Intel Launching Woodcrest, Conroe and Merom Early?

[boncellis]

That's not going to happen. PowerPC doesn't really have too much of a future now that Apple's gone. PowerPC stuff will obviously still be made but there will be no push to get it faster, cooler, and just generally better. x86 chip makers (AMD, Intel) pour in money to R & D that IBM can't match. It's game over for PowerPC, basically.

You're probably right, but I think you missed the point--Universal Applications make it possible, however improbable. Are you willing to go on the record and say right now that x86 architecture will always be the superior computing technology? I know I would be wary of making a claim like that, especially in this area. 😉

 

[aussie_geek]

This is my situation: I am a pc user looking to switch to a Mac notebook. I am considering getting a 12" pb on ebay for under 1200, but i have a few concerns. Do you think the laptop will be too old in a few years?? I want at least 3 years of satisfaction from my laptop. I don't want the new ibook that's coming out, because they will be rather pricy... and they fall in the ibook line. ShouldI go ahead and get the 12"? Will it keep me up to speed forat least 3 yrs.? I have no extra money to spend, and I want the amount that I do spend to pay of. Otherwise, I might have to go for a cheaper brand that I could easily update without killing my bank account. Anyone have any advice?

Although you are hijacking this thread, it really depends on what you will want to do with your Mac. For email, word processing and some light photoshop work it will be ok if you max out the ram.

The G4 processor will be getting a little long in the tooth in 3 years and you will probably be restricted with regards to using new software.

In short, save a little more money and get one of the new iBooks that will be released soon.

aussie_geek

 

[DeathChill]

You're probably right, but I think you missed the point--Universal Applications make it possible, however improbable. Are you willing to go on the record and say right now that x86 architecture will always be the superior computing technology? I know I would be wary of making a claim like that, especially in this area. 😉

I understood what the main point (ease of switching between architectures) is, but I'm saying it's very unlikely is all. I'm NOT saying x86 will always be the dominant architecture, but I doubt that PowerPC is ever going to be back on top. That's not the same as saying there's no chance in hell, it's just me saying I highly doubt it.

 

[Norse Son]

Ironically, I kinda regret my iMac 20" Core Duo's 3yr APP now...

All apple needs to do is to now make their machines easily upgradable to the newer processors, I know the iMac and mini are, but its not so easy to do so. If apple could bring their ease of use to the hardware side they could really keep the new intel macs from loosing value as fast as the rest of the PC world does.

At first I (recalled) reading that the iMac's Yonah was sodered on, but when the mini came out I read that it was socketed - only the MBP has it sodered on (to save space).

I'd love to put a spankin' fast, new Merom into my iMac, but I'm almost dead certain it would void my 3yr AppleCare Protection Plan... Bummer!

 

[DeathChill]

At first I (recalled) reading that the iMac's Yonah was sodered on, but when the mini came out I read that it was socketed - only the MBP has it sodered on (to save space).

I'd love to put a spankin' fast, new Merom into my iMac, but I'm almost dead certain it would void my 3yr AppleCare Protection Plan... Bummer!

Keep the Core Duo chip and if anything ever breaks just put the Core Duo back in. 😉

I plan on getting a Merom chip and swapping out my Core Solo from my Mini. It'll be the very first CPU swap I've ever done. I'm going to probably save up for the mid-range Merom's because the second slowest Merom outperformed the current fastest Core Duo, and there's a LARGE price gap there.

 

[AidenShaw]

What about Conroe for the iMac, and dual socket Woodcrests in a mini tower as a replacement for the maxi tower, using less expensive lower speed Woodcrests on the low end?

OK, but wouldn't it be odd to have a 3 GHz Conroe in an iMac and a 2.1 GHz Woodcrest in the more expensive "pro" desktop?

Some people will want the maxi-tower (especially if Apple puts some decent disk expansion in it), others will want the mini-tower.

I really think that three desktop sizes makes more sense. "mini", "mini-tower", and "maxi-tower". The two end points already exist...

 

[Norse Son]

Do they have Merom' bushels at my corner grocer?

Keep the Core Duo chip and if anything ever breaks just put the Core Duo back in. 😉

I plan on getting a Merom chip and swapping out my Core Solo from my Mini. It'll be the very first CPU swap I've ever done. I'm going to probably save up for the mid-range Merom's because the second slowest Merom outperformed the current fastest Core Duo, and there's a LARGE price gap there.

Where does one go to buy a CPU, such as Merom? Being a longtime Mac user I've never had the scary luxury that I "had the power" to just pop open (okay, not that easy) my iMac, grab the CPU with some tweezers and duct tape (kidding) and replace it with a better chip.

 

[Multimedia]

12" 1.5 GHz PowerBook G4 Is $1199 On Apple Refurb Page Like New

This is my situation: I am a pc user looking to switch to a Mac notebook. I am considering getting a 12" pb on ebay for under 1200, but i have a few concerns. Do you think the laptop will be too old in a few years?? I want at least 3 years of satisfaction from my laptop. I don't want the new ibook that's coming out, because they will be rather pricy... and they fall in the ibook line. ShouldI go ahead and get the 12"? Will it keep me up to speed forat least 3 yrs.? I have no extra money to spend, and I want the amount that I do spend to pay of. Otherwise, I might have to go for a cheaper brand that I could easily update without killing my bank account. Anyone have any advice?

NO.It is too old NOW. The new MacBook will NOT be rather pricy. Wait for the 12" MacBookIntel and get it. That is NO DEAL on eBay.😱 🙄

 

[DeathChill]

Where does one go to buy a CPU, such as Merom? Being a longtime Mac user I've never had the scary luxury that I "had the power" to just pop open (okay, not that easy) my iMac, grab the CPU with some tweezers and duct tape (kidding) and replace it with a better chip.

There's www.newegg.com for US resident and www.ncix.com for Canadian residents.

It's quite the scary idea, but I can't wait until Merom comes out. What months is Q3 2006 anyway? I thought Merom was supposed to come at least 3-4 months before Conroe, so should we expect Merom within the next month or two like I heard (May)?


EDIT: As for eBay it OFTEN seems like people pay above retail for things just because they want the privilege of winning the item. I've seen people bid WELL above the retail price for the PowerPC Mac Mini's recently (before and after the Intel Mini announcement).

 

[Multimedia]

Aussie Geek Joins Bern & I in the Waiting Room

Like I said time and again, best to wait it out and get a Rev B or Rev C MacBook Pro.

yep, sounds like a purchase will be in order after Macworld next year.

Ahoy Mates. Kinda boring in here what? I'll see you both and raise you:

"And with Leopard On Board." 😛 😱 🙂

 

[Norse Son]

If Apple bumped WWDC to August it's Leopard & Pro Tower news

I think that we'll see a strong presentation on Leopard at WWDC in August, most likely highlighting native-Intel code enhancements AND 64bit "swaths" of code throughout. And in conjunction with that, Steve will announce a release date - my guess is MWSF '07 - which will put it even with the latest "fantasy" news from Microsoft on LongBore's public release. Steve will want to use WWDC to point out the real & vaporware differences between what will be in Leopard versus what was last promised for Windows "Vestage".

Also, the August WWDC will allow Steve to announce the launch of a MBP model or two with Merom - I see them keeping Yonah in some MBP models through the end of '06 - and he will announce the new Pro desktops (whatever their monikor). They will be available for ordering that day, but won't begin shipping in volume until the first weeks of September (same for a Merom MBP).

Alongside the new Pro tower(s) will be redesigned Cinema Displays, that all feature built-in iSight cameras (is HD-quality possible in the iSight of the "flagship" display?), and all will be HD resolution. The 17" may (likely) be replaced by a 19-20" at the low-end, followed by 23-25" mid-range and (my guess) is a larger 37" (or greater) at the high-end... Maybe the 30" flagship will remain, but at a $500 price-drop.

I know, I know, people don't see it happening until Adobe releases CS3 in 2007; but Apple already has their FCStudio as a Universal, and by WWDC I suspect several other pro-level apps from 3rd parties will be, too. And with a measureable performance increase via Conroe/Woodcrest, Apple may not be too concerned about launching new Pro machines a half-year before CS3.

As for the XServe; I can see that being upgraded to Woodcrest around Oct.-Nov. And I can see Apple making a "splashy" announcement at MWSF '07 that Viginia Tech has just upgraded their "Big Mac"(?) supercomputer cluster to Intel XServes.

I don't know; that's just my speculation on the subject.

 

[heisetax]

And somebody already has!! I know comments have been made in the past but I really don't get it... Why, oh why, oh why would such a story receive a negative?!?

Should pull said individual up and demand they give a valid argument!!

Anyway, back to the story...

Personally looking to the future of an all Intel line-up, and a future where I can safely purchase an Intel desktop machine -- I'm desperately trying to avoid the use of PowerMac here as I know it ain't gonna be called such!!

Great stuff... 😉

Those that wanted an updated PowerMac G5 to last them until the Intel Macs & Intel/Mac software catches up to where the G5 already is at. I had planned on purchasing the replacement for the dual dual 2.5 GHz G5. But with the early delivery of the new line this will not happen. Like many I will probably not choose to purchace a year-old model. I also will not purchase a new Intel Mac for many years... Too much of my software will not be updated, or will be updated at too high of a cost to make it worthwhile. I'll just keep my 17" PowerBook with its FW800 port around for much longer than Apple would want me to. The current Mac Pook only makes it to a SemiPro level without a high-speed FW800 or eSATAport(s). I operate off of FW800 & do not want to start life out with a new portable that requires an added card just to use all of my FW800 devices.

This early release is why Apple moved up its date for an all Intel Mac computer line. Steve does not like to continue to sell the old after he has something new to sell, even if the old is better or just plain most useful.

Count be out.

Bill the TaxMan

 

[081440]

One could not defend in any form or fashion a negative rating to this post! 😡

My god it's good when the processors get faster and get here sooner. So what if u just bought a mac... this is what tech companys do... sell processors now to make money to finance the design of faster ones!!

It's all good!

 

[AidenShaw]

I don't know; that's just my speculation on the subject.

Could I get a nice long hit of whatever it is that you're smoking? 😎

64bit "swaths" of code throughout.

Nothing less that true 64-bit throughout would make sense.

Making 10.5's 64-bit support "a little less lame" than 10.4's support would be a big mistake in the long term. Apple can't expect developers to keep porting to different APIs on OSX.

 

[mvc]

...I really think that three desktop sizes makes more sense. "mini", "mini-tower", and "maxi-tower". The two end points already exist...

Maybe that could be Mac Mini, Mac, and MaxiMac! Mac Maxi sounds like a Burger, MaxiMac sounds like a Transformer™ 😛

 

[pacman7331]

Upgrading

The Merom processor is also said to be pin compatible with the current Core Duo processors. Merom processors would presumably be used in upcoming MacBook Pros.

Little has been said about Apple's plans (if any) for Woodcrest, which is Intel's server-targeted processor.

Somone should start a service which would remove the MBP Yonah processors and soldering in a new merom for a fee. ... that is if there is no significant upgrade in the surrounding circuit hardware.

Does anyone know the history of Apple's laptop CPU upgrades? Is there a history whatsoever?

-ZTM

 

[DeathChill]

Somone should start a service which would remove the MBP Yonah processors and soldering in a new merom for a fee. ... that is if there is no significant upgrade in the surrounding circuit hardware.

Does anyone know the history of Apple's laptop CPU upgrades? Is there a history whatsoever?

-ZTM

That'd be quite the service and soldered means it's basically melted to it. Undoing this has to be almost impossible I'd figure.

 

[andiwm2003]

Somone should start a service which would remove the MBP Yonah processors and soldering in a new merom for a fee. ... that is if there is no significant upgrade in the surrounding circuit hardware.

Does anyone know the history of Apple's laptop CPU upgrades? Is there a history whatsoever?

-ZTM

i could see myself to upgrade a machine if it gets at least twice as fast (like the mini solo to a 2.0 GHz duo) for a few hundred bucks. in the case of the MBP you would get ~20% for more than 500 bucks if it's possible at all. that's not worth it.

 

[excalibur313]

i could see myself to upgrade a machine if it gets at least twice as fast (like the mini solo to a 2.0 GHz duo) for a few hundred bucks. in the case of the MBP you would get ~20% for more than 500 bucks if it's possible at all. that's not worth it.

Look at the price difference between the 1.8 and the 2.0. It is $300, and yeah I know it has other stuff two but it has nowhere near 20% speed boost. And that is only for x86 apps, those compiled for a 64 bit processor will be even faster than that. (And before anyone says it: yes you see high performance gains in everyday applications compiled in 64bit even if you have 512mb of ram.)

This is also assuming you are going from a 2.16ghz yonah to the merom. That certainly isn't the case for many users.

 

[pavetheforest]

wait for merom, only to get pushed back....again...and again...

enough!!!! im not waiting any more!!!! after this tuesday coming up, I'm getting a MBP, i dont have the patience or the TIME to wait another 4 months...

 

[DavidCar]

OK, but wouldn't it be odd to have a 3 GHz Conroe in an iMac and a 2.1 GHz Woodcrest in the more expensive "pro" desktop?

Some people will want the maxi-tower (especially if Apple puts some decent disk expansion in it), others will want the mini-tower.

I really think that three desktop sizes makes more sense. "mini", "mini-tower", and "maxi-tower". The two end points already exist...

With the wide range of soon to be available chips, it will be interesting to see where the divisions are between product lines, and how easily each computer will be upgradeable with newer chips that are faster or have more cores.

By the article I quoted earlier about the improving workstation market, I expect we'll see a dual socket 3 Ghz Woodcrest on the high end.

But if lower power chips allowed a dual socket computer to be built in a smaller case with the same expansion options as exist in the present tower, would they prefer to move to a mini tower, or keep the existing tower with added expansion options? Have they ever made a computer that everyone thought had "decent disk expansion?"

I don't know enough about the market to guess if selling a trio of mini, midi and MaxiMacs would be an advantage.

 

[rcha101]

Like I said time and again, best to wait it out and get a Rev B or Rev C MacBook Pro.

Didn't we say that from serial no W8611 upwards that we are already past revision B and C. Mine is 8613 which is being referred to as revision D. Maybe it's time to step up and fork out some cash. Though I guess if you can wait till the next cpu update you should. I needed mine for work and had sold my pc so I got mine as soon as I had the dollars.

R

 

[jer2eydevil88]

Nice! Merom will be out just in time for me to gobble one up for the summer, providing the Macbook adopts it when it is released.

 

[MrCrowbar]

Since the iBook has great battery life, does anyone of you think Apple might wait until Merom (less power consumption, less heat, better price) is out to ship the Macbooks? Of course The Pro line would be updated to Merom too. I think Apple is waiting for Merom to release the 17" (and hopefully 12") Macbook Pro. The current 15" seems to get pretty warm and not easy on the battery.

I'd say Conroe for the next iMac generation and Woodcrest for the PowerMacs.

 

[pizzach]

My post was just state of the fact. As you wrote yourself, the much faster update cycles of intel will effectively render a top-of-the-line computer "old" much faster. However, this does not prevent the computer to be perfectly functionable for years to come.
Eventhough my post perhpas can be interpreted as slightly negative, it wasn't meant as such as you can see from my response above.

My view on the release cycle is this: You have two options:

a. Have releases far appart. When a new release is comes out, your computer is surpased by an insane amount.

b. Have close releases relatively close and have the computer depreciate gradually....


Personally, I bought a Pentium M laptap even though the Solo/Duo cores came
out. I suppose I don't have to worry about "his !@#$ is bigger than mine!" syndrome. 🙂