Mactel upgradeability?

Discussion in 'Macintosh Computers' started by alawrence101, Jun 16, 2005.

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  1. alawrence101, Jun 16, 2005

    alawrence101 macrumors member

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    #1
    I've been tossing around the idea of getting a new Intel Powerbook when they come out next year, and an idea occured to me...

    A lot of people complain that macs aren't very upgradeable - sure you can swap out the HD, memory, disk drive, etc., but you're usually stuck with whatever processor you started with.

    Wouldn't upgrading the processor be significantly easier when you're starting with the most widely used processor on the market? Is this potentially going to make processor upgrades as painless for mac users as they are currently for PC users?

    I realize it's all pure speculation at this point, but am I totally off base? Or do you think that the Intel chips will mean more upgradeability for macs?
     
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  2. mad jew, Jun 16, 2005

    mad jew Moderator emeritus

    mad jew

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    #2
    I don't think it depends on the type of processor so much as how it is attached that ensures easy replacement. Since there's an abundance of x86 processors out there, Apple may choose to make Macs with easily upgraded chips but looking at the trend away from that path with the G4 Power Macs to G5 Power Macs, it seems a little unlikely.

    Also, remember that we're not fully sure how Apple's going to ensure it's a Mac you're running OSX on as opposed to a self-built job. This may complicate things.

    In short, I think it's unlikely but it'd be pretty cool if it ever did happen. :)
     
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  3. Sun Baked, Jun 16, 2005

    Sun Baked macrumors G5

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    #3
    Still think Apple will be opting for a surface mount package for notebook CPUs, video, etc. just like they do now.

    It's a package that takes several mm out of the notebook, which is important for Apple.

    So without a socketed CPU, the machines will be just as easy to upgrade as the are now.
     
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  4. risc, Jun 16, 2005

    risc macrumors 68030

    risc

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    #4
    I think you'll find this is the same with ANY notebook. BTW what's a disk drive? Just joking, but I haven't seen a floppy for years!

    It will be interesting to see if there are any user upgradable parts in the Intel desktop Macs, but I kind of doubt we'll be upgrading our processors on our own any time soon.
     
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  5. alawrence101, Jun 17, 2005

    alawrence101 thread starter macrumors member

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    #5
    Well, by "disk" I was talking about CD(isk) and DVD(isk) drives... *shrugs*

    I was never particularly aware of what it was that made it so hard to upgrade the processors. I had just always heard that it is. I figured it was mostly because it's relatively hard and expensive to buy a replacement processor. Apple doesn't just sell G5s (at least not that I've ever heard of), so you pretty much have to find one on eBay or something.

    If it's an issue of how it's connected, then I'd imagine it's not going to be any easier with the Mactels. It would be nice, though... I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed.
     
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  6. Passante, Jun 17, 2005

    Passante macrumors 6502a

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    #6
    The vernacular is "Optical drive" :cool:
     
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  7. risc, Jun 17, 2005

    risc macrumors 68030

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    #7
    Ah! If you had of said disc drive I would of known what you meant.
     
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  8. Platform, Jun 17, 2005

    Platform macrumors 68030

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    #8
    The new/current PM should get the ability to get the new Intel CPU's as an updrade kit.. ;)

    Let's say..........500 bucks...yes that would be OK...but it had to be good ;)
     
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