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Okay so, someone fill me on the GMA X3100. Is it intergrated, but not shared? That's the one thing that's stopping me from getting a MacBook (non pro). I don't mind the glossy screen, though I'd prefer to have the option of not having it.
 
I would guess it would be a processor/integrated graphics update. The multitouch and case design changes will be introduced in Jan at Macworld.
 
Still a pretty terrible video card. And before anyone says "but it's a consumer level laptop" -- that's my point. Consumers are more likely to be gamers than the people who buy MacBook Pros.

Not specifically..... the large bulk of laptops sold, PC and Mac, are consumer machines with integrated graphics, as well as business machines with integrated graphics (i.e. the large bulk of ThinkPads sold to typical business users currently use GMAX3100).

The small segment of laptop users who are gamers demand a much more powerful GPU than the kind of low-level GPU you will see as a dedicated option in cheaper consumer-level machines, like the 8400M GS.

-Zadillo
 
Okay so, someone fill me on the GMA X3100. Is it intergrated, but not shared? That's the one thing that's stopping me from getting a MacBook (non pro). I don't mind the glossy screen, though I'd prefer to have the option of not having it.

Integrated and shared just like the GMA950. Its about 2 to 3 times faster and has hardware T & L for your 3D gaming pleasure.
 
Okay so, someone fill me on the GMA X3100. Is it intergrated, but not shared? That's the one thing that's stopping me from getting a MacBook (non pro). I don't mind the glossy screen, though I'd prefer to have the option of not having it.

No, it still uses shared memory. It's still an integrated graphics chip, it's just an update to the GMA950.

Why is that stopping you from getting it specifically? I mean, why would the shared video memory be a problem for you?

-Zadillo
 
I would guess it would be a processor/integrated graphics update. The multitouch and case design changes will be introduced in Jan at Macworld.

Yes. I really doubt the MB getting MT before the MBP. It's just unfair lol Update the MB with MT before their pro line?

Either Apple goes with the new case design, all out MB update, and leaves the MT for the MBP's in Jan, or the MB gets something small, and both get an overhaul in Jan with MT. And then they release the secret ultra slim, fits-in-your-wallet, don't-loose-it-in-a-deck-of-cards laptop.

:p
 
Either Apple goes with the new case design, all out MB update, and leaves the MT for the MBP's in Jan, or the MB gets something small, and both get an overhaul in Jan with MT. And then they release the secret ultra slim, fits-in-your-wallet, don't-loose-it-in-a-deck-of-cards laptop. :p

if they big overhaul is in jan followed by a little overhaul in november/october, lotsa people are gonna be super P.Oed :eek: is there is a change for one system apple should say, "blah blah blah update, BUT NOT SHIPPING UNTIL JAN. or something" instead of having two updates for MB.
 
No, it still uses shared memory. It's still an integrated graphics chip, it's just an update to the GMA950.

Why is that stopping you from getting it specifically? I mean, why would the shared video memory be a problem for you?

-Zadillo

I don't like limitations. The GMA chips do just that - limit you as to what you can use the computer for.

I want a MacBook Pro because I like the larger screen, and the graphics are dedicated. I don't do anything too too heavy GPU wise, but I may want to dabble in something that needs it here and there.

This is getting sort of OT here, but I'll just list what I'd want my MBP for briefly:

* Encode video for my iPhone

* Watch videos (I'm a hardcore Japanese anime fan)

* Do some Photoshop work here and there

* An upgrade to my aging iBook G3/600 MHz from 2001

...and the list goes on.
 
I'd be impressed to see the new MacBook's use the X3100 instead of the older GMA950 (the Mac mini should too). It would be boring to see just a speed bump, like last time.
 
No, it still uses shared memory. It's still an integrated graphics chip, it's just an update to the GMA950.

Why is that stopping you from getting it specifically? I mean, why would the shared video memory be a problem for you?

-Zadillo

It's a lot more than an just an updated GMA950.
 
It's about time

Hello all,

Been reading these forums for a while and finally decided to join. I have been waiting months for a Macbook (wasn't in a hurry so I thought I would at least wait for Leopard, then an update). Soooo glad for SR and GMA X3100, I am a product designer in training and wanted a Pro, but decided that most of the work I do would suck on a Laptop anyway. So with the difference I am getting a big-ass monitor for my desktop! Which is unfortunately still a PC :(
But if I love the Mac like everyone says I will then an iMac or MacPro is in the future! I would love to see a major redesign but don't believe that will happen now (please be wrong), SR+3100 and maybe some disk space are likely. Macbook Pro total redesign with goodies in January and a total redesign Macbook later that year (following the in Pro's footsteps no doubt). My main hope is that I'll at least be able to run some basic Photoshop and Illustrator with this platform...what do you guys think?
 
:rolleyes: Great.....

Apple's going to update the Macbook before the Mac Pro. They must have the Mac Pro on the "pay no mind" list. How many updates has that thing had since the Mac Pro came out?? Unbelievable. :mad:
 
I don't like limitations. The GMA chips do just that - limit you as to what you can use the computer for.

I want a MacBook Pro because I like the larger screen, and the graphics are dedicated. I don't do anything too too heavy GPU wise, but I may want to dabble in something that needs it here and there.

This is getting sort of OT here, but I'll just list what I'd want my MBP for briefly:

* Encode video for my iPhone

* Watch videos (I'm a hardcore Japanese anime fan)

* Do some Photoshop work here and there

* An upgrade to my aging iBook G3/600 MHz from 2001

...and the list goes on.

Fair enough. The thing is, the GPU will not benefit you in any of those areas.

I do understand what you mean, but it's only a limiting factor if you use apps or games that do use the GPU.

These same limitation issues apply to any PC notebook with integrated graphics as well.

-Zadillo
 
:rolleyes: Great.....

Apple's going to update the Macbook before the Mac Pro. They must have the Mac Pro on the "pay no mind" list. How many updates has that thing had since the Mac Pro came out?? Unbelievable. :mad:

Until the new Penryn chips are available, what do you expect Apple to have done with the Mac Pro exactly?

-Zadillo

It's a lot more than an just an updated GMA950.

All I meant is that it's the next line in Intel's integrated graphics chips. I didn't mean to imply it was simply an improved GMA950.

-Zadillo
 
I am curious where the idea that Apple is planning on updating the casework for the MacBook and MacBook Pro comes from? If someone should have links to news stories that support this claim I would be interested in seeing them. I am preparing to purchase a new Apple laptop but have been unimpressed by the antiquated Aluminum enclosure used on the MacBook Pro and would consider delaying purchasing one now if there is evidence to support to the claim that these computers will be redesigned in January. In my opinion Jobs has delivered increasingly more boring keynotes at MacWorld and I have low expectations for 2008. I would think that Tuesdays MacBook update is going to be minor.

What are peoples thoughts--buy a MacBook Pro now or wait?
 
I doubt they would release a macbook update in november only to follow it up with another update in jan...

costs in changes in production etc... for just 2 months of selling a macbook?
 
I am curious where the idea that Apple is planning on updating the casework for the MacBook and MacBook Pro comes from? If someone should have links to news stories that support this claim I would be interested in seeing them. I am preparing to purchase a new Apple laptop but have been unimpressed by the antiquated Aluminum enclosure used on the MacBook Pro and would consider delaying purchasing one now if there is evidence to support to the claim that these computers will be redesigned in January. In my opinion Jobs has delivered increasingly more boring keynotes at MacWorld and I have low expectations for 2008. I would think that Tuesdays MacBook update is going to be minor.

What are peoples thoughts--buy a MacBook Pro now or wait?

Considering that the last Macworld keynote had Apple unveiling a completely new product line and UI concepts (the iPhone, multitouch and the future it holds for upcoming Mac products), I'm not sure how it can be seen as boring, but to each their own. But if introducing the first radically new product line from Apple in years is boring to you, I can't imagine that anything they could announce in 2008 would excite you.

If you're unimpressed with the MacBook Pro, I doubt anything about an upcoming MacBook redesign would impress you either, as many people expect it to be aluminum-based as well.

As far as why people expect it - outside of existing rumors, other changes in Apple's product line have hinted towards it. For example, with the iMac redesign and the iPod Classic, Apple has pretty much completely eliminated the basic white plastic design, and replaced almost every product they have with aluminum. Things like the 2G iPod Nano foreshadowed this.

The MacBook sticks out as the only remaining product that still uses this design concept.

But again, if you have been bored by what Apple has announced, I think you'll be bored and unimpressed by an aluminum MacBook. I mean, the design of the MacBook Pro is inherently "unflashy", so to speak, and I would expect an aluminum MacBook to look very similar.

At best, some of the rumors have pointed to it being even thinner, and possibly smaller (with the screen bezel right to the edge).

-Zadillo
 
Jan? Again...What!?!?

I would guess it would be a processor/integrated graphics update. The multitouch and case design changes will be introduced in Jan at Macworld.

:apple:Quite a few people have said they think that a case redesign would come in Jan, wouldn't that be too soon for the macbooks to be updated again if they are updated on tuesday? Only about 2 1/2 months later? I'd be kinda mad if I bought one on tuesday and then they redesign it so quickly. I mean, I would understand 5 months or more, but 2 is kinda quick...?:apple:
 
Until the new Penryn chips are available, what do you expect Apple to have done with the Mac Pro exactly?

Hmm... Lets see... Updated graphics options for one. I don't want a card that's almost three years old. 2 gigs RAM standard instead of the 1 gig (2x512) configuration, 500 gig drive standard, and perhaps some price adjustment to reflect the fact that these components are less than HALF of what Apple charges for. ($323.00 for a 500 gig hard drive??? $400.00 for a x1900xt??!?! What a joke)
 
Arrrggghhh..Noooo... I just bought a Macbook today, well yesterday actually (Sunday.) Of course I drove 2 1/2 hours to get it only to read this tonight. Please tell me I'll be able to call Apple and exchange my Macbook for a new one assuming they actually do release new ones.:(
 
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