Skylake CPUs for next MB. (merged)

[boltjames]

How is it for typing on? I've heard some not so positive opinions on it. I really liked typing on my rMBP and I'm pretty used to typing on my mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Reds.

Glad I was able to help, thanks.

Regarding typing, it did take me an extra month to get used to it but now I can type my typical 70 words per minute like a champ. It's a bit different at first, the keys have shorter throws, but it's not cramped or uncomfortable. It's more like a timing thing.

BJ

 

[Carmenia83]

I respect that, but I just don't think Apple is going to upgrade anything, major or minor, this soon after the RMB's release. Especially when you look at how long-in-the-tooth the Pro and Air are right now. Methinks those are bigger priorities at Apple right now, not the newly released niche notebook.

BJ

The Pro and Air get spec bumps almost every year. I'm not talking a total redesign.

 

[richinaus]

don't get hung up to BJ's posts too much, he's always repeating those mantras all of the time:
- that the rMB is a niche product, designed as a second computer for a businessman
- that there will not be a new rMB until 2017
- that MBA and rMBP are old designs, and that's why people buy the rMB more (curiously, this statement contradict the first in a quite pecurliar way but anyway)
Of course, everyone is entitled to an opinion but it should be noted that his are not based on a statistical data analysis and therefore should be read with a grain of salt.
I wouldn't have written that if these statements hadn't appeared literally in every thread about the rMB I read.
I don't have reliable statistical data, either, but it's a fact on how marketing works ithat every product has its lifecycle. In order to maintain the interest in the product, companies do "facelift" and then they claim the computer (or a car if you want) is new. Common sense -in 2016 a computer cannot comprise of parts from 2015 and claimed new. That would lead to decrease of sales. So, even though those points are correct - that the computer is designed for those who are not performing have tasks - we may expect an upgrade to the new sky lake chips, new ssd or something else.
If such thing does not happen, I will publicly admit on 31.12.2016 23:59:59 that BJ was right

and I will do the same, as there is no reason why they won't update to the new chips like they always do.

 

[boltjames]

don't get hung up to BJ's posts too much,
- that MBA and rMBP are old designs, and that's why people buy the rMB more (curiously, this statement contradict the first in a quite pecurliar way but anyway)

If such thing does not happen, I will publicly admit on 31.12.2016 23:59:59 that BJ was right

On you first point, the RMB is selling to the level it would have whether or not there were new Air's or Pro's. My point is that the RMB looks to be selling at a higher level because those other models are old and their loyal owners aren't replacing them with new Air's and Pro's.

Yes, I look forward to your post on December 31, 2016. I shall have the champagne ready.

BJ

 

[boltjames]

The Pro and Air get spec bumps almost every year. I'm not talking a total redesign.

Right, but understand that you couldn't walk into an Apple Store and find a good amount of inventory in all colors and types until July, it was amongst the slowest inventory ramp-up's I can recall for a company with that type of supply chain.

So I see the annual spec bump occurring much later than you might be used to for reasons related to both timing and the ethos of the product as not needing the supposed benefits that Skylake would bring, they're too incremental and slight to notice.

Which begs the question why anyone would be persuaded to wait for this Skylake update when it actually won't make a significant difference anyway.

BJ

 

[827538]

don't get hung up to BJ's posts too much, he's always repeating those mantras all of the time:
- that the rMB is a niche product, designed as a second computer for a businessman
- that there will not be a new rMB until 2017
- that MBA and rMBP are old designs, and that's why people buy the rMB more (curiously, this statement contradict the first in a quite pecurliar way but anyway)
Of course, everyone is entitled to an opinion but it should be noted that his are not based on a statistical data analysis and therefore should be read with a grain of salt.
I wouldn't have written that if these statements hadn't appeared literally in every thread about the rMB I read.
I don't have reliable statistical data, either, but it's a fact on how marketing works ithat every product has its lifecycle. In order to maintain the interest in the product, companies do "facelift" and then they claim the computer (or a car if you want) is new. Common sense -in 2016 a computer cannot comprise of parts from 2015 and claimed new. That would lead to decrease of sales. So, even though those points are correct - that the computer is designed for those who are not performing have tasks - we may expect an upgrade to the new sky lake chips, new ssd or something else.
If such thing does not happen, I will publicly admit on 31.12.2016 23:59:59 that BJ was right

OK but wouldn't it make sense to do a quiet update with Skylake?

 

[Trey M]

and I will do the same, as there is no reason why they won't update to the new chips like they always do.

Exactly... Apple is a computer company. Intel releases new processors, Apple follows with incremental updates usually no longer than 8 months following Intel's release.

Sometimes they'll include more features along with an update (i.e. Force touch trackpads in MBP's), but they're incremental updates nonetheless. It's common sense when the rest of the industry usually updates their chips within the same 8 month period, to sell the most current and competitive products.

Sure the rMB is more niche and unique than other laptops they sell, but nonetheless computer companies don't refuse updates because "it's good enough already"-- that conflicts with the ideology of the entire industry. If the rMB is the vision of the future for the company regarding laptops, ultraportables, whatever the hell you want to call the rMB, why would they leave it a sitting duck in 2016 regarding updates? In many ways, it's the 'flagship' of the company. Not in terms of raw performance, but in terms of what Apple sees as the most valuable product for so many consumers. Because MOST consumers will never notice the performance difference between a maxed out rMBP and a maxed out rMB.

 

[Trey M]

OK but wouldn't it make sense to do a quiet update with Skylake?

I agree that the most likely thing is a website-only press release for a Skylake update, or at most a brief mention (perhaps at the March event) of processor upgrades. Not going to be something that draws many headlines, unless this is the first machine they equip with TB3/USB-C combo port. Then, they will highlight the benefits of a one-port dock-all solution.

 

[dljor]

Thanks for the reply BJ, you've made some really good points.
I'm sure the performance difference will be marginal but I'm not looking to buy it until perhaps March and if there's a significant redesign of the Pro to make it a bit lighter then it's always an option. So guess I'll wait and see but this laptop does appeal to me.
Having a second Type C would also mean being able to charge from either side, but I do agree virtually everything outside of charging and the occasional data transfer is done wirelessly for me now. Still feel it's perhaps the one thing that's kept it short of being perfect for me, plus if it breaks, you're screwed.

How is it for typing on? I've heard some not so positive opinions on it. I really liked typing on my rMBP and I'm pretty used to typing on my mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Reds.

If you are not buying until March, why are you torturing yourself by checking this forum regularly?

 

[navaira]

I'm buying one approximately never, but I find the discussion interesting anyway

I bought an Air because I love the form, design, keyboard. I have no problem with a non-Retina screen. The SSD is insane. I love everything about it really. Could it be better? It could. Does it need to? No.

But I do believe that rMB is going to become the replacement of Air; the new, well, Macbook. There are things I find terrible about it. There are things that are incredible about it. I am super curious how it will evolve. In another thread I did a poll about the keyboard and 3/4 of people said they loved it. I hated it after trying it out at the Apple Store but it looks like after a while one gets used to it. Which might mean that within two years the keyboard of the Air I am typing on will be gone the way of the dodo and every Apple keyboard will be what rMB's is. What will they do with the processor? Are they serious with the 480p camera? When will 2nd gen come out and how will it affect MBPs?

I'm a nerd. I like this stuff.

 

[xDKP]

How is it for typing on? I've heard some not so positive opinions on it. I really liked typing on my rMBP and I'm pretty used to typing on my mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Reds.

Just wanted to share, that I recently bought this little machine (plenty horsepower for my needs day to day) and went from a MacBook Pro late 2011, with the classic loved keyboard. Initially I was a bit afraid, because I loved the MBP keys, and some reviews said bad stuff about the new one. However I find it very very comfortable, and can without a problem type just as fast as I did on my old MacBook Pro (Which now feels like massive buttons on the keyboard with enormous key travel)...

It's low, but with firm and satisfying click, so it's easier to type fast because you get the reaffirming click per button.

 

[827538]

Just wanted to share, that I recently bought this little machine (plenty horsepower for my needs day to day) and went from a MacBook Pro late 2011, with the classic loved keyboard. Initially I was a bit afraid, because I loved the MBP keys, and some reviews said bad stuff about the new one. However I find it very very comfortable, and can without a problem type just as fast as I did on my old MacBook Pro (Which now feels like massive buttons on the keyboard with enormous key travel)...

It's low, but with firm and satisfying click, so it's easier to type fast because you get the reaffirming click per button.

Thanks!

And to the other comments. I forgot to say, the other MASSIVE issue with the rMB is a 480p camera... Are they serious? On a £1000 laptop? There's no justification for that. 1080p should be the default.

 

[boltjames]

Thanks!

And to the other comments. I forgot to say, the other MASSIVE issue with the rMB is a 480p camera... Are they serious? On a £1000 laptop? There's no justification for that. 1080p should be the default.

No one will disagree there. The thought is that Apple got the lid as thin as they wanted and the better camera would have required a better low light sensor and lens depth requiring space that simply wasn't there. On the iPhone the camera protrudes but most of us use cases anyway. We wouldn't have been happy with that on a notebook which goes naked.

That said, many of us use the camera for basic Skype for work and FaceTime with the kids, we aren't making live action films on our notebooks, and the internet connectivity required for a solid 1080p stream rarely is possible in the types of conference rooms we meet in and hotel rooms we stay at overseas. I wish it had an HD camera but I can't say I actually would know the difference based on my usage patterns. When I FaceTime, I use my iPhone usually anyway, it's just easier to handle.

BJ

 

[827538]

No one will disagree there. The thought is that Apple got the lid as thin as they wanted and the better camera would have required a better low light sensor and lens depth requiring space that simply wasn't there. On the iPhone the camera protrudes but most of us use cases anyway. We wouldn't have been happy with that on a notebook which goes naked.

That said, many of us use the camera for basic Skype for work and FaceTime with the kids, we aren't making live action films on our notebooks, and the internet connectivity required for a solid 1080p stream rarely is possible in the types of conference rooms we meet in and hotel rooms we stay at overseas. I wish it had an HD camera but I can't say I actually would know the difference based on my usage patterns. When I FaceTime, I use my iPhone usually anyway, it's just easier to handle.

BJ

Where I go and would use this I could handle 1080p video chat without an issue, especially with a H.265 encoder. A standard 1080p camera wouldn't really add any depth to the display, just area which shouldn't be an issue.

So there's my two major gripes with an otherwise very intriguing laptop. No second Type-C connected and no 1080p facetime camera. Give me that and Skylake + DDR4 and they have a sale from me.

 

[xDKP]

Where I go and would use this I could handle 1080p video chat without an issue, especially with a H.265 encoder. A standard 1080p camera wouldn't really add any depth to the display, just area which shouldn't be an issue.

So there's my two major gripes with an otherwise very intriguing laptop. No second Type-C connected and no 1080p facetime camera. Give me that and Skylake + DDR4 and they have a sale from me.

I'm with BJ on this one - mainly because I have used the build in iSight on my old MacBook Pro maybe three times in all the years. I always FaceTime the family (only usage for me) on my phone or iPad. My three year old loves to be on the calls and that's just a lot easier with phone/pad... So not an issue for me

 

[kfscoll]

Skylake + DDR4

Not gonna happen. Core M Skylake doesn't support DDR4.

 

[827538]

Not gonna happen. Core M Skylake doesn't support DDR4.

Yeh just read up on it, quite surprised me, thought it would support LPDDR4.

 

[boltjames]

Yeh just read up on it, quite surprised me, thought it would support LPDDR4.

What will also surprise you is that Skylake doesn't do much for the RMB because the RMB is already optimized for battery life and abdicates the need for more processing power.

Folks, if you are lusting after the RMB and the only thing that's holding you back is this mythical Skylake update, do yourselves a favor and buy the RMB for Christmas. Waiting is silly.

BJ

 

[ghanwani]

Yeh just read up on it, quite surprised me, thought it would support LPDDR4.

Would the speed be the same 1600 MHz or would that be upped to 1866 MHz?

 

[ghanwani]

What will also surprise you is that Skylake doesn't do much for the RMB because the RMB is already optimized for battery life and abdicates the need for more processing power.

Folks, if you are lusting after the RMB and the only thing that's holding you back is this mythical Skylake update, do yourselves a favor and buy the RMB for Christmas. Waiting is silly.

BJ

If under 40, wait...you have plenty of time. If over 40, don't wait because life's too short.

On a more serious note, there are at a minimum 2 things (which have been confirmed for skylake) which make it worth it to wait a few months -- better battery life and faster graphics. Any other improvements (like better camera or faster SSD) would just be icing.

 

[brentsg]

If under 40, wait...you have plenty of time. If over 40, don't wait because life's too short.

On a more serious note, there are at a minimum 2 things (which have been confirmed for skylake) which make it worth it to wait a few months -- better battery life and faster graphics. Any other improvements (like better camera or faster SSD) would just be icing.

Thing is, there's no guarantee it's just a few more months. Plus, every time there's an Intel refresh coming, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread until it arrives. People are then underwhelmed and begin to wait for the next one, lapping up all the hype from Intel.

 

[ghanwani]

Thing is, there's no guarantee it's just a few more months. Plus, every time there's an Intel refresh coming, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread until it arrives. People are then underwhelmed and begin to wait for the next one, lapping up all the hype from Intel.

If I was OK with the design of MBA or rMBP, the Broadwell update would have suited me just fine. I could live with either, but then I can also live with my 5 year old machine. I want to buy something I like. If my old machine broke today, I would probably get a rMB and live with the shortcomings.

 

[Serban]

are these for the Macbook?
http://wccftech.com/intel-skull-can...mpaign=Roost&utm_source=Roost&utm_medium=push

 

[kfscoll]

are these for the Macbook?
http://wccftech.com/intel-skull-can...mpaign=Roost&utm_source=Roost&utm_medium=push

No, those are Skylake-U processors. MacBook currently has Broadwell-M CPUs and when upgraded will very likely have Skylake-M.

 

[Neodym]

In order to maintain the interest in the product, companies do "facelift" and then they claim the computer (or a car if you want) is new. Common sense -in 2016 a computer cannot comprise of parts from 2015 and claimed new. That would lead to decrease of sales.

Looking at the Mac mini or the Mac Pro, Apple seems to have no problems to sell even two year old tech for full price, thus indirectly claiming those to be "new" (or at least "latest") tech.