Macbook Pro GPU refresh overdue

[iMacmatician]

Why can't Apple make a new line of notebooks that focus more on powerful computing? Why can't Apple make a 2 or 3" thick notebook or one that weights 12lbs for those looking for something powerful? I'm not saying destroy the current 1" design, but just add a different model.

Because they are too focused on "thin."

Take the old PowerBook name and apply it again. I don't see anything wrong with this. Apple is becoming big, and has a chance to become bigger if it really offers something astounding.

They might as well make the current MacBook Pro the MacBook and call that notebook the "MacBook Pro."

The most we can hope for is the removal of the optical drive on at least some models, that would go maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the way between the current MBP and that notebook.

 

[rmbrown09]

Everyone saying that the current MacBook Pro's are too thin to hold the Core i7 or beefier GPU, please think about this...

Why can't Apple make a new line of notebooks that focus more on powerful computing? Why can't Apple make a 2 or 3" thick notebook or one that weights 12lbs for those looking for something powerful? I'm not saying destroy the current 1" design, but just add a different model. Take the old PowerBook name and apply it again. I don't see anything wrong with this. Apple is becoming big, and has a chance to become bigger if it really offers something astounding.

I think they can fit one inside the current form factor. OS x runs cooler than Windows does for sure, and an Envy can do it, SO CAN APPLE. not because i have so raging hard on for apple, but because they have a good track record with thin and sufficient power.

they need to innovate to meet the heating boundaries, not make the laptop bigger or create a new line. (I assume that the 17 incher could handle a i7 but the problem is fitting it into a 15 or even 13.) >>> (13 inch house an i3??)

 

[Hydroxs]

I think they can fit one inside the current form factor. OS x runs cooler than Windows does for sure, and an Envy can do it, SO CAN APPLE. not because i have so raging hard on for apple, but because they have a good track record with thin and sufficient power.

they need to innovate to meet the heating boundaries, not make the laptop bigger or create a new line. (I assume that the 17 incher could handle a i7 but the problem is fitting it into a 15 or even 13.) >>> (13 inch house an i3??)

You just can't pop in a new gpu into the current mbp. They would probably have to redesign the cooling system. Looking at the reviews of the envy, it has two fans for the cpu and one for the gpu, each having its own heat pipe. The current mbp shares heat pipes between the gpu and cpu.

 

[rmbrown09]

You just can't pop in a new gpu into the current mbp. They would probably have to redesign the cooling system. Looking at the reviews of the envy, it has two fans for the cpu and one for the gpu, each having its own heat pipe. The current mbp shares heat pipes between the gpu and cpu.

Well they are out of options. They need to keep up with the pc market, at least a little. They didnt even try with the quad core generation, and now they aren't with i7??

Yes the cooling system would have to be re-done, but its that or core 2 duo's for eternity. Osx runs cooler like I said, so just because the Envy needs 3 fans, doesnt mean the macbook will. Better heatsink structure, cooler os, perhaps they can get away with 2 fans total. cmon apple.

Just got done watching the iPad unveiling. No thanks, its a big iphone. (that doesnt make calls, multitask, etc)

EDIT;
Just watched a couple demo videos of it. I change my mind

 

[mastermind6192]

Bad Apple

Hi! I love my Alu Macbook Pro. However, I find that the 9600m GPU is quite lagging behind. I believe that the 9600m has become obsolete for the latest games. Hence, a refresh is greatly due, if it's not already "overdue". Don't get me wrong. I love OS X, Macbook Pro innovative and sleek design, the multitouch pad, etc. But for a machine costing more than 2000 $, I would expect "beefier" graphics.

For the next revision, should we get something in the range of a GTX 260m?

I agree, why pay so much for a mediocre graphics card.According to Nvidia's scale it only falls in the performance category.The mbp is awesome, but a better graphics card for that price wouldn't hurt

To see the chart: http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_m_series.html

 

[grahamnp]

Heat and power consumption is not an issue, look at the existing parts and their specs and you will know this. Price shouldn't be an issue either given that these parts are in cheaper laptops than the MBP. The parts are there and Apple just needs to get something done.

I'm guessing that the MBPs upgrades got sidelined while they were preparing the iPad.

 

[rmbrown09]

Heat and power consumption is not an issue, look at the existing parts and their specs and you will know this. Price shouldn't be an issue either given that these parts are in cheaper laptops than the MBP. The parts are there and Apple just needs to get something done.

I'm guessing that the MBPs upgrades got sidelined while they were preparing the iPad.

That or Apple is making a killing selling old hardware at outrageous prices still.
They know that when they start putting in i5's and new GPU's. 1800 for i5 5xxx series ati gpu is a smaller profit margin than old duo's and 9600m gt's

 

[0092762]

Well they are out of options. They need to keep up with the pc market, at least a little. They didnt even try with the quad core generation, and now they aren't with i7??

Yes the cooling system would have to be re-done, but its that or core 2 duo's for eternity. Osx runs cooler like I said, so just because the Envy needs 3 fans, doesnt mean the macbook will. Better heatsink structure, cooler os, perhaps they can get away with 2 fans total. cmon apple.

Just got done watching the iPad unveiling. No thanks, its a big iphone. (that doesnt make calls, multitask, etc)

EDIT;
Just watched a couple demo videos of it. I change my mind

Envy uses a 45W quad core i7-720QM macbook pro would be better served with a 35W dual core i7-620M, or even its 25W version the i7-640LM, which I'd like better actually.

Couple that with a 5830 and it'd be a great system.

However I personally think that they'll go with nvidia GTS360 or similar card, due to optimus, and Apple prioritizes user experience over specs.