Merom Laptops Delayed Until 2007?

[Andrew F]

From another thread:

I want to respond to your note about "reliable" without pulling the discussion from [THIS] thread into [THAT] thread. I see two questions. First: Is there a shortage of Merom chips. That sounds reasonable. Second: Will that shortage affect the introduction of Merom MacBooks/Pros if limited Meroms are being diverted to iMacs. That also sounds reasonable. I'm going to duplicate this post on [THIS] thread so that any responses can appropriately be put [HERE].

I put the note of the article's reliability in there so that it was just generally known, that is why I said that the general consensus was, at the time, not reliable. All the discussion up to the point I posted that doubted the articles credibility. I do not know if there is a shortage or if it will limit the supply of updated notebooks. Unfortunately none of us do, that is why we are here speculating. I still, at least at this point, expect the Merom notebooks soon because I do not see Apple updating almost every other system they build with the new chip and not their pro laptop. Especially when they are using a mobile chip.

 

[tartansparkle]

Doubt it. In the past prices usually only go down.

Also, why not hold out until next Tuesday, the "Showtime" event?

I really hope that you are right. If it is the same price or cheaper that would be genius. This Expo thing is on the 12th (Tuesday) I was ordering on the Friday 15th or Monday 18th. I hope that even if they are going to have Merom in MBP it is very very soon as I need to get one very soon for university start.

 

[Clive At Five]

Yeah, but before it was always about the G4/G5 portable/desktop divide. I don't see Apple being happy having a slower 'Pro' machine than an 'i' machine for long. It's not how they like to market, and any time their Pro laptop is slower than an 'i' desktop, it's a bit embarrassing.

Not really THAT embarrassing... Here's what I'm thinking:

Prop. 1: Desktops run faster than Laptops
Prop. 2: Pro machines run faster than consumer machines.
::I propose Stipulation A:: Prop 2 is only true for machines of like form.

Thus, due to Stipulation A,

Prop. 3.a: Pro Desktops run faster than Consumer Desktops.
Prop. 3.b: Pro Laptops run faster than Consumer Laptops.

We can now create two logical orderings:

P.4) Pro Desktops > Cons. Desktops (by prop 2) > Cons. Laptops (by prop 1)
P.5) Pro Desktops > Pro Laptops (by prop 1) > Cons. Laptops (by prop 2)

But due to Stipulation A, we do not know if:

Cons. Desktop > Pro Laptop
Pro Laptop > Cons. Desktop

We only know:

Pro Desktops are the fastest,
Consumer Laptops are the slowest.

-- -- -- -- --​

Dude, I love logic.

ANYway, I think (in an ideal line-up), the Cons. Desktop would meet and overlap the lower specs of the pro laptops, which will likely be the case once Apple updates the MBP line, but I wouldn't think that it's appalling vice versa, like some of you.

-Clive

 

[SiliconAddict]

Unlike others who own MBP I consider this bad. (No I'm not going to complain that boo hoo my PBM is not the latet greatest.)
We are talking the holiday season without Apple having something on par to Alienware/Dell/etc hardware speed wise. It will cost them sales if it gets delayed that long. I hope this is wrong.

 

[wildmac]

well, in any event, I am waiting to purchase my MBblack until they upgrade the processor. I don't NEED it now, so I can wait. Of course, if they still haven't done it by the end of the year, Nikon might get my money instead of Apple. Or Dell might get it if they roll out their 12" Latitude models with the Merom (for my wife, not me).

Either way, I'm not buying until the update happens, unless something happens and I NEED it right away for business uses...

 

[ckodonnell]

Stop with the "live with it" stuff...

What about what you need? People keep assuming that what's available is what you need, I think that's a flawed assumption. It's bugging the hell out of me. Buying a machine that doesn't meet your needs because it's whats available?

If you need a 64 Bit Intel Portable, preferably running Mac OS X, it's slim pickins. Oh wait, it's no pickins.

Now admitedly I could buy a Mac Pro (or an iMac) and a MacBook Pro, but that would be pretty pricey...and I still couldn't do work on the road.

Buy what you need when Apple says its ok, I guess.

This would disappoint many who are waiting. Moral of the story: Buy when you need, be happy with what you have.

Still hope it isn't true.

 

[richard4339]

I wish I could wait. I need to buy a laptop within the next two weeks. I want the Pro, but honestly, the only reason I want it over the normal MB right now is the screen size (it doesn't have too much else going for it right now that the MB doesn't have). So, I certainly hope they release them next Tuesday... if not, I don't know which I'll buy.

 

[dernhelm]

What an irritating writing style...

I would have a pretty hard time believing anyone with that poor a writing style. So I call BUNK!

Besides, too many other PC vendors have already released / announced Core2 laptops. Apple can't be seen as unable to deliver something that everyone else can. If they suspect delivery issues - simply make it a BTO option with longer wait times.

 

[ckodonnell]

Best post I've seen ever on these forums regarding Merom MBP. Thank you.

Well I just got off the phone to Apple, had not read this rumor before calling them, just not near a PC to check before I called.

The guy on the end of the phone confirmed that Macbook pro did not currently have core 2 duo processor he said they had not being confirmed for retail sales yet.

I asked if i should check the web site, he then added that I should check it around the Paris Expo time, either the 12th or 13th September.

Now I believe him more and he may of being fobbing me off, but this was the business line.

MBP next week, probibly Wendesday

 

[S i]

Not really THAT embarrassing... Here's what I'm thinking:

Prop. 1: Desktops run faster than Laptops
Prop. 2: Pro machines run faster than consumer machines.
::I propose Stipulation A:: Prop 2 is only true for machines of like form.

For me personally, the MBP will be a get-me-by stand-in for my quad-core 8Gb PowerMac whilst mobile. I'll take all the power Apple can give me & then some to be honest. The Macbook Pro, however, is shaping up to be more like a Macbook "Prosumer" if those rumours are true (I can't believe they are), & more suited for wealthier consumers that are looking to spend a little extra. Enthusiasts might usually go the extra too, but then they'd be turned off by the old Yonah stock usage.

Unless Apple update the MBP soon, so that it can remain competitive (& surely they must), I guess an iMac with funky LAN party strap contraption would be a better option

 

[bondsbw]

Maybe...

The author of the article heard "Merom delayed in MacBooks until 07" and assumed the source meant 2007, but really the source meant September 07. Maybe it will be tonight... at 7 pm.

Hmm... wishful thinking?

 

[meanmusic]

Where are all the other manufacturers getting their chips? Merom is everywhere. Reviews are starting to appear also. It's doubtful Apple will delay Merom in MBP until 2007. If that happens people will be waiting for Santa Rosa instead of Merom.

 

[moonzilla]

marketshare

what everyone seems to be forgetting is the tremendous strides apple has made in the notebook market since the release of the mbp and macbook. apple currently has a significant segment of the portable market, and im willing to assert that theyll do everything in their power to maintain this.

im thinking that the macbook pro is actually due for a revamp. maybe not completely, but something to match, and hopefully exceed, the mb. there is not enough differentiation between the laptops at this point, and because the mbp has been out since february, its very possible were on the verge of an overhaul. before the switch to intel, it was stated that apple would introduce their first intelmacs as ppc-look alikes, as to not shock their customer base. we saw with the mb that its transition-time, and id speculate the mbp is ready.

one note about the article. the mbp IS the lower volume, higher margin product. NOT the imac.

 

[macintel007]

If I remember well, the Core 2 Duo chips Conroe is for the desktop line and the Core 2 Duo chips Merom is for the laptops...

So in the new iMacs, the Conroe chips is used NOT THE MEROM CHIPS. So even with a 'limited amount' of merom chips, Apple can still offer the MBP (at least) with the new chips and proceed with the MB later on.

I think that Apple is not stupid enough to kill his own laptops market while other brands already offer their new Core 2 Duo Merom laptops.

Let's hope

 

[the-eskaton]

This sounds like Apple shaking the tree a little bit, albeit through erroneous leaked info. They get those on the fence to go ahead and pick up the soon-to-be outdated MBP, and get rid of the stale stock right before unleash the next beast.

My suspicion is a redesigned MBP. We're very likely getting a slightly redesigned iPod and nano. I think we have a total new look coming.

Guessing is fun.

 

[Reach]

Conroe/Merom

If I remember well, the Core 2 Duo chips Conroe is for the desktop line and the Core 2 Duo chips Merom is for the laptops...

So in the new iMacs, the Conroe chips is used NOT THE MEROM CHIPS

You're right, Conroe is designed as the desktop-version, but Apple put the laptop-version in the iMac nevertheless. So you're right and wrong, Merom in the iMac.

 

[DavidCar]

The best point I've seen so far is that, even if Intel is short on producing Meroms, the number which Apple needs is enough less than what others need that Apple should be able to get what it wants. Perhaps the biggest delay in MacBooks/Pros is the amount of Yonah machines already in stock. In that case, someday someone will post that their new MacBook/Pro unexpectedly has a C2D chip in it, and shortly thereafter Apple will quietly announce the upgrade. I also like the point that priority was given to the 24 inch iMac and family as a prelude to a movie announcement next week.

 

[Chef Medeski]

Why did apple put the Meroms in the iMAcs instead of Conroes? Isn't the Conroe just the desktop form of the Merom? Seems to me there would be more advantages for everyone(consumer and Apple) if they put mobile parts in mobiles and desktop parts in desktops. Also, the first impression I got of that inquirer article is that it is full of it. The article reads like a jr. high english paper and had nothing to support it except the moles running past his house. I guess in that way the article is kinda cute. Still, I don't think Apple would let the Pro model notebook fall behind. Not only would they loose sales that way, it would hurt their image.

Becuase the motherboard was made for the Core Duo chips... so it is very easy to upgrade it to core 2 duo.... just drop in a new chip. But Conroe would have taken a redesign of the entire motherboard. So, thats the first reason and secondly, unlike the Pro Mac the Mac Mini and iMac's small dimensions doesn't allow for optimum cooling... thus the need for a portable chip to be put in it. Aesthetics sometimes come before functionality with Apple.

 

[ictiosapiens]

3. This is a question for everyone. If this is true, how many of you out there will go ahead and buy the current MBP or MB without waiting for a C2D version? How long will you wait?

If nothing shows up by the first week of October or so, I'll probably just go ahead and get the current MBP. I may end up changing my mind, but if I buy it, I can always sell it later and buy the C3D or whatever comes next.

If there's no Core 2 Duo notebooks out next week, I'll have to go for the Dell XPS 1210... I know, the shame, but it does offer everything I need(small form factor, dedicated graphics, and merom) I know its no beauty queen, and that I can't run Mac OS, but I'm sick of waiting for the Powerbook 12 inch replacement. I nearly dived into the Macbook, but I don't see why I have to just take what apple decides to throw the consumer. I guess it keeps their profits up, to release less models, and push the 12inch users towards the macbook, but as in love as I am with the macbook, I really want merom and my dedicated graphics.

 

[kenaustus]

If Apple has sufficient Merom chips for the iMacs then they have sufficient chips for the MBP. The only reason why I can see the MBP being slightly later in delivery is that they are making other changes to it. MagSafe power attachment and magnetic latches externally and maybe some new graphic cards and larger HDs internally. Probably only the external changes would cause a brief delay.

Let's fact it, Intel is very happy with Apple right now and probably isn't too pleased to see Dell using AMD chips. Intel is going to be delighted with the new iMacs and, regardless of inventory levels, will be supporting Apple with the new models.

I'd guess it's going to be "wait a week or so" for the C2D MBPs and then be pleasantly surprised.

 

[ryanx27]

Hang on a second, you got it mixed up. The MBPs is the low volume, high margin line. The iMacs on the other hand are the high volume, low margin cheapies for everyone and his mom.

A notebook computer = a low volume item during the back-to-school season? What are you smoking

 

[dsnort]

Becuase the motherboard was made for the Core Duo chips... so it is very easy to upgrade it to core 2 duo.... just drop in a new chip. But Conroe would have taken a redesign of the entire motherboard. So, thats the first reason and secondly, unlike the Pro Mac the Mac Mini and iMac's small dimensions doesn't allow for optimum cooling... thus the need for a portable chip to be put in it. Aesthetics sometimes come before functionality with Apple.

This makes me wonder if Apple won't eventually be forced to redesign the iMac. It seems to me that continuing to use laptop components to build a desktop is just going to limit them in a fashion similar to what they faced with the PPC chips. Or maybe even force them to come out with, dast I say it, a headless mini tower?

 

[ryanx27]

Anyway, I hope that September 12 is a day that we could see Merom in the MacBook family.

I've been having my girlfriend hold off buying her MacBook until the processor upgrade happens. She's going to be upset if it doesn't happen next week.

Speaking of next week... I sure hope that iPod nanos get some sort of overhaul as well.

Even though I feel the MacBook Pro will get Merom late this month or maybe in October, I wouldn't hold my breath on the MacBook getting a Merom until 2007.

 

[HecubusPro]

A notebook computer = a low volume item during the back-to-school season? What are you smoking

It's the standard macbooks that are high volume, as was reported recently when apple stated they were having a difficult time keeping up with demand during the busy back-to-school rush. The shipping time on macbooks is still 5-7 days because of this. High volume.

The macbook pro however is not as in demand during this time because of it's pro nature, meaning much higher price, which puts it out of range of most students. The shipping time on MBP's, still just 24 hours. Low volume.

generik was correct.

 

[ryanx27]

The Inquirer- the new MOSR.

"syphilitic trickle"- this needs explaining. I think the metaphor is a poor one.

It's disgusting, too. And I agree, poor metaphor: if something is trickling out of you because of syphilis, you'd want it to stop or slow down. We want the trickle of processors to speed up -- to positively gush out of those factories!