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Let's talk 2012 MacBook Air - what would you like to see?

Why do people keep saying they want a "better GPU"?
Apple is not likely to include a discrete GPU in that small of a form-factor so we will get whatever GPU the processor has built-in. In this case, Ivy Bridge has 40% better GPU-performance than Sandy Bridge according to certain sources.

As a previous poster said, I'm posting what I'd like to see, not what I'd expect to see. Meaning this is purely a wish-list.

- I'm not sure if this is possible but quad core processor would be fantastic
- HD-Facetime camera, this is crucial for conference calls or doing presentations
- 8GB of RAM, working with certain programs like music-programs and design-programs require more RAM than 4GB
- Daisy-chainable thunderbolt port would be awesome
 
Hi Bogatyr,

bogatyr said:
This would be equivalent to a 960x540 pixel display after applying the HiDPI setting. I don't think many people would like such a small resolution - even with HiDPI.

This is assuming they keep it in line with the iPhone/iPad and double resolution in each dimension for HiDPI LCDs. Then realistically it would require something like a 2720 x 1536 display for a 1366 x 768 HiDPI view.
Click to expand...

Yes, 960x540 would be a strange choice of resolution indeed. But when you are proposing 2720x1536, you assume that 1) Apple insists on keeping the actual resolution identical (just doubling the number of pixels in each direction), 2) that Apple wants to get 270dpi, which is higher than Intel's proposed 250dpi for that kind of device, and 3) that 4 megapixel screens will be available in high enough quantities to satisfy the demand this would generate. With the same kind of reasoning, Apple would easily build 13" MBAs with a 2880x1800 (5MP) screens and, of course, 15" 3360x2100 MBP (7MP). I don't think technology evolution nor economics work that way, though.

Realistically, I would be surprised if Apple manages to stick in a panel with a much higher resolution than the iPad. Possibly going up to 2560x1440, which would be a nice 1280x720 resolution for HD, around 250dpi and only 20% more pixels than the iPad. Which would be really quite nice.

Apple could of course make the lives of their suppliers easier by finally cranking out the dreaded DPI independence, but I guess it's easier to put pressure on external suppliers than on internal development teams.


Peter.
 
I just had a look at the ASUS Zenbook today. I must say that the competition is catching up, if not overtaking Apple.

I was really amazed by the laptop itself. The design was great-looking in a sort of brushed-aluminum chassis. The computer featured a 13" LED screen with 1680x1050 resolution, USB3.0, a Core i7 1.8GHz, 256GB SSD, 4GB Ram, et.c. all for the same price as the base 13" i5 MBA. No squeaks/rattles from the chassis either, unlike the 13" MBA. Too bad it's running Windows. God how I hate Windows, after playing with it for a few minutes. Oh the memories.

Also had a look at Sony's computers - what a joke. The build-quality was really bad, the whole screen/top latch was flexing like a curtain, or something.

While I love the MBA, the new ASUS was very, very nice. I really hope Apple will bring out a new MBA or thinner 13" MBP (w/o ODD) that will blow the competition away. Retina would be amazing.
 
MacRazySwe said:
I just had a look at the ASUS Zenbook today. I must say that the competition is catching up, if not overtaking Apple.

I was really amazed by the laptop itself. The design was great-looking in a sort of brushed-aluminum chassis. The computer featured a 13" LED screen with 1680x1050 resolution, USB3.0, a Core i7 1.8GHz, 256GB SSD, 4GB Ram, et.c. all for the same price as the base 13" i5 MBA. No squeaks/rattles from the chassis either, unlike the 13" MBA. Too bad it's running Windows.
Click to expand...

I agree. The new ASUS Zenbook is simply amazing. We have to wait for the 2012 MBA to determine which one comes on top. Obviously, I'm talking only about the hardware (not the Operating System which I'm sure we all prefer OSX).
 
All that matters is if they have USB 3.0 (which seems almost impossible NOT to have with Ivy Bridge). An SD card slot and better battery life in the 11" would make me consider buying that instead, but that doesn't seem likely. Retina would be nice and slightly larger standard SSDs (90, 180, 360?) would be fair considering the price drop since this pricing scheme was introduced, but I'm not too picky.
 
I would like to see:
- better battery life
- better quality screen with improved viewing angles
- higher resolution (1680x1050 would be great; retina does not seem likely - I can't see how the HD4000 could drive retina resolutions)
- USB 3
- Ability to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM by myself or at least have it as a BTO option.
 
Its obviously getting Ivy Bridge, better battery life. Right now what I mostly care about is retina. I dont see why it couldnt happen, since the iPad ($499) has a retina screen.

I hope by the end of the year, the MBP and MBA both have retina. I think the MBP will have retina first, but if they both have it by...xmas, you bet Im getting a MBA because of the sweet form factor. (that is, unless the MBP has a major redesign)
 
Well, the 4gb of ram is approaching the old standard mark. It'll (may)be fine if you plan on using a laptop for about 2 more years? A higher ghz. cpu, and an integrated/discrete gpu for my gaming needs.
 
KohPhiPhi said:
What exactly is wrong with MBA's current design? seriously, other than the large bezel (which you also point out), I believe that the MBA design is perfect as it is....
Click to expand...

Well, it's always exciting to see an even newer, slimmer design released.
 
I am sure it has already been posted - but the only thing I would like to see added to the MBA is 3G/4G/LTE capability.
 
i have a late 2010 MBA and i would upgrade if I saw Retina Display and additional RAM.


That's all it would take for me to upgrade.
 
I'd really just like to see a better screen on the 11" and an option for 8GB RAM. It would be cool if they put a bigger screen in the same size body by reducing the bezel, but even if they didn't I'd be happy with the above changes.
 
I just sold my 2010 15" macbook pro. And for me, if they increase the 13" screen res to at least 1680x1050 I would buy one for myself. I'm using my mom's 2011 13" mba, and it's almost perfect. Except for that one thing ^.
 
Tanax said:
Why do people keep saying they want a "better GPU"?
Apple is not likely to include a discrete GPU in that small of a form-factor so we will get whatever GPU the processor has built-in. In this case, Ivy Bridge has 40% better GPU-performance than Sandy Bridge according to certain sources.

As a previous poster said, I'm posting what I'd like to see, not what I'd expect to see. Meaning this is purely a wish-list.

- I'm not sure if this is possible but quad core processor would be fantastic
- HD-Facetime camera, this is crucial for conference calls or doing presentations
- 8GB of RAM, working with certain programs like music-programs and design-programs require more RAM than 4GB
- Daisy-chainable thunderbolt port would be awesome
Click to expand...

Reasoning skills help people. I recommend them.

When I say I want a better GPU, it means I want a better GPU. That does not mean I want a discrete graphics solution: it just means I want a better GPU.
 
PaulWog said:
Reasoning skills help people. I recommend them.

When I say I want a better GPU, it means I want a better GPU. That does not mean I want a discrete graphics solution: it just means I want a better GPU.
Click to expand...

Reading skills help people. I recommend them.

I never said you wanted a discrete graphics solution - I just said that Apple isn't likely to include it, hence we are stuck with whatever graphics is included in the processor.
 
Tanax said:
Reading skills help people. I recommend them.

I never said you wanted a discrete graphics solution - I just said that Apple isn't likely to include it, hence we are stuck with whatever graphics is included in the processor.
Click to expand...

You implied it.

Paraphrasing here, you said "why do people say they want a better GPU?", and immediately followed with "Apple isn't likely going to include a discrete GPU".

I read what you said just fine. It's clear as day.
 
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

The addition of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as an option for factory build orders. This would allow users to comply with security mechanisms that are present in enterprises.

With this I could finally get rid of my enterprise Windows PC. Without TPM a user cannot install company mandated disc encryption software such as McAfee.
 
PaulWog said:
You implied it.

Paraphrasing here, you said "why do people say they want a better GPU?", and immediately followed with "Apple isn't likely going to include a discrete GPU".

I read what you said just fine. It's clear as day.
Click to expand...

That is your interpretation.

Again, it's pointless saying that you want a better GPU since we're stuck with whatever GPU is included in the processor(due to the fact that Apple isn't likely to include a discrete GPU!).

Just because I mention the fact that Apple won't include a discrete GPU, doesn't mean that I imply that people want that. Why would it? You're quick to jump to a conclusion. I merely said it to back up the statement that we're stuck with whatever GPU is included in the processor.
 
I dont think the design will be changed. It has a very nice design, slim enough, and the bezel (though too big for some) probably wont be changed.

Retina MAY happen...about 50/50. We will know this once the 2012 Macbook pro is announced (supposedly at WWDC). If that gets retina, we should be counting on it (by the end of the year).
 
yanksrock100 said:
I dont think the design will be changed. It has a very nice design, slim enough, and the bezel (though too big for some) probably wont be changed.
Click to expand...

I actually think the opposite, since the big bezel is only drawback from a design point of view, and Apple will probably try to slice it down somewhat.
 
Speaking of the 800$ MBA rumour DIGITIMES now reports, that AMD will launch the Trinity APUs in May. What about AMD processors in the new MBA? I doubt it, but would be interesting. What about a 800$ budget MBA with AMD CPU and 1.000$+ MBAs with Ivy Bridge?
 
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