Intel Core 2 Duo Chips Announced

[Willis]

They didn't. Where is this Mhz myth you are talking about? They are downplaying the use of Mhz was the point I was making.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKF9GOE2q38

Anyone wanting to know about the Mhz myth shall find it there.

These new chips are to prove that the Mhz myth doesnt exist. Just by changing their arch. they can provide more performance with the same mhz, instead of increasing it (such as the Pentiums)

Imagine. If the Intel's were'nt annouced in January... we'd only have them for a month or two now instead of 7. Crazy.

Just goes to show the MBP's truely are designed for Merom

 

[inkswamp]

but is still more productive because it handles more calculations per clock cycle

I'm no processor geek. I have a basic understanding of the terminology and how things work so correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this one of the advantages that the PPC had over Intel chips? Does this mean Intel is moving toward shorter pipes? Are we talking more instructions per clock cycle or what? What does "calculations" mean in this context?

 

[milo]

Those aren't next generation version of the Core 2 just MCM of the existing Core 2.

Still, they are the successors to conroe and woodcrest. As long as they are socket compatible, they're the next generation for these machines, whether you consider them a new chip or not.

Am i the only one that seems to think that WWDC is getting clogged up with TOO many things? I mean sure the more Apple products released/updated the better, but this keynote seems to be taking a lot of emphasis off of Leopard previews (according to the rumors)

It's all just rumor at this point. More than 2 computer announcments would be very unlikely, and the idea that all macs would get updated at once is ridiculous.

Well it's back to the future for all of us. Remember when the Mac was going 64-bit with the introduction of the G5 PowerMac on June 23, 2003? 🙄 Only more thanthree years later and we're doing it all over again thanks to Yonah's 7 month retrograde.

The only mac that took a step back was the iMac, and it never took advantage of any of the 64 bit advantages in the first place.

I can't figure out why it wouldn't have a 2nd slot or FW800. They're both cheap enough to add. The only problem is the 2nd slot adds some height, but not that much. This unit would be less than 5" tall. And anyway, how do you backup your CD's?

A second slot is overkill for a midline model. And Apple has obviously made the decision that FW800 is a pro feature only, if it's not in the 15 inch MBP. Not to mention that it's not included in the standard intel chipsets, so adding it is extra work for Apple.

Remember that the G5 is 64 bit. While the consumer apps may not be too directly affected at first, (speed increases, but nothing else), as more memory is required, 32 bit will hit a brick wall at 4GiB, whereas 64 bit can go along happily to 2,305,843,009,200,000,000GiB.

And since the iMacs have never supported more than 2 gigs of ram, how is that a step back by switching them to Yonah?

 

[Dan==]

While I like your thinking, your mock-up is wrong. If Apple are going to release a mid-Tower it has to appeal to both gamers and those looking for a headless iMac. They would really have to bring out about three main models, one which was basically an upgradable iMac spec for a couple to few hundred bucks less than the real deal and two higher spec conroes, (short of Mac Pro though). From what I can see, yours looks too small to easily customise, which would appeal to gamers.

Single optical, single HD (2nd slot free), assume better specs will mainly lie with graphics and ram.

I'm not much of a gamer, so take this with a healthy grain of salt...

Gamers seem to like to do a few things:

• Upgrade the processor, or overclock it, possibly with cooling.
• Faster memory
• Better graphics cards

Here's my take on this box.

• The processor should be swappable, as it is in the Mini, and should be easier. Overclocking should be no problem, but special cooling would be a challenge. However, for those max systems, why not just leave it to the Pro. (What's the Pro going to be for, anyway?)
• Memory upgradable - of course. 64 bit processor. Box should support at least 8GB.
• I'd expect graphics cards to be on their own slot, and upgradable. (I.e. see the BTO options)

Also, the system as spec'd has an open PCI-x slot, which isn't much use for these things, and adding more slots won't really help, except more space for cooling.

With a choice of processor, memory, and graphics cards, I think you have a machine that spans $1000 to well over $1500, slotting in nicely between the Mini and Pro in both price and capability.

I'll have to leave it to Apple to make the internals accessible. I'm not drawing that 🙂. 🙂) for you left-tilt-challenged individuals.)

Oh, and I really like having a 2nd optical drive, so I'm leaving it in. 🙂 If Apple has to take it out, so be it.

 

[eeboarder]

Actually, the merom in not completely compatible with the yonah chips. There will have to be some redesign on Apple's part that is supposed to delay the new MBPs. This article somewhat explains it:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=249

Also, since Apple is now kind of competeing with PCs who get the newest and fastest, it would be in Apple's best interest to get these chips in MBPs asap. Also, it is easy to see that a lot of people are waiting to purchase a new Apple laptop with this technology. MBP's current sales are going to slump from here on out until this technology is put into some new computers.

 

[Eidorian]

Actually, the merom in not completely compatible with the yonah chips. There will have to be some redesign on Apple's part that is supposed to delay the new MBPs. This article somewhat explains it:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=249

Also, since Apple is now kind of competeing with PCs who get the newest and fastest, it would be in Apple's best interest to get these chips in MBPs asap. Also, it is easy to see that a lot of people are waiting to purchase a new Apple laptop with this technology. MBP's current sales are going to slump from here on out until this technology is put into some new computers.

WRYYYYYY!!!

Looks like I'm going with a tower or iMac for school then.

 

[Dan==]

A second slot is overkill for a midline model. And Apple has obviously made the decision that FW800 is a pro feature only, if it's not in the 15 inch MBP. Not to mention that it's not included in the standard intel chipsets, so adding it is extra work for Apple.

Ah. That last point could be the most important aspect for inclusion of FW800.

As far as the 2nd optical slot goes, don't you think it's a pain to have only a single drive?

And especially when a second one probably adds less than $50-$75 to the system cost to the customer? (And extra profit potential for Apple?)

 

[yac_moda]

Nice news from intel, good for WWDC ...

... Apple will probably announce right before, since SJ said long ago no hard announcements at WWDC.

Of course he reverses A LOT 😱

ARE YOU PREPARED for the NASTY NEWS THAT COULD COME AT ANY TIME 😱 😱


MS will announce that they are dropping Mac development 😱 😱 😱 😡


DON'T YOU GET IT ...

... this is the plan Bill G., the NICE GUY, leaves MS with his CLOD BULLDOG in charge AND YOU GET WHAT YOU GET, Balmer cuts the Mac devision and probably a TON of other jobs too and then they announce their MP3 player and all sorts of services !!!

This way their player looks more credible then Apple, for a while anyway !!

If Apple was smart after all they would have hired me to test their spreadsheet app a long time ago, I am after all, the SPREADSHEET GOD 😎

 

[matznentosh]

Don't ask! Hahahaha, the G5's run hot, I'd hate to know how much they're sucking but with a 600W power supply...it's a lot😉

Reminds me of the time I borrowed my brother's very old Volkswagon Beetle, the air cooled kind. I noticed there was no temperature gage and asked him how hot it gets - he laughed and said "you don't want to know... think cherry red hot metal".

 

[Snowy_River]

Pretty cool, but it needs a real name, MAC won't cut it. Maybe Mac Express?

And it wouldn't have FW800 or a second optical slot. Probably a second HD slot instead. And I'd guess it would be more of a pizza box enclosure, but that's wild speculation. Your price is probably way too low, too.

I'm not sure why you're saying this price is way too low. The specs, so far as I can see, are quite similar to the current bottom-end iMac, which has an integrated screen, and it's price is only $300 more. It seems to me that this price is actually about right.

Also, I think that the name 'Mac' is a distinct possibility. Not saying I like it (or that I don't), or that it isn't simplistic, but I think that it's not unreasonable. FWIW, 'Mac Express' is nice, too, but I don't see Apple jumping on a name like that as quickly.

 

[tekmoe]

Actually, the merom in not completely compatible with the yonah chips. There will have to be some redesign on Apple's part that is supposed to delay the new MBPs. This article somewhat explains it:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=249

Also, since Apple is now kind of competeing with PCs who get the newest and fastest, it would be in Apple's best interest to get these chips in MBPs asap. Also, it is easy to see that a lot of people are waiting to purchase a new Apple laptop with this technology. MBP's current sales are going to slump from here on out until this technology is put into some new computers.

this blog was also written by jason o'grady, aka the PowerPage rumor site. his writing means nothing to me.

 

[BlizzardBomb]

I can't say much about the name. I'm not the first to offer it. But nothing else comes to mind that seems to fit well.

But its like ATI simply naming one of their chips ATI Radeon with no additional naming (being something like X1800 etc.). Why not something like Mac Plus, Mac Extra, Mac Express... I could go on.

 

[jholzner]

Nice news from intel, good for WWDC ...

... Apple will probably announce right before, since SJ said long ago no hard announcements at WWDC.

Of course he reverses A LOT 😱

Can you show me where he said that? I don't recall hearing that his year. In the past I recall them stating that but it was only for the particular WWDC not a blanket statement. They intro'd the G5 Powermac at a WWDC.

 

[lOUDsCREAMEr]

T minus 11 days...............




Cant wait.

i always wonder what does that T stand for??😕

 

[aaronb]

I always thought it was "Time" but I could be wrong!

 

[eeboarder]

this blog was also written by jason o'grady, aka the PowerPage rumor site. his writing means nothing to me.

It is a rumor.....just like many other things including almost everything on this site. You just have to decide for yourself really.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Rule 1 of Apple Events:

You never get all the marbles.

Too be fair Apple has never been given all the marbles, from moto, to hand out in the first place. This is new for them.

 

[SiliconAddict]

this blog was also written by jason o'grady, aka the PowerPage rumor site. his writing means nothing to me.

++

99.998% of what is posted on POwerPage is garbage. I love the crap about how he's against a buttonless iPOd because touching the screen would scratch it. 😵 No Jason....touching the screen would smuge it. Unless you hands are as hard as sandpaper....anyways. PP is pretty much crap.

Nice news from intel, good for WWDC ...

... Apple will probably announce right before, since SJ said long ago no hard announcements at WWDC.

Of course he reverses A LOT 😱

ARE PREPARED for the NASTY NEWS THAT COULD COME AT ANY TIME 😱 😱


MS will announce that they are dropping Mac development 😱 😱 😱 😡


DON'T YOU GET IT ...

... this is the plan Bill G., the NICE GUY, leaves MS with his CLOD BULLDOG in charge AND YOU GET WHAT YOU GET, Balmer cuts the Mac devision and probably a TON of other jobs too and then they announce their MP3 player and all sorts of services !!!

This way their player looks more credible then Apple, for a while anyway !!

If Apple was smart after all they would have hired me to test their spreadsheet app a long time ago, I am after all, the SPREADSHEET GOD 😎

Dude. One word.....Decaf. 🙄

 

[milo]

Actually, the merom in not completely compatible with the yonah chips. There will have to be some redesign on Apple's part that is supposed to delay the new MBPs. This article somewhat explains it:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=249

I don't know that I buy that, especially considering they have no source, and people have already done merom swaps on shipping machines. If there is an issue, I'd guess it's only an issue in the soldered version.

As far as the 2nd optical slot goes, don't you think it's a pain to have only a single drive?

And especially when a second one probably adds less than $50-$75 to the system cost to the customer? (And extra profit potential for Apple?)

Not really. My last machine had two, and I rarely used both. I think most people in the market for two optical drives are probably going to want the full pro tower anyway, and there's not that much profit from the second slot since most people will add the drive themselves instead of from Apple.

MS will announce that they are dropping Mac development

But didn't MS sign a multiyear contract with apple committing to support?

I'm not sure why you're saying this price is way too low. The specs, so far as I can see, are quite similar to the current bottom-end iMac, which has an integrated screen, and it's price is only $300 more. It seems to me that this price is actually about right.

Also, I think that the name 'Mac' is a distinct possibility. Not saying I like it (or that I don't), or that it isn't simplistic, but I think that it's not unreasonable. FWIW, 'Mac Express' is nice, too, but I don't see Apple jumping on a name like that as quickly.

Maybe not way too low, but a bit low, especially when you compare specs to the $799 mini. The problem with MAC by itself as a name is that people will ask "what kind of mac" and the response is "Mac". It's a bad slapstick routine. It's like Ford selling a car called the Ford.

 

[SPUY767]

Sorry if i missed it, but at what speeds do these run? Don't they know just because they keep bumping and bumping the chip speed don't really mean they have a faster system. Seem just like yesterday when a better design was more important than a super fast chip. Oh well, everyone is buying into the Mhz myth now. Funny that just a year or so ago, Apple was trying to shoot down the Mhz myth, now they have people cheering for it. I guess power consumption is good though.

This is a positively thoughtless remark. No one's cheering the MHz myth on, in fact, Intel itself has abandoned the concept. Until the 3Ghz woodies get dropped in a MacPro, the 2.7 GHZ G5 will still be the fastest chip ever put in a Macintosh. I have a dual core Pentium D in a bastard Mac at the house, it runs at 3.8 GHz. I'm pretty sure that even it is slower in a lot of areas than these Core 2's. So no, you're absolutely wrong, the MHz myth is all but dead.

 

[milo]

It's always a little alarming when a post starts "sorry if I missed it but..."

This is a positively thoughtless remark. No one's cheering the MHz myth on, in fact, Intel itself has abandoned the concept. Until the 3Ghz woodies get dropped in a MacPro, the 2.7 GHZ G5 will still be the fastest chip ever put in a Macintosh. I have a dual core Pentium D in a bastard Mac at the house, it runs at 3.8 GHz. I'm pretty sure that even it is slower in a lot of areas than these Core 2's. So no, you're absolutely wrong, the MHz myth is all but dead.

The 2.7 G5 will be the highest clocked chip in a mac for a while, but probably not the fastest. In a number of benchmarks, Yonah has already beaten dual G5's, the conroes and woodrests will likely widen the gap even more.

 

[bryanc]

Well it's back to the future for all of us. Remember when the Mac was going 64-bit with the introduction of the G5 PowerMac on June 23, 2003? 🙄 Only more thanthree years later and we're doing it all over again thanks to Yonah's 7 month retrograde.

Just so long as Steve doesn't say we'll be at 3 GHz in a year. 😱

Cheers

 

[Fabio_gsilva]

How about a new Mac at WWDC?

Lower Model:
CConroe E6300 - 1.86 GHz – FSB1066 – 2 MB cache - ($185)
1GB RAM
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
One open PCI-Express expansion slot
One open Optical drive slot [maybe] (i.e. for 2nd DVD drive)
Graphics Card with 128MB SDRAM
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, USB/FW800
Remote [(?] I think this box will still be small enough to fit into home entertainment setups.]
Keyboard, Mighty Mouse...................................................... $999

Some Options:
Conroe E6600 - 2.40 GHz – FSB1066 – 4 MB cache – (+$100)
Wireless Keyboard/Mouse +$60
Add DVD/CD ROM drive (in 2nd slot) + $50
250GB SATA hard drive +$75
+1GB RAM (2GB total) +$100
+3GB RAM (4GB total) +$300
Slightly Better Graphics Card with 256MB SDRAM + $50
Much Better Graphics Card +$200+​

Very nice, indeed... (of course, i expect that Apple release something much more beautiful than waht you did 😀 😛 😀)

 

[voyagerd]

Woot! I'm going to buy and ATI Radeon X850XT!

 

[jholzner]

Maybe not way too low, but a bit low, especially when you compare specs to the $799 mini. The problem with MAC by itself as a name is that people will ask "what kind of mac" and the response is "Mac". It's a bad slapstick routine. It's like Ford selling a car called the Ford.

Actually, it'd be like Ford selling a car named Model. Instead, they used to use Model-T etc. What model is it? It's a T model. What Mac is it? it's a mini...and i(Mac) etc.