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Example of an External Dock and GPU Over Thunderbolt Technology

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Apr 12, 2001
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Sony just announced a new ultra-thin 13.1" notebook that integrates Thunderbolt in a unique way. Sony is offering a "Power Media Dock" which is an expansion module that connects to the laptop via an optical cable.
Featuring high-speed I/O data transfer based on the architecture codenamed ‘Light Peak’, Power Media Dock boosts graphics performance while adding numerous extra connectivity options. It includes an optical drive for even greater business productivity and satisfying HD entertainment. The module comes supplied with a stylish design-matched stand.
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The notebook itself only contains an Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU, while the external dock contains an AMD Radeon HD 6650M with 1GB of Video RAM. This allows the computer to gain extra graphics capabilities when connected to the dock. The dock can drive up to 3 additional displays beyond the notebook's own screen. As noted by ThisisMyNext, Sony's solution seems to be proprietary and based around a USB 3.0 connector as previously reported.

The possibility of such an external GPU has been discussed many times on our forums, and Sonnet previously announced an external PCIe 2.0 expansion chassis that would allow customers to add PCI expansion cards over Thunderbolt. It has been pointed out however that Thunderbolt's available bandwidth is much lower than required by high end video cards, so this will only help in certain scenarios. Still, this shows some possibilities for expansion docking products for the MacBook Air or Mac mini after they get upgraded to Thunderbolt.

Article Link: Example of an External Dock and GPU Over Thunderbolt Technology
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2011/06/27/example-of-an-external-dock-and-gpu-over-thunderbolt-technology/
Funny... I got tweeted this article before it was up on the webpage... Refreshed it a few times.

Why the hell are they using a USB connector? Are they trying to cause problems?
 
In related news, hackers around the globe announced they're eagerly awaiting everything Sony will release.
 
res1233 said:
Funny... I got tweeted this article before it was up on the webpage... Refreshed it a few times.

Why the hell are they using a USB connector? Are they trying to cause problems?
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You'd think Sony would have learned its lesson by now with all these proprietary formats and connectors.

arn
 
This is great. Hopefully, apple will do something similar with the air.

arn said:
You'd think Sony would have learned its lesson by now with all these proprietary formats and connectors.

arn
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Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
 
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so apple's going copy the media dock like mba copied the original vaio and chiclet keys? where are the litigation lawyers ;)

LarryC said:
Are they any worse about that than apple is? ...The same has been said about apple.
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monkey see, monkey do
 
LarryC said:
Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
Click to expand...

But the point surely is that the USB bunch specifically told intel that a USB port is not to be used for non-USB protocols. An alternative was found (by Apple, anyway), and now Sony decide; um... To be idiots.

Anyway; I'd much rather the notebook not be cut down simply b'cos there's an external (but worse) option. Hopefully if external graphics processors are an option, Apple won't cut the dedicated chips out leaving just the intel integrated.
 
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LarryC said:
Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
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Apple's proprietary stuff can be licensed out and perform better than the competition. The same can't be said for Sony. Especially their expensive, slow Memory Sticks.
 
Roto-Rooter

i wonder if it comes with the root-kit pre-installed or you have to download it first in order to boot your PC?

I personally won't buy anything that has a Sony label on it. Ever.

:mad:
 
LarryC said:
Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
Click to expand...

I think Apple has learned its lesson for the most part. I mean compared to early Apple? Apple is doing great using relatively standard connectors for most things.

And you can't even compare it to Sony. Sony who designs a new memory stick format for every device (I'm only exaggerating a little).

arn
 
Googlyhead said:
But the point surely is that the USB bunch specifically told intel that a USB port is not to be used for non-USB protocols. An alternative was found (by Apple, anyway), and now Sony decide; um... To be idiots.

Anyway; I'd much rather the notebook not be cut down simply b'cos there's an external (but worse) option. Hopefully if external graphics processors are an option, Apple won't cut the dedicated chips out leaving just the intel integrated.
Click to expand...

If anything, the only use for Thunderbolt in this laptop is going to be for the dock, as I predict most manufacturers are going to stick with the official spec (and ports) for their products.
 
LarryC said:
This is great. Hopefully, apple will do something similar with the air.



Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
Click to expand...

Apple used to be like that up the wazoo, in fact it was one of the things steve criticized when he was brought back into Apple from NeXT. They're far less like that now than they used to be, and as an above poster has stated, generally all their proprietary connectors are open for license to anyone who wants it. This retarded move by Sony could result in port fragmentation and cause two lines of TB devices to form: One for USB/TB and one for Mini DisplayPort/TB.

EDIT: Also, because all the devices being brought to market are Mini DisplayPort/TB devices, it's highly likely this will be DOA.
 
The limited PCIe lanes are not terribly detrimental. Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp love to run bandwidth crippled flagship video card every time a new one rolls out. A 6650M is insignificant compared to those monsters.


gmcalpin said:
Since it doesn't look like they're marketing this as "Thunderbolt," it shouldn't cause too many problems. It's still kind of stupid, but there shouldn't be any confusion.
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They probably only wanted the features the controller provides and nothing else.
 
Googlyhead said:
But the point surely is that the USB bunch specifically told intel that a USB port is not to be used for non-USB protocols. An alternative was found (by Apple, anyway), and now Sony decide; um... To be idiots.

Anyway; I'd much rather the notebook not be cut down simply b'cos there's an external (but worse) option. Hopefully if external graphics processors are an option, Apple won't cut the dedicated chips out leaving just the intel integrated.
Click to expand...

I did not know that. Thank you. It does kind of make you wonder if Apple is planning on doing the same thing with the Air? I did look at the specs of this new machine. They have a higher resolution than Apple's 13" Air, maybe Apple will increase that on their updated MBA. That had never occurred to me before... if you purchase a MacBook Air you could tell people that you have an MBA :D Just kidding.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryC
Are they any worse about that than apple is? I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really asking. The same has been said about apple.
I think Apple has learned its lesson for the most part. I mean compared to early Apple? Apple is doing great using relatively standard connectors for most things.

And you can't even compare it to Sony. Sony who designs a new memory stick format for every device (I'm only exaggerating a little).

arn

I was not aware that Sony did that. I have never owned one. Thanks for the information. That is good to know.
 
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Apple would never do something like that though. We would get "confused"


OR

They wouldn't be able to sell you on an upgrade if they offered better specs with a dock thing.
 
I'm also curious what Apple has planned for Thunderbolt. The MBA revision will clear up their strategy. The cost and space of a Thunderbolt connector on the already cramped MBA logic board will be a test of Apple's commitment to the technology.

The popular view is that Apple plans to incorporate Thunderbolt into all future products. If this is the case, I'm sure they have some specific peripherals that they plan on bringing to market. If this is true, it definitely will be included in the new MBA.

Alternatively Apple might see Thunderbolt as a differentiating feature found only on high-end Macs, such as the MB, MBP, and iMac.
 
So maybe people switching to Premier Pro might be able to use NVIDIA cards to take advantage of Premiere Pro’s Mercury Engine? Or does that involve too much bandwidth?
 
Nice! I knew someone would show something like this very soon.

I don't think there will be any problems with having TB (Apple) and USB/LP (the rest). On another note, doesn't docks generally use manufacturer specific ports?
 
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