Intel Delaying Mass Availability of Ivy Bridge Processors Until 'After June'?

[SockRolid]

[...] I would think we would need to see decent 64bit ARM processors before Apple could switch.

The big difference I see between the PowerPC to Intel transition and a possible Intel to ARM transition? The transition won't be as rushed and there would probably be current Intel and ARM versions of some systems.
[...]

Agree with all your points. I tend to gloss over the 32-bit / 64-bit "quantum leap." But ARM announced their ARMv8 64-bit processor architecture last October, with more specific details to be released this year. They suggest that consumer devices using 64-bit ARM chips might become available in 2014.

And it's not just Apple that's thinking about switching. Microsoft seems committed to ARM-based tablets to run a variant of Windows 8. And that, too will require 64-bit SoCs.

As for the co-existence of Intel- and ARM-based Macs, yes, I think the transition needs to be handled very carefully. (But Apple has handled do-or-die transitions successfully in the past: 68k->PowerPC, OS9->OSX, PowerPC->Intel.) So maybe the MacBook Air line could use 64-bit ARM chips exclusively, and the MacBook Pro line could use Intel chips exclusively. The MacBook Air would become mechanically simpler, with no fans and less need for cooling of any kind. Mechanical simplicity translates to lower component and assembly costs, which together with the lower cost of the ARM chips would help keep the MBA's margins up while allowing a lower average selling price. All bad news for the Ultrabook wannabes of the world. All great news for highly mobile pros and consumers.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro could once again be positioned for the "pro" market. The unfortunate minority who are still forced to use legacy Intel-based productivity suites like the ones Adobe and Microsoft still ship. Because they're paid to do it. Some of them might even run Windows on their MBPs. Again, only because it's needed for work.

Going a little further down the road, Apple could eventually migrate the iMac line to ARM chips. That would give Apple even better economy of scale for their ARM-based Ax chips, and again, most consumers wouldn't need to run Windows or heavy productivity suites on their iMacs. It would crystallize the difference between the consumer and pro lines of MacBooks and Macs.

 

[Rocketman]

The Apple QC layer takes some time so I think they MAY be first to market in volume, but as usual they will STILL not be first to market in fact. All constituencies are fine with that. They all provide very early debug feedback including right now on early die variants.

We used to have access to high end Intel chips more than 2 months ahead on DoD programs, for example.

The #1 commercial buyer in line for samples is actually about #5 in line overall.

Rocketman

 

[apolloa]

Hmmm, not sure if this is good because surely it means a delayed MB Pro launch? Assuming that Apple launch the next iPhone around June/ July. In fact it makes it a rushed second half of the year as it means new:

iMacs
MacBook Air's?
MacBook Pro's
iPod's

All in the second half of the year, I believe Mac Pro's will still be out in the first half though.

 

[I8P'CS]

for a computer that costs 4000-5000$ and i need to keep it for 5-6 years, i want the very best. and redesign wont happen this year? personaly i dont care, but you definitely dont have any idea what youre talking about, just like i dont. it appears you cant understand a lot of things, that certainly poses a problem in youre life, i hope youll resolve that problem soon. current macs are great, but ivy bridge imacs with next gen gpus will be better, noticeably lower heat, cca 50% boost in gpu, usb 3, bluetooth 4 and maybe a redesign. if someone can wait, he would be pretty darn stupid not to. youre either feeling buyers remorse, or just a troll (i was gonna use another word, but moderators could find it pretty offensive) so please remain silent if you dont have anything remotely smart to say. thanks

I refuse to reman silent for a troll like you, Why the need to be rude? I'm entitled to my opinion, just because you don't agree doesn't make it right or wrong. Buyers remorse? Why? I just bought an iMac & I'm within 14 days so i could still return plus i could buy a new version if there was a redesign, but i wouldn't , not one to just throw my wallet to apple, fact is i need it unlike some that are willing to wait. Why don't you just wait for Haswell thats a "Tock" and will blow your Ivy bridge to bits according to your reason for waiting.

I am not even going to get into a net argument with and internet thug like you, I'll advise you to keep quite in future of think before you talk.

 

[beosound3200]

I refuse to reman silent for a troll like you, Why the need to be rude? I'm entitled to my opinion, just because you don't agree doesn't make it right or wrong. Buyers remorse? Why? I just bought an iMac & I'm within 14 days so i could still return plus i could buy a new version if there was a redesign, but i wouldn't , not one to just throw my wallet to apple, fact is i need it unlike some that are willing to wait. Why don't you just wait for Haswell thats a "Tock" and will blow your Ivy bridge to bits according to your reason for waiting.

I am not even going to get into a net argument with and internet thug like you, I'll advise you to keep quite in future of think before you talk.

arent you something. you basically called all the people who wait idiots. of course you are entitled to your opinion, but posting it in a thread like this (ivy bridge delay) makes absolutely no sense and is called trolling. and yes, opinions can be wrong and right, its a whole science called logic, look it up, your opinion says a lot about you. if you dont have anything smart and relevant to contribute, you should keep your mouth shut. fact remains, as i said before, those who need it (like you) need to buy it now, they have no other option, those who dont would be stupid not to wait. i cant wait for haswell, im buying new computer in 2012, thats my 'tock' for swapping old pc with new pc, why would i buy now if i can wait, and for the same amount of money get all around better imac. as i said before, for THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY you get the following:

ivy bridge - performance: + 10-20%, power usage: 20% lower (cooler)
next gen gpu: 28nm, around 50% boost in performance with around 20% lower power usage (cooler)
usb 3
bluetooth 4
maybe lower price ram upgrade
maybe lower price/better performance ssds
maybe ssd standard
maybe a magic mouse with bluetooth 4 - longer battery life
maybe a keyboard with bluetooth 4
maybe new wi-fi technology
maybe even a complete redesign

so the worst thing that can happen is that my imac will run 5-10 celsius cooler with considerably better performance, especially in the gpu department, for the same amount of money

i need to think 5 years ahead, im stuck with that computer for the next five years, i need it to be capable 5 years down the road, it costs 5000$ in my country, and that, what you call idiot waiting, is called buyers responsibility, in other words maximizing the effect of ones own money.

there are people who dont care about specs, and thats perfectly fine, but i dont think that you will meet many of them here posting in threads like this or in imac forum. for the rest of us, these rules apply.

but i honestly think that any average human being has the mental capacity and cognitive functions to understand such simple concepts, which then renders you either what you would call a dumb person, i.e. person with lower than average intelligence (average intelligence is already an insult) or a spoiled teenager, but who cares... in the end, youre just a troll.

and ivy bridge is not my reason for waiting, its the whole package, as i said earlier.

 

[RBR2]

First Sandy Bridge Xeons and now Ivy Bridge... Intel needs to hurry up and get back on track!

As said below, "bad news", but I do not believe Intel is "off track".

It has been widely reported that PC sales have been substantially below expectations for some time and so I believe the part of the report that suggests the delay is to clear out the inventory of Intel's chips and their vendor's PCs.

On the other hand, it is possible that there will be some price adjustments to move out the inventory so stay tuned for some bargains, just not from Apple.

 

[I8P'CS]

[/COLOR]

arent you something. you basically called all the people who wait idiots. of course you are entitled to your opinion, but posting it in a thread like this (ivy bridge delay) makes absolutely no sense and is called trolling. and yes, opinions can be wrong and right, its a whole science called logic, look it up, your opinion says a lot about you. if you dont have anything smart and relevant to contribute, you should keep your mouth shut. fact remains, as i said before, those who need it (like you) need to buy it now, they have no other option, those who dont would be stupid not to wait. i cant wait for haswell, im buying new computer in 2012, thats my 'tock' for swapping old pc with new pc, why would i buy now if i can wait, and for the same amount of money get all around better imac. as i said before, for THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY you get the following:

ivy bridge - performance: + 10-20%, power usage: 20% lower (cooler)
next gen gpu: 28nm, around 50% boost in performance with around 20% lower power usage (cooler)
usb 3
bluetooth 4
maybe lower price ram upgrade
maybe lower price/better performance ssds
maybe ssd standard
maybe a magic mouse with bluetooth 4 - longer battery life
maybe a keyboard with bluetooth 4
maybe new wi-fi technology
maybe even a complete redesign

so the worst thing that can happen is that my imac will run 5-10 celsius cooler with considerably better performance, especially in the gpu department, for the same amount of money

i need to think 5 years ahead, im stuck with that computer for the next five years, i need it to be capable 5 years down the road, it costs 5000$ in my country, and that, what you call idiot waiting, is called buyers responsibility, in other words maximizing the effect of ones own money.

there are people who dont care about specs, and thats perfectly fine, but i dont think that you will meet many of them here posting in threads like this or in imac forum. for the rest of us, these rules apply.

but i honestly think that any average human being has the mental capacity and cognitive functions to understand such simple concepts, which then renders you either what you would call a dumb person, i.e. person with lower than average intelligence (average intelligence is already an insult) or a spoiled teenager, but who cares... in the end, youre just a troll.

and ivy bridge is not my reason for waiting, its the whole package, as i said earlier.

Everything you have said i know about. In know way was i calling those that wait "idiots'. Lets not argue please, life is way to short. peace buddy. Your aggression needs some controlling though. You're acting like you got out the wrong side of bed..

 

[beosound3200]

[/COLOR]

Everything you have said i know about. In know way was i calling those that wait "idiots'. Lets not argue please, life is way to short. peace buddy. Your aggression needs some controlling though. You're acting like you got out the wrong side of bed..

on the contrary, this is a very calm post. if someone argues, that doesnt mean he's angry. and you are the one in wrong here, and thats just because you dont care. one who cares is always 'more' right than the one who doesnt. pure logic. you cant blame someone who has 'higher' criteria than you. in this case, i use the term higher loosely, and by that i mean ones willingness to wait, to do some effort to get something better, to gain more value as opposed to those who just dont care.

argument can be one of the best things, a lot of good can come out of it. sadly, this isnt an argument.

peace, buddy

 

[mgsarch]

arent you something. you basically called all the people who wait idiots. of course you are entitled to your opinion, but posting it in a thread like this (ivy bridge delay) makes absolutely no sense and is called trolling. and yes, opinions can be wrong and right, its a whole science called logic, look it up, your opinion says a lot about you. if you dont have anything smart and relevant to contribute, you should keep your mouth shut. fact remains, as i said before, those who need it (like you) need to buy it now, they have no other option, those who dont would be stupid not to wait. i cant wait for haswell, im buying new computer in 2012, thats my 'tock' for swapping old pc with new pc, why would i buy now if i can wait, and for the same amount of money get all around better imac. as i said before, for THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY you get the following:

ivy bridge - performance: + 10-20%, power usage: 20% lower (cooler)
next gen gpu: 28nm, around 50% boost in performance with around 20% lower power usage (cooler)
usb 3
bluetooth 4
maybe lower price ram upgrade
maybe lower price/better performance ssds
maybe ssd standard
maybe a magic mouse with bluetooth 4 - longer battery life
maybe a keyboard with bluetooth 4
maybe new wi-fi technology
maybe even a complete redesign

so the worst thing that can happen is that my imac will run 5-10 celsius cooler with considerably better performance, especially in the gpu department, for the same amount of money

i need to think 5 years ahead, im stuck with that computer for the next five years, i need it to be capable 5 years down the road, it costs 5000$ in my country, and that, what you call idiot waiting, is called buyers responsibility, in other words maximizing the effect of ones own money.

there are people who dont care about specs, and thats perfectly fine, but i dont think that you will meet many of them here posting in threads like this or in imac forum. for the rest of us, these rules apply.

but i honestly think that any average human being has the mental capacity and cognitive functions to understand such simple concepts, which then renders you either what you would call a dumb person, i.e. person with lower than average intelligence (average intelligence is already an insult) or a spoiled teenager, but who cares... in the end, youre just a troll.

and ivy bridge is not my reason for waiting, its the whole package, as i said earlier.

And the pot calls the kettle black.

 

[Logos327]

Arguing or not aside, I think the main point people need to realize for those of us waiting for iMacs is that the processor is actually a minor factor. However, Apple will not be releasing new iMacs without a new processor so it's arrival is highly anticipated.

For the vast majority of users, the current Sandy Bridge processors are more than enough power, that is true, but there are a number of issues holding people back from buying such as:

- Outdated SATA technology
- Lower cost and/or higher speed and/or more storage options for SSDs
- Upgraded GPUs
- USB 3.0
- Bluetooth 4.0

On top of these factors, there are few other important things to consider:

First, as the developer preview of Mountain Lion highlights, as the years go on, OSs will continue to leave older machines behind. Those buying iMacs today will have full year less with their machines being compatible than those waiting a few more months (essentially adding a year to the life of the upgrade path for their new machine). I.E. (with hypothetical years) an iMac bought today will be unsupported by the OS in 2016 while if you wait a mater of a few months, the 2012 iMac will not lose support until 2017. (Waiting a few months to gain a year of support).

Second, an iMac today will cost significantly less than that same iMac bought in a few months. If those of us who don't want/need the new features wait a few months, we can save hundreds of dollars off of new and refurbished 2011 models. Waiting makes financial sense.

Finally, the iMac for many of us will be a long term machine. While 6Gbps vs. 3Gbps SATA and USB 2.0 vs. 3.0 and an AMD 6970M vs. 6990M are not HUGE differences today, they may play more of a role in 5 years.

As always, if you need a computer now, buy now, but, if you can wait until a refresh, I think your patience will pay off in the long run.

 

[RBR2]

Arguing or not aside, I think the main point people need to realize for those of us waiting for iMacs is that the processor is actually a minor factor. However, Apple will not be releasing new iMacs without a new processor so it's arrival is highly anticipated.

For the vast majority of users, the current Sandy Bridge processors are more than enough power, that is true, but there are a number of issues holding people back from buying such as:

- Outdated SATA technology
- Lower cost and/or higher speed and/or more storage options for SSDs
- Upgraded GPUs
- USB 3.0
- Bluetooth 4.0

On top of these factors, there are few other important things to consider:

First, as the developer preview of Mountain Lion highlights, as the years go on, OSs will continue to leave older machines behind. Those buying iMacs today will have full year less with their machines being compatible than those waiting a few more months (essentially adding a year to the life of the upgrade path for their new machine). I.E. (with hypothetical years) an iMac bought today will be unsupported by the OS in 2016 while if you wait a mater of a few months, the 2012 iMac will not lose support until 2017. (Waiting a few months to gain a year of support).

Second, an iMac today will cost significantly less than that same iMac bought in a few months. If those of us who don't want/need the new features wait a few months, we can save hundreds of dollars off of new and refurbished 2011 models. Waiting makes financial sense.

Finally, the iMac for many of us will be a long term machine. While 6Gbps vs. 3Gbps SATA and USB 2.0 vs. 3.0 and an AMD 6970M vs. 6990M are not HUGE differences today, they may play more of a role in 5 years.

As always, if you need a computer now, buy now, but, if you can wait until a refresh, I think your patience will pay off in the long run.

Agreed. Unless you need a new machine "right now" it only makes sense to see what happens.

To some extent Apple's inventory may give us hint of when whatever is going to happen may come to pass. If Apple have a lot inventory in the pipeline there might be a delay. If Intel made some sort of "killer" deal to move out their oversupply of Sandy Bridge processors, I might believe that Apple would delay introducing a new model, but I am more inclined to believe that Apple will attempt to stay as close as possible to their planned release date.

Intel have given Apple preferred access to new processors on several occasions. I would be surprised if that were not to be the case this time also. Intel are quite well aware that Apple release very few "new models" a year and missing one of those release date would adversely affect the company, possibly disrupting subsequent release schedules as well. The Mac Pro market, in particular, is anxiously awaiting the new models.

We will see soon.

 

[nec207]

It would be nice to see Apple land themselves an early score of Ivy Bridge CPU's but honestly I am not too devestated.

I bought an early 2011 13" MBP as my first ever Mac after years and years of diehard PC use and I am loving it so much that my next desktop PC will be an iMac. However my current desktop PC is Sandybridge so honestly I am kind of glad I don't see shiny new Ivy Bridge iMac's on the apple store tempting me to abuse my poor credit card

Sad for those waiting on Ivybridge to upgrade, hopefully Apple has indeed scored an early exclusitivity deal with Intel.

Obviously not a whole lot is known about Ivybridge at this stage but I am of the understanding that the advantages of it will be mainly felt in the MBP/MBA lines due to the variable TDP, where as the iMac and Mac Pro won't really need this so may only see a 10-15% improvement in performance over Sandybridge? If this is the case maybe those desperate for a new iMac should just bite the bullet and pick up a current one. They aren't exactly lacking in performance, and waiting 4+ months for a maybe 15% performance advantage is something maybe a few of you should think about?

From what people say is Ivybridge is 2 times faster than what they have now.

I think do to the delay it will be around summer before it comes out just same time mountain lion comes out

 

[RBR2]

From what people say is Ivybridge is 2 times faster than what they have now.

I think do to the delay it will be around summer before it comes out just same time mountain lion comes out

I have never seen anything suggesting the sorts of performances you suggest. Most reports indicate a 15 - 20% performance increase. This is the "tock" cycle of Intel's "Tick - Tock" cycle which means it is largely a die shrink of the prior cycle, in this case Sandy Bridge. Part of the reason the upcoming release is much anticipated is the expectation that there will be a number of other changes to the systems. Some expectations are probably reasonable and some probably are not.

 

[thekev]

Agree with all your points. I tend to gloss over the 32-bit / 64-bit "quantum leap." But ARM announced their ARMv8 64-bit processor architecture last October, with more specific details to be released this year. They suggest that consumer devices using 64-bit ARM chips might become available in 2014.

And it's not just Apple that's thinking about switching. Microsoft seems committed to ARM-based tablets to run a variant of Windows 8. And that, too will require 64-bit SoCs.

As for the co-existence of Intel- and ARM-based Macs, yes, I think the transition needs to be handled very carefully. (But Apple has handled do-or-die transitions successfully in the past: 68k->PowerPC, OS9->OSX, PowerPC->Intel.) So maybe the MacBook Air line could use 64-bit ARM chips exclusively, and the MacBook Pro line could use Intel chips exclusively. The MacBook Air would become mechanically simpler, with no fans and less need for cooling of any kind. Mechanical simplicity translates to lower component and assembly costs, which together with the lower cost of the ARM chips would help keep the MBA's margins up while allowing a lower average selling price. All bad news for the Ultrabook wannabes of the world. All great news for highly mobile pros and consumers.

It wouldn't necessarily work the way you suggest if they want to maintain comparable performance to their current options. You see you're looking at what they are now in the form of the ipad. In a different implementation, such a thing might not hold up. I also don't agree that they'd drop the price. I think they'd just absorb the higher margins or drop the 11". Apple tends to choose their price points, and I don't see them dropping the starting Air too close to the price of a fully loaded ipad. As an example, look at the mac pro, $300 cpu in a $2500 machine. Apple likes their margins.

 

[natejohnstone@g]

FRAK!! This is really frustrating news. I wish Apple would at least tell us what/if the MBP will be changed. If they are going to FRAK up the MBP line, I can just buy one now and not wait 4 more months for nothing.

 

[Inconsequential]

From what people say is Ivybridge is 2 times faster than what they have now.

I think do to the delay it will be around summer before it comes out just same time mountain lion comes out

LOL.

No I won't. Intel have already said 20% performance increase per watt.

http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/25988-ivy-bridge-core-i7-up-to-16-percent-faster-than-sandy-bridge
http://vr-zone.com/articles/ivy-bri...rmance-advantage-over-sandy-bridge/11061.html

And to people saying this will delay the Mac Pro.

NO IT WONT! IB is for socket 1155. Mac Pro will get LGA2011, E5 series Xeon. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Complete lack of research around here

 

[Misaki]

It says the source are "notebook players" so maybe its just notebook parts and the iMac is still on track!!! I'm going to believe that's true.

Most iMac's use the very same notebook parts. Only the MacPro uses substantially different parts, in which the MacPro uses the Server-grade DP Xeon chips.

So Intel has to release the E5/E7 parts.
http://compare-processors.com/list-of-intel-e5-xeon-processors/2059/

Chances are Apple is going to use the E5-2xxx parts in pairs and E5-1xxx parts on socket 2011 and not the E7(MP) or E3 parts (LGA 1155 UniProcessor.)

The E3 parts are the same as the Core i5/i7 (the ones without HT are the i5 equivilents) with the same LGA1155.

Most likely the Xeon E5-2630(L), goes into a new MacPro with dual processors or the Xeon Xeon E5-1650 is used in the single processor model.

I still reasonably expect a new MacPro soon. The Desktop's and Laptops may be pushed back since Apple only uses the desktop parts in the largest models.

Technically the Xeons are "Sandy Bridge-E" not "Ivy Bridge." At any rate I'm not sure why Apple skipped Sandy Bridge other than maybe waiting to use Socket 2011 parts and save having to re-engineer a new system design since the Mac Pro users aren't replacing their hardware every 4 years like desktop users are expected.

As a point of interest the warranty period of HP/Dell/etc is usually 1 year with optional 3 year. Store extended warranties bring this up to 3 or 4 years, plus however length of time machines have been on the shelf or warehouse. Apple never has to put anything on sale, because everything sells. So in other threads discussing why Apple is making certain models obsolete, this is another reason for skipping certain chipsets and processors.

I'd be seriously disappointed if Apple doesn't release a new MacPro, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they only make MacPro's using Xeon single processor 6 or 8 core models and not dual processors. A Mac Pro can only canibalize their iMac sales if the price and performance is comparable to the iMac. Literately there has to be a reason for the MacPro to exist, and that is more a function of the expandability of the MacPro more than the actual CPU choice. However if the machine is to be used as a server, it needs to be able to take ECC memory, which is something that I don't believe the MacMini is good enough for.

 

[SockRolid]

It wouldn't necessarily work the way you suggest if they want to maintain comparable performance to their current options. You see you're looking at what they are now in the form of the ipad. In a different implementation, such a thing might not hold up. I also don't agree that they'd drop the price. I think they'd just absorb the higher margins or drop the 11". Apple tends to choose their price points, and I don't see them dropping the starting Air too close to the price of a fully loaded ipad. As an example, look at the mac pro, $300 cpu in a $2500 machine. Apple likes their margins.

I see your points. It might take years for a 64-bit ARMv8 chip to ramp up to where it needs to be to run the basic iLife + iWork suites smoothly. But in general, processing power increases and costs go down over time. And yes, the CPU or SoC are only a fraction of the overall cost of any machine, but they are still probably the 2nd most expensive components after the displays.

 

[RBR2]

Most iMac's use the very same notebook parts. Only the MacPro uses substantially different parts, in which the MacPro uses the Server-grade DP Xeon chips.

So Intel has to release the E5/E7 parts.
http://compare-processors.com/list-of-intel-e5-xeon-processors/2059/

Chances are Apple is going to use the E5-2xxx parts in pairs and E5-1xxx parts on socket 2011 and not the E7(MP) or E3 parts (LGA 1155 UniProcessor.)

The E3 parts are the same as the Core i5/i7 (the ones without HT are the i5 equivilents) with the same LGA1155.

Most likely the Xeon E5-2630(L), goes into a new MacPro with dual processors or the Xeon Xeon E5-1650 is used in the single processor model.

I still reasonably expect a new MacPro soon. The Desktop's and Laptops may be pushed back since Apple only uses the desktop parts in the largest models.

Technically the Xeons are "Sandy Bridge-E" not "Ivy Bridge." At any rate I'm not sure why Apple skipped Sandy Bridge other than maybe waiting to use Socket 2011 parts and save having to re-engineer a new system design since the Mac Pro users aren't replacing their hardware every 4 years like desktop users are expected.

As a point of interest the warranty period of HP/Dell/etc is usually 1 year with optional 3 year. Store extended warranties bring this up to 3 or 4 years, plus however length of time machines have been on the shelf or warehouse. Apple never has to put anything on sale, because everything sells. So in other threads discussing why Apple is making certain models obsolete, this is another reason for skipping certain chipsets and processors.

I'd be seriously disappointed if Apple doesn't release a new MacPro, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they only make MacPro's using Xeon single processor 6 or 8 core models and not dual processors. A Mac Pro can only canibalize their iMac sales if the price and performance is comparable to the iMac. Literately there has to be a reason for the MacPro to exist, and that is more a function of the expandability of the MacPro more than the actual CPU choice. However if the machine is to be used as a server, it needs to be able to take ECC memory, which is something that I don't believe the MacMini is good enough for.

The one thing I have wondered about Apple "skipping a cycle" with the Mac Pro is that Intel does most of the logic board design heavy lifting by providing reference designs to accompany their CPUs & etc. Comparatively little is left to be done other than customizing, where necessary, particular functions of the reference design. That has been one of the great benefits of using Intel CPUs. Indeed, Intel came up with the CPU for the MBA for Apple, at least in part, because Intel have been frustrated with the lack of change the Windows vendors have been willing to undertake in areas which have constrained their CPU design...e.g. the antiquated BIOS when Intel had tried to move to the EFI system for years. Apple was happy to do so and Intel have enjoyed (well, as much as one can) working with Apple on the newer things they wanted to implement.

I would expect a greater mix of single processor 6 or 8 core Mac Pros, but there is still a need, though not as large a one, for dual processor high level workstations. If Apple use the reference designs, the additional effort of providing these should not be that great.

I would not exclude the possibility of Apple being able to announce the Ivy Bridge based iMacs & etc with slightly delayed delivery dates that would still give them a slight lead time over the PC vendors who are clearing out their inventory. We will see soon.

 

[roofz]

Complete lack of research around here

This is a rumor forum..

 

[Inconsequential]

This is a rumor forum..

But completely ridiculous and unfounded rumours?