's based solely on their hardware.

Do the Dell Latitudes come with OS X?
Do they run Mac software?
Do they come with arguably the best support in the industry?
Are they well designed?

Didn't think so.

 

[spork183]

I would say ANY computer user is more concerned about the experience. Aren't good specs part of the experience? I never heard of a "Good" or a "Great" computer user. That makes ZERO sense.

Please don't try to counteract someone's point with nonsense.

Would you prefer

Beginner

Experienced

Expert?

 

[HLdan]

Would you prefer

Beginner

Experienced

Expert?

Well, now, that's much better!

 

[solarein]

And here we go again with the simple, naive comparisons between Macs and PC's based solely on their hardware.

Do the Dell Latitudes come with OS X?
Do they run Mac software?
Do they come with arguably the best support in the industry?
Are they well designed?

Didn't think so.

They are very well designed and have great support, based on consensus of many reviewers. But that's besides the point...

You really need to stop inferring things that people haven't said. Nowhere did I say the two machines are equivalent. I responded to a post claiming that Dell Latitudes match the price and hardware of MBPs. I provided a plain and simple fact in response. That's the extent of what I said.

 

[MacintoshMan]

Okay, everyone please stop with these suggestions that Apple should have already shipped MacBooks with the Core i7/i5 as evidenced by the "fact" that PC laptops with such processors have been shipping since last year.

The only MOBILE Core i7 that shipped last year was from the Clarksfield processor family (quad-core i7-720QM, i7-820QM, and i7-920XM) and those are in large, heavy, desktop-replacement units that have a battery life between two to three hours (at best). Furthermore, until Intel announced the new Core i7/i5/i3 Arrandale family just two months ago there were no Core i5/i3 processors that were in the mobile category (only desktop i5/i3s were available last year). So, any Core i3/i5 laptops that shipped last year were using desktop parts and the only MOBILE Core i7 that shipped last year had a battery life that would have been typical for a laptop computer from the last century (that's poor) and nothing like the 5 to 7 hours that is possible on the current generation MacBook Pros.

The Arrandale processors are the first mainstream Core i7/i5/i3 mobile CPUs from Intel and they are just now beginning to ship in quantity from the major manufacturers (witness that Dell shows a "Preliminary Ship Date: 3/16/2010" for their "NEW 2010" Core i3/i5 Dell Studio laptops).

Arrandale is the Core i3/i5/i7 processor family that will be needed for the MacBooks and these chips haven't been available until just recently (if at all).

If you don't want to believe me then take a look at the following quote from AnandTech in their Jan. 2010 preview of the Arrandale processor family:



The full preview is here: http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3705&p=1

I never said apple should have been shipping since October, I was only stating that if the drivers were there for the X86 community for the core i7 id have had a new laptop in October.

Just trying to point out to those who say "well switch if you want one so bad" I really would like I have with every other computer in my house (MSI Wind u100, and C2D desktop) both running OS X perfectly.

I don't need to buy Apples pricey hardware to enjoy the OS. Not to mention the Unibody design still hasn't grown on me yet. That uni-mouse pad creates all sorts of problems when working in Photoshop, and any other OS that you install doesn't want to cooperate with it either (Windows XP and Ubuntu)

Not to mention that whole built in battery thing kills me, for those who travel allot you know what im talking about.

Along with the glassy screen, and the ****** audio on the 13" when compared to my old G4 1.3ghz 17"!

I've been done with their form over function crap for a while, I just love the OS =]

 

[snberk103]

At my school a similarly equipped Dell Latitude E6500 costs half as much as a 15" MBP.

I've seen similar claims on this forum before, and any time someone has bothered to compare the specs, the cheaper system was not equivalent. Usually its the screen quality....

The Dell has VGA as video-out, not the digital video-out of the MBP. The Dell doesn't seem to optical audio (in or out) either.

When I "upgraded" the Dell to more or less match the features of the MBP it was .... $1695, compared to the $1699 for the MBP. I compared prices at the Dell store and the Apple store. Now, Dell has their system on sale - a good sale, it's nearly $500 off - so I went to the refurb section on the Apple store, the closest equivalent. I can get the MBP there for almost $300 off.

So, the grand total is that I can get the Dell for all of $200 off. Far Far Far from the "half as much". And for my personal situation useless as I need the digital video-out, not the obsolete VGA out. Which might explain the heavy discount, that Dell is probably about to be discontinued.