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MacBook, MacBook Pro To See Merom Upgrade Next Month?

I really do not believe that the Macbooks will get a Merom upgrade. Why do they need them? Why do people want them so badly? First of all, the Macbook line is fast enough already for the users it's geared at (the average student who uses it for internet browsing, word processing, SMALL video editing, photo editing). 64-bit processors right now seem very pointless to the users the Macbook is geared towards.

Secondly, the Macbook is already a very, VERY new model. And people are almost begging for an upgrade. Is it that important to have them readily available by Expo?
 
aaronb said:
I really do not believe that the Macbooks will get a Merom upgrade. Why do they need them? Why do people want them so badly? First of all, the Macbook line is fast enough already for the users it's geared at (the average student who uses it for internet browsing, word processing, SMALL video editing, photo editing). 64-bit processors right now seem very pointless to the users the Macbook is geared towards.

Secondly, the Macbook is already a very, VERY new model. And people are almost begging for an upgrade. Is it that important to have them readily available by Expo?
Click to expand...

True, but keep in mind that Apple is part of the Intel world now, where things move and progress much more rapidly. Instead of marginal updates every 6 months or what have you, these Intel chips are making much more frequent updates possible. In order to keep pace with Dell and other computer companies which are going to be constantly adopting new chip technology as it's released, Apple has to follow suit, lest it slips behind.
 
Excuse me for being a bit off topic and slightly clueless, but from what i've seen the dies on the Yohna and Merom chips are different size.

As the merom (die) is bigger, does that mean it has alot more power, (one would think) so why are we only seeing 15% benchmark increases, it can't just be the 32bit cap holding them back?

Does it give a lower heat output per watt, by enlarging the area the heat is generated from?


I'm still getting one though!
Can't wait, I hope they are out b4 school, not fussed about the iPod.
 
~Shard~ said:
True, but keep in mind that Apple is part of the Intel world now, where things move and progress much more rapidly. Instead of marginal updates every 6 months or what have you, these Intel chips are making much more frequent updates possible. In order to keep pace with Dell and other computer companies which are going to be constantly adopting new chip technology as it's released, Apple has to follow suit, lest it slips behind.
Click to expand...
Also true, but keep in mind that Apple appears to be leading the curve. I had my MacBook for a month before I even stareted seeing ads for Core Duo machines from Dell, etc.

Personally, I like seeing tech advance, but I don't see the quality that I used to.
 
thogs_cave said:
Also true, but keep in mind that Apple appears to be leading the curve. I had my MacBook for a month before I even stareted seeing ads for Core Duo machines from Dell, etc.
Click to expand...

Even more reason for Apple to introduce Merom into the MacBook line sooner rather than later. :cool:
 
The Wait Won't Be Much Longer • Why Merom Will Be Adopted Across The Board ASAP

nitric939 said:
i need to buy a new laptop for uni starting next month. Should i wait for any newer versions of the mac pro or just go with the existing models? Will it be worth the wait or just minor difference? So far the only thing that has caught my attention is the 64bit part.
Click to expand...
By waiting for Merom you will have a "Leopard ready" MBP that can take you all the way out through college.
mdntcallr said:
I just don't see Macbook getting the upgrade to Mermom so quickly. doesnt make sense. they need to differentiate the models more. also the core duo's are getting lower in price. so it would mean a nice price drop, you could combine that with the new intel integrated graphics chipset. could work out nicely for budget buyers.

that said, i want the macbook pro with HD bluray capability with the highest end graphics chip possible for laptop. hoo-ahh!
Click to expand...
Apple isn't into lowering prices - especially when MB is already a huge hit at the price it's at. Speed, ports, graphics and screen size - among other things - are plenty of differentiation between MB and MBP without having to keep Core 2 Duo out of MB any longer than supply can exceed manufacturing capacity and even stronger sales when it happens.

I think Apple wants to make as few more 32-bit Macs as it has to - especially in light of Leopard's full support for 64-bit applications. I'm leaning toward the idea that a Core 2 Duo rollout may be across all the rest of the line at once in September. Worst case all are Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. Still hoping Conroe will figure into a Dual Core Mac Pro this Fall.
aaronb said:
I really do not believe that the Macbooks will get a Merom upgrade. Why do they need them? Why do people want them so badly? First of all, the Macbook line is fast enough already for the users it's geared at (the average student who uses it for internet browsing, word processing, SMALL video editing, photo editing). 64-bit processors right now seem very pointless to the users the Macbook is geared towards.

Secondly, the Macbook is already a very, VERY new model. And people are almost begging for an upgrade. Is it that important to have them readily available by Expo?
Click to expand...
Several good reasons for adopting Merom in all mobile Macs ASAP:

1. Better Energy Management yielding longer batter life.
2. 20% Better performance running at same speed.
3. Better Intel 965GM "Crestine" chipset for Integrated Graphics comes with Merom.
4. Cost the same.
5. Gives Apple a cutting edge status as an all 64-bit Core 2 state-of-the-art computer creator.
6. Sex appeal.
7. Class appeal.
8. Consumer Goodwill.
9. It's the right thing to do.
10. Because they can.
11. Will increase sales even more among those who are waiting.
12. It's inevitable - why postpone the inevitable? It would be both greedy and rude not to do it ASAP.
 
Multimedia said:
By waiting for Merom you will have a "Leopard ready" MBP that can take you all the way out through college.Apple isn't into lowering prices - especially when MB is already a huge hit at the price it's at. Speed, ports, graphics and screen size - among other things - are plenty of differentiation between MB and MBP without having to keep Core 2 Duo out of MB any longer than supply can exceed manufacturing capacity and even stronger sales when it happens.

I think Apple wants to make as few more 32-bit Macs as it has to - especially in light of Leopard's full support for 64-bit applications. I'm leaning toward the idea that a Core 2 Duo rollout may be across all the rest of the line at once in September. Worst case all are Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. Still hoping Conroe will figure into a Dual Core Mac Pro this Fall.Several good reasons for adopting Merom in all mobile Macs ASAP:

1. Better Energy Management yielding longer batter life.
2. 20% Better performance running at same speed.
3. Better Intel 965GM "Crestine" chipset for Integrated Graphics comes with Merom.
4. Cost the same.
5. Gives Apple a cutting edge status as an all 64-bit Core 2 state-of-the-art computer creator.
6. Sex appeal.
7. Class appeal.
8. Consumer Goodwill.
9. It's the right thing to do.
10. Because they can.
11. Will increase sales even more among those who are waiting.
12. It's inevitable - why postpone the inevitable? It would be both greedy and rude not to do it ASAP.
Click to expand...


Great reasons!

13. It's Intel. Not Motorola neither IBM.
 
Multimedia said:
By waiting for Merom you will have a "Leopard ready" MBP that can take you all the way out through college.Apple isn't into lowering prices - especially when MB is already a huge hit at the price it's at. Speed, ports, graphics and screen size - among other things - are plenty of differentiation between MB and MBP without having to keep Core 2 Duo out of MB any longer than supply can exceed manufacturing capacity and even stronger sales when it happens.

I think Apple wants to make as few more 32-bit Macs as it has to - especially in light of Leopard's full support for 64-bit applications. I'm leaning toward the idea that a Core 2 Duo rollout may be across all the rest of the line at once in September. Worst case all are Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. Still hoping Conroe will figure into a Dual Core Mac Pro this Fall.Several good reasons for adopting Merom in all mobile Macs ASAP:

1. Better Energy Management yielding longer batter life.
2. 20% Better performance running at same speed.
3. Better Intel 965GM "Crestine" chipset for Integrated Graphics comes with Merom.
4. Cost the same.
5. Gives Apple a cutting edge status as an all 64-bit Core 2 state-of-the-art computer creator.
6. Sex appeal.
7. Class appeal.
8. Consumer Goodwill.
9. It's the right thing to do.
10. Because they can.
11. Will increase sales even more among those who are waiting.
12. It's inevitable - why postpone the inevitable? It would be both greedy and rude not to do it ASAP.
Click to expand...

The 965M chipset has been delayed until the first quarter of next year.
 
Erasmus said:
OK, Here's a lineup for you guys, rather (extremely) hopeful however.

Tuesday 15th: Macbook Pro or iMac get updated

Week After: The other gets updated.

Paris Expo: New Mid tower- smaller Mac Pro with Conroe, possibly C2DE, pwnage GPU :p and space for 2 HDD and a Superdrive, plus 4 ram slots. And completely upgradeable.

Few weeks later: New iPod, Macbook and Mac Mini get Merom

Macworld: The whole thing starts again with 4 core Clovertown and Kentsfield :D

Still hoping for the iMac Ultra with 512MB x1900, 3.2 C2DE, 4RAM slots and 23" screen. Which may or may not be released. Surely either this, or a similarly spec'd mid tower must show up soon to fill the gap for gamers like me, and other people like me (Solidworks Rulz) who need a fantastic GPU, but don't need quad 3ghz CPUs, whhen a single Conroe (Extreme?) would do the job just as well, and for far less cost.
Click to expand...

yeah bro, i want to get a killer mid sized tower, so i can get a nice 30" hd display for my photography. also to play games on. also, ill get a macbook pro merom. that would rock
 
Erasmus said:
OK, Here's a lineup for you guys, rather (extremely) hopeful however.

Tuesday 15th: Macbook Pro or iMac get updated

Week After: The other gets updated.

Paris Expo: New Mid tower- smaller Mac Pro with Conroe, possibly C2DE, pwnage GPU :p and space for 2 HDD and a Superdrive, plus 4 ram slots. And completely upgradeable.

Few weeks later: New iPod, Macbook and Mac Mini get Merom

Macworld: The whole thing starts again with 4 core Clovertown and Kentsfield :D

Still hoping for the iMac Ultra with 512MB x1900, 3.2 C2DE, 4RAM slots and 23" screen. Which may or may not be released. Surely either this, or a similarly spec'd mid tower must show up soon to fill the gap for gamers like me, and other people like me (Solidworks Rulz) who need a fantastic GPU, but don't need quad 3ghz CPUs, whhen a single Conroe (Extreme?) would do the job just as well, and for far less cost.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree wit you. I think over the next few weeks Apple will quietly intro Conroe in the iMac and Mac mini. I don't think Merom portables will be out until early September since I've read there won't be enough volume of the chips. I don't think they will announce any upgrades at the Paris Expo unless it is a huge upgrade and redesign. If it's just Merom it will be a quiet update to the Apple store.
 
Powermac expandability went from horrible to fair...

Multimedia said:
Mac Pro expandability is really fantastic.
Click to expand...
Perhaps you should look at the number of disks and slots that you can find in other towers the size of the large maxi-tower PowerMacIntel....

Or, look at how small some of the mini-towers that support 4 HDs and 2 optical really are....

I would not characterize the MacIntelPro as having "fantastic" expandability - it's rather low on the scale of what's available on Intel 5000-based systems today, especially considering how huge the box is.
____________________________________

I'm still expecting to see the New Form Factor 64-bit Conroe Mini-Tower/Home-Theatre-Box before too long...
 
Intel 965M Graphics Chipset Is Delayed Until Early 2007

BenRoethig said:
The 965M chipset has been delayed until the first quarter of next year.
Click to expand...
Oh boy. Well two thoughts come to mind.

1. Apple could use this as an excuse not to switch to Merom in MacBook until 965 is ready. Something Steve would like to brag about in his January 9th SteveNote.

2. Some of us might wait until 965 is inside if we are set on the MacBook as what we want.

They have got to get that easy HD change feature in the MacBook Pro don't you agree? :confused:
 
Multimedia said:
They have got to get that easy HD change feature in the MacBook Pro don't you agree? :confused:
Click to expand...

Yes. Who needs more HD space, consumers or professionals? Who would be more likely to have a need to upgrade their HD? Pros...so it makes no sense the way the consumer laptop is easier to replace the HD than the professional model!
 
Easy HD Change Feature Will Change The Way We Do Field Work

ITASOR said:
Yes. Who needs more HD space, consumers or professionals? Who would be more likely to have a need to upgrade their HD? Pros...so it makes no sense the way the consumer laptop is easier to replace the HD than the professional model!
Click to expand...
Yeah I am seeing with that feature we can buy a couple of extras that we can rotate out as we hit the field for work that we can then transfer back at the base - home or office - for further work on our Quads.

Another application would be different HDs for different kinds of work, each setup for a specific set of applications instead of all on one - more free space for docs.

BTW I am writing this post on my new Dual Core 2GHz G5 I got at Fry's yesterday for $864.26. :p :D :) Now I can leave the Quad to crush video without me getting in the way trying to run simple applications on it while it wants all the cores. Seems very zippy even with only 512MB inside.
 
ITASOR said:
Yes. Who needs more HD space, consumers or professionals? Who would be more likely to have a need to upgrade their HD? Pros...so it makes no sense the way the consumer laptop is easier to replace the HD than the professional model!
Click to expand...

Both comsumer and professional laptop should have easy access to replacing hard disks. Consumers and professionals have different requirements but with digital video, music, etc you eat up valuable HD real estate very quickly, it shouldn't be unreasonable that consumer and professional products both have easy access for replacing RAM, Hard Disks, etc.
 
Just as curiosity.
Macbooks and Macbook Pros are Sold Out on Best buy, and Compusa seems to have limited availability. On bestbuy is sold out exept for the 17" and the BlackBook.

hummm..... :cool:
 
Merom Isn't Rumored To Get To Apple Manufaturing Until Early September

mr.barkan said:
Just as curiosity.
Macbooks and Macbook Pros are Sold Out on Best buy, and Compusa seems to have limited availability. On bestbuy is sold out exept for the 17" and the BlackBook.

hummm..... :cool:
Click to expand...
Last rumor says apple won't get their big shipment of Merom until early September. But a surprise early shipment would be wonderful. :)
 
Multimedia said:
Last rumor says apple won't get their big shipment of Merom until early September. But a surprise early shipment would be wonderful. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah i would second that!

it would be hard to have the sales channel out of macbook pro's during back to school time. so... if best buy, and others are out of macbook pro's my money is on a quick release on the merom models.

remember steve jobs did say they would have more announcements within the week. well... they havent said much yet. my thoughts are the consumer models will come this week.

well i can hope.
 
~Shard~ said:
Even more reason for Apple to introduce Merom into the MacBook line sooner rather than later. :cool:
Click to expand...
Somehow, I knew you (or somebody) would say that. :p It's a good argument, to be sure.

I wonder about the cost of doing it, tho. As I've mentioned before, I used to work for $HUGE_UNIX_COMPANY, and changes like this (new CPU) require a whole new round of FCC testing, UL/TUV certification, etc. I guess it's worth the hassle, but I imagine the R&D costs are not minor. (I mean, it's not just "pop in the new CPU", even if it's physically that easy. I'm sure Apple has a pretty hardcore testing routine to ensure few problems in the field.)
 
jholzner said:
SheriffParker said:
Merom definitely in the Black Macbook though, if this is true.
Click to expand...
I hope so. At least then one could justify the price difference!
Click to expand...

I think Yonah has to stay in the Macbook to justify the price difference between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro.

Consider this:

Macbook Black
- 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
- 13.3-inch widescreen display
- Integrated graphics
- 2GB 667 DDR2 - 2x1GB SO-DIMMs
- 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Price tag: 2199.00 USD

Macbook Pro (15.4")
- 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
- 15.4-inch widescreen Display
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory
- 2GB 667 DDR2 - 2x1GB SO-DIMMs
- 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
- Backlit Keyboard
- ExpressCard/34 slot
- dual-link DVI video out
Price tag: 2899.00 USD

Are these differences worth 700 dollars (or about 30 percent addition to the price of a Macbook)? If discrete graphics were available on the Macbook, I would guess that only very few people would actually buy a Macbook Pro at this point.
 
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