Intel Begins Shipping Mobile 'Sandy Bridge' Chips Destined for MacBook Pros

[Vantage Point]

Errmmm...

Laptops ARE desktop replacements just like tablets are becoming laptop replacements

It is 2011!

Well, I'll wait for 2012 Ivy Bridge. The 3 big bottlenecks as CPU, RAM and hard drive. SSD's and plenty of Ram can make a huge difference. I think Ivy Bridge will be able to handle 16GB of RAM and may possibly have mobile quad cores that do't get super hot. I am really happy with my Arrandale over the C2D and 8GB ram made a huge difference in performance for photo editing software like Photoshop CS5 and other software I use.

If you want or need more power, then the next refresh, late 2011 or early 2012 might be worth it as that will likely also have Light Peak....

The next thing is always better the current thing is pretty good and about to get even better.

 

[barthq]

Errmmm...

Laptops ARE desktop replacements just like tablets are becoming laptop replacements

It is 2011!

Well, i dont think so. If you use your Laptop in the same spot 95% of the time, you should get a powerful Desktop AND a small Laptop for mobile use.
Laptops have horrible ergonomics and if you sit in front of them all day without an external screen and input devices you will seriously hurt yourself. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but in a few years.
Sure you can hook it up to external screens and keyboards/mouse and use it lile that most of the time, but why not just get an iMac then with an iPad or MBA for mobile use.

Only reason i see for buying very powerful laptops bigger than 15" is for people that work onsite for clients and require alot of power for CAD or stuff like that. For everyone else, the latest i7 Dual-Cores are more than enough!

 

[robeddie]

I think if people have been waiting for an upgrade THIS IS the perfect time to do so!

I don't know about that. The whole 8-16gig ssd approach will pretty soon seem like a half-assed solution to a temporary problem (the problem being the current high price of ssd memory).

In a year and a half, when MBP's are all on large SSD's, this 'hybrid' approach will seem antiquated.

We're in a transition phase right now. Wait til the transition is over - that's what I would do.

 

[nep61]

17" will be getting a quad core option; mark my words.

Consider those words marked....
However, I'm still holding out for the 17" G5 Powerbook... It'll be coming any day now, I know it !!!

 

[barthq]

I don't know about that. The whole 8-16gig ssd approach will pretty soon seem like a half-assed solution to a temporary problem (the problem being the current high price of ssd memory).

In a year and a half, when MBP's are all on large SSD's, this 'hybrid' approach will seem antiquated.

We're in a transition phase right now. Wait til the transition is over - that's what I would do.

That whole hybrid rumor is false anyway. Why do people believe every rumors thats spreading on the interwebs ?

 

[cmaier]

what?

you can definitely get a crappy HP Envy 14" with an i7 quad...

e.g. (note the date)

http://blog.laptopmag.com/deal-of-the-day-hp-envy-15-quad-core-i7-40-off

You do understand that your response ignores his question, right?

 

[-=XX=-Nephilim]

I don't know about that. The whole 8-16gig ssd approach will pretty soon seem like a half-assed solution to a temporary problem (the problem being the current high price of ssd memory).

In a year and a half, when MBP's are all on large SSD's, this 'hybrid' approach will seem antiquated.

We're in a transition phase right now. Wait til the transition is over - that's what I would do.

This!

Exactly what I will do although I am due for an update...

 

[FuNGi]

Does anybody give a ****ing damn about theses dual cores? Seriously. Apple already skipped one complete chipset with quadcores for desktop (meant notebooks here..) while others used them (e.g. dell, hp, lenovo)


On thursday apple will charge an additional price of 50% for 50% less cores?

**** yourself, Jobs.

Well don't buy one then if you think quad-core is the only way to go.

After Antennagate bit me, I'll wait till they debug this new model.

It's too much work to setup a new laptop, "move into it" only to have nothing but problems, big or small.

Haha. The non-issue arises again. Classic. A zombie post.

What is it with all the Dual Core hating ?

Seriously, why does everybody want QuadCores ? They eat more power and result in less battery life, which i find more important than some cpu power on a laptop.

Modern DualCores are still plenty powerful, most Software isnt even using DualCores properly, let alone Quad Cores. If you do stuff that really requires Quad Cores (like Rendering, Video Editing, Gaming) you shouldnt do that stuff on a Laptop in the first place... Get the right tools for the job, a Laptop should not be your Desktop replacement.

Seems like some people just want the latest and greatest without any valid reason going for it.

Yeah, all the rubbish Windows Laptop got QuadCores by now, but they also run out of battery juice after 3 hours max..I dont want that!

Thank you oh voice of reason. I personally don't care about the very latest technology and want a machine that has been properly tested and carefully engineered. The quad-core tech hasn't matured on the software side. All it is now is a bragging right that itself will be outdated in 6-8 months. Personally, I'm finding the 1.86Ghz Air I'm typing this on to be more power than I need - despite my pension to never close 12 apps and use 6 spaces simultaneously. Is the quad core going to help save me 3 seconds an hour?

 

[Frobozz]

I'm not so certain that a 200 MHz gap between the "low end" and "high end" chips are really going to do it. While the i7 does boast important improvements over the Core i5, I'm a little surprised one of the quad-core X series mobile chips doesn't make it in to the MacBook Pro. Then again, perhaps the energy profile isn't appropriate for the MacBook Pro?

Either way, my aging Core Duo (no, there's no 2 in there) is being replaced. The only reason why I didn't buy a month ago is because these updates are coming. I hope they offer the architectural improvements I am hoping for.

And, yes, I'd ditch the optical drive in favor of an external solution for the (rare) times I need one, if given the option. I'll also be installing my own 256GB SSD as an aftermarket upgrade if that isn't a standard configuration. Probably a Crucial C300 or similar Sandforce based SSD.

 

[bilg]

Again no Quad-Core? WHY???

Actually, I'm kind of happy they aren't shipping with quad cores. It would be nice for a BTO option, maybe down the road for those who absolutely need the quad core, but with the dual core, you get higher clock speeds per core and less power consumption. So for us who dont need to multi-task EVERY app, and actually want a better battery life, dual core is the better (and completely capable) choice.

 

[bilg]

Thank you oh voice of reason. I personally don't care about the very latest technology and want a machine that has been properly tested and carefully engineered. The quad-core tech hasn't matured on the software side. All it is now is a bragging right that itself will be outdated in 6-8 months. Personally, I'm finding the 1.86Ghz Air I'm typing this on to be more power than I need - despite my pension to never close 12 apps and use 6 spaces simultaneously. Is the quad core going to help save me 3 seconds an hour?

Okay, THANK you fungi!

 

[bilg]

That whole hybrid rumor is false anyway. Why do people believe every rumors thats spreading on the interwebs ?

It actually could be true. Apple is so keen about their innovative "instant-on", they just want another marketing keyword because most people don't know or care about sandy-bridge.

 

[gregoryalee]

Well don't buy one then if you think quad-core is the only way to go.



Haha. The non-issue arises again. Classic. A zombie post.



Thank you oh voice of reason. I personally don't care about the very latest technology and want a machine that has been properly tested and carefully engineered. The quad-core tech hasn't matured on the software side. All it is now is a bragging right that itself will be outdated in 6-8 months. Personally, I'm finding the 1.86Ghz Air I'm typing this on to be more power than I need - despite my pension to never close 12 apps and use 6 spaces simultaneously. Is the quad core going to help save me 3 seconds an hour?

Not everyone wants a quad core for bragging rights:

1.) As a -->mobile<-- IT professional that does heavy testing in virtual environments I NEED a very powerful laptop that is -->light<--. I NEED as much horsepower as I can get stuffed into a laptop. I am NOT going to carry around an 8 pound, 2" thick Windows machine. This alone is justification for running many cores.

2.) When not working I NEED a quad core for my mobile Pro Tools studio. I do not want to purchase a Mac Pro and put it in a rack with wheels to cart around a desktop. This also alone is justification for running many cores.

3.) I feel that the quad should at least be a BTO option. I don't care too much about battery life as the places I go to work at have electrical outlets. How convenient!

 

[Frobozz]

What is it with all the Dual Core hating ?

Seriously, why does everybody want QuadCores ? They eat more power and result in less battery life, which i find more important than some cpu power on a laptop.

Then you should stay with the dual core option.

Modern DualCores are still plenty powerful, most Software isnt even using DualCores properly, let alone Quad Cores.

Define "most" ? Wouldn't that be, by definition, the software the user runs most often? Therefor, a subjective term in this case? I think you're projecting your own desires onto the masses here. I can certainly agree that dual core can, due to a higher clock frequency, outperform Quad Core at a broad range of pedestrian and typical tasks. But for the stuff you want a Quad Core for, you *really* want more cores, not higher frequency.

If you do stuff that really requires Quad Cores (like Rendering, Video Editing, Gaming) you shouldnt do that stuff on a Laptop in the first place... Get the right tools for the job, a Laptop should not be your Desktop replacement.

Oh, come on. That's a silly statement. The MacBook Pro is, in fact, a desktop replacement for Millions of people.

Seems like some people just want the latest and greatest without any valid reason going for it.

Sure, there will always be a contingent that wants to play FarmVille on a Quad Core. I can't deny that. But there are actually really valid reasons for wanting a Quad Core professional level laptop. You even name them in your post. There will always be a balancing act between power and battery life.

Yeah, all the rubbish Windows Laptop got QuadCores by now, but they also run out of battery juice after 3 hours max..I dont want that!

Well, that is a fair point. If the power consumption really is halving the performance for the majority of users, then it's not a good situation for a MacBook Pro. But that performance on the Windows side is at least partly due to Windows on laptops. Apple has higher density and longer lasting batteries, higher build quality, and an operating system that seems to perform better in mobile applications than Windows.

If I was able to get 6 hours versus 10, or could possibly disable 2 of the cores when I don't need them (doesn't the silicon support this?) then it would be a nice solution for me.

 

[barthq]

Not everyone wants a quad core for bragging rights:

1.) As a -->mobile<-- IT professional that does heavy testing in virtual environments I NEED a very powerful laptop that is -->light<--. I NEED as much horsepower as I can get stuffed into a laptop. I am NOT going to carry around an 8 pound, 2" thick Windows machine. This alone is justification for running many cores.

2.) When not working I NEED a quad core for my mobile Pro Tools studio. I do not want to purchase a Mac Pro and put it in a rack with wheels to cart around a desktop. This also alone is justification for running many cores.

3.) I feel that the quad should at least be a BTO option. I don't care too much about battery life as the places I go to work at have electrical outlets. How convenient!

Right on sir, but you are not Apples target demographic i am afraid. You cant make everyone happy. Most mobile pros i know run very powerful Thinkpads or Elitebooks because they also have to use enterprise software stacks and/or or the clients demand windows for their security software stuff.

 

[barthq]

Define "most" ? Wouldn't that be, by definition, the software the user runs most often? Therefor, a subjective term in this case? I think you're projecting your own desires onto the masses here. I can certainly agree that dual core can, due to a higher clock frequency, outperform Quad Core at a broad range of pedestrian and typical tasks. But for the stuff you want a Quad Core for, you *really* want more cores, not higher frequency.

I do alot of software development, even interactive 3D Applications and games, and still the current Dual-Cores are powerful enough for that. Of course if youd want to do heavy lifting in 3D Modelling, Virtual Enviroments or Video Editing you would need Quad-Cores. But if you do that for a living you will probably own a Mac Pro anyway.

Oh, come on. That's a silly statement. The MacBook Pro is, in fact, a desktop replacement for Millions of people.

Oh, the "but everybody does" argument. Well, it might be true that millions of people us it that way but that doesnt make it right. Laptops have horrible ergonomics and if you are a power user who only works on Laptops you should really worry about long-term injuries this could cause and better get a decent desktop. Of course you can still plugin it into external devices, but if you do that most of the time why not replace the powerful Laptop with a powerful Desktop and a mobile and maybe not-so-powerful Laptop ?
Heck, you cant even run Dual external Screens from a Macbook Pro in a decent way.

Sure, there will always be a contingent that wants to play FarmVille on a Quad Core. I can't deny that. But there are actually really valid reasons for wanting a Quad Core professional level laptop. You even name them in your post. There will always be a balancing act between power and battery life.

Not saying anything against a BTO quad-core option, but its not that everybody needs it and Steve should go ***** himself because they arent included, like someone else mentioned.

That said, we are still talking about rumors, it might be totally different in the end. We wont see a Quad Core 13" MBP though.

 

[gregoryalee]

Right on sir, but you are not Apples target demographic i am afraid. You cant make everyone happy. Most mobile pros i know run very powerful Thinkpads or Elitebooks because they also have to use enterprise software stacks and/or or the clients demand windows for their security software stuff.

Great points, but I would have to disagree with you somewhat: Pro Tools users and musicians are in fact included in Apples target demographic. Just check the DUC(Avids forums) and see how many users are begging for Quad core macbooks. Unless you like to spend more time tweaking a PC than recording, Pro Tools runs like crap on the best BYO or brand name machines.


Also I have to deal with broken microsoft garbage on a day to day basis, working on a mac keeps me sane.

 

[Val-kyrie]

That whole hybrid rumor is false anyway. Why do people believe every rumors thats spreading on the interwebs ?

Don't be so hasty to write off this rumor. Lenovo is preparing to release a notebook series (at least the T-series) where there is an option to use both an SSD (80GB) for a boot and applications drive and a mechanical drive (500GB 7200RPM) for data and storage.

 

[BSmith9518]

Great points, but I would have to disagree with you somewhat: Pro Tools users and musicians are in fact included in Apples target demographic. Just check the DUC(Avids forums) and see how many users are begging for Quad core macbooks. Unless you like to spend more time tweaking a PC than recording, Pro Tools runs like crap on the best BYO or brand name machines.


Also I have to deal with broken microsoft garbage on a day to day basis, working on a mac keeps me sane.

Agreed. That's part of the reason there is a "Pro" line. I don't think anyone here thinks that quad core will become default. Those who have been around Apple enough know that this kind of thinking is merely rediculous, BUT I maybe see it in a BYO. And regardless, I have been known to replace parts of computers I don't like.

 

[koston33]

So this might be a dumb question, but is thursday the announcement that there is a new MBP or will it just come out thursday. Is that how apple does it?

 

[BSmith9518]

So this might be a dumb question, but is thursday the announcement that there is a new MBP or will it just come out thursday. Is that how apple does it?

I may have thought this before, but being that the rumor is that shipments have already been mady to Best Buy and others, I see a total release on Thursday. IF the rumors are, infact, true.

 

[AidenShaw]

If I was able to get 6 hours versus 10, or could possibly disable 2 of the cores when I don't need them (doesn't the silicon support this?) then it would be a nice solution for me.

Yes, look up "core parking" - it's a dynamic feature.

Reduced multicore processor power consumption

Windows Server 2008 R2 reduces processor power consumption in server computers with multicore processors by using a feature known as Core Parking.

The Core Parking feature allows Windows Server 2008 R2 to consolidate processing onto the fewest number of possible processor cores, and suspends inactive processor cores.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/R2-management.aspx

(click to enlarge)​

Windows 7 also currently uses core parking (http://blogs.technet.com/b/askperf/...-intelligent-timer-tick-timer-coalescing.aspx).

 

[troop231]

Looking forward to see what the new Macbook Pros have to offer, then I'll decide if the new specs are worth the upgrade or not.

 

[Frobozz]

Errmmm...

Laptops ARE desktop replacements just like tablets are becoming laptop replacements

It is 2011!

Agreed! Checking mail, playing games, and surfing the web are all done best on my iPad. My MBPro is primarily used by my wife during the day and by myself as a development platform at night. It's not what I typically use for recreational purposes.

I'm upgrading my Core Duo MBPro on this next cycle.

 

[Frobozz]

Not saying anything against a BTO quad-core option, but its not that everybody needs it and Steve should go ***** himself because they arent included, like someone else mentioned.

Definitely. Should be a BTO high end option, not the default.