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Waiting for Skylake MBP thread

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Neodym said:
Assuming Apple would budge to the pressure of offering an external GPU solution via TB3. Would it be like the "Core" extension of Razer's Blade Stealth or would Apple go a proprietary way and e.g. be coupling that with a (long overdue) updated Cinema display (thinking of their patent of a monitor functioning as some kind of docking unit)?
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The worst would be some proprietary port - not TB3. A little better would be if they use TB3 but fit eGPU in ATD and you will not be able to upgrade/replace it. IMHO this is the most probable solution to expect from Apple. Then they can fit it in ATD and make it upgradeable. IMHO contradicts Apple paradigm but who knows - ATD is a long living device, you don't change it every two years. They might also give external GPU unit but this way GPU manufacturers will have the profit instead of Apple. Does not look like Apple-way to me.
So my beliefs are in 3rd party eGPU solutions using support for the official one.
Neodym said:
And if they'd do the latter, would 3rd-party-solutions with a simple box including a PCIe slot still be supported / working on a Mac?
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If they still use TB3 and standard GPU but just place it in Apple Thunderbolt Display, 3rd party solutions are likely to benefit from this support.
 
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j1104638 said:
The worst would be some proprietary port - not TB3. A little better would be if they use TB3 but fit eGPU in ATB and you will not be able to upgrade/replace it. IMHO this is the most probable solution to expect from Apple.
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That sounds great :D
 
Why not anyone thought that Apple will offer their own eDGPU?

With design matching the computers? ;) Think about it, they have everything for it: deal with AMD, API that can easily handle both GPUs at the same time.

500$ for external GPU enclosure with something like Fury Nano inside? Impossible? ;)
1800$ for base MBPr without eDGPU. 2.6 GHz CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD. Let 512 GB SSD be addition of 300$ it makes you at 2600$ for whole computer with eDGPU. I am sorry SNC, but your way of thinking is flawed here.
 
If you take a look at the MacRumor's buyer guide about Macs, you can see how sad is the situation.
Almost all Macs are outdated, and the major part of them are beyond their average "days-since-last-release", especially if you add 40 days by now (-> March release hopefully).
That's crazy.
Completely crazy.
Apple should really wake up.

(speaking of other things: don't feed the troll please. Let him alone.)
 
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koyoot said:
Why not anyone thought that Apple will offer their own eDGPU?

With design matching the computers? ;) Think about it, they have everything for it: deal with AMD, API that can easily handle both GPUs at the same time.
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IMHO major point here is Apple will not want to lose control over the upgrade cycle of their users. If they provide standard eGPU solution - like box, PSU and GPU - it will be a relatively simple device and guides to upgrade the GPU will be all over the internet. This will cost Apple some revenue in the long run because users will be able to make other companies shut up and take their money.
 
koyoot said:
1800$ for base MBPr without eDGPU. 2.6 GHz CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD. Let 512 GB SSD be addition of 300$ it makes you at 2600$ for whole computer with eDGPU. I am sorry SNC, but your way of thinking is flawed here.
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If there is an available model WITH a discrete GPU (internal), for like $2300-2500, I'm totally ok with this. It's the idea of it being the only available option which makes me want to vomit.
 
cmChimera said:
If there is an available model WITH a discrete GPU (internal), for like $2300-2500, I'm totally ok with this. It's the idea of it being the only available option which makes me want to vomit.
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Well it's always better to be healthy and rich than unhealthy or poor, no one argues with that. But most probably Apple will have to choose one of the two.
If you consider this then there is obviously everyone's subjective wishes and objective rationale. Obviously your subjective wish is dGPU, mine is eGPU (and this does not mean that I'm against dGPU option, I'm ok if it's possible to have both but I doubt it is). The question is the objective rationale if you have to choose.
I'd say the rationale for eGPU has been thoroughly explained contrary to the dGPU.
 
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j1104638 said:
Well it's always better to be healthy and rich than unhealthy or poor, no one argues with that. But most probably Apple will have to choose one of the two.
If you consider this then there is obviously everyone's subjective wishes and objective rationale. Obviously your subjective wish is dGPU, mine is eGPU (and this does not mean that I'm against dGPU option, I'm ok if it's possible to have both but I doubt it is). The question is the objective rationale if you have to choose.
I'd say the rationale for eGPU has been thoroughly explained contrary to the dGPU.
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We're not going to agree on this. Probably better to move on.
 
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This is all just jabbering until there's some real news, but...

There is no way Apple will release an expandable, standalone eGPU.
  • It would require too much configuration. Not the Apple way.
  • Apple benefits greatly from knowing exactly what component is in each of their computers. Add in an expandable eGPU, and suddenly they're going to be getting complaints about drivers that don't work well (or at all). This is totally counter to Apple's desire to control the entire hardware and software stack and make sure everything works well together. They are happy to leave driver hell to Windows users.
  • They are too niche. Docks just aren't that big a market these days. Don't get me wrong; I love docks and use one myself. But those of us who do are a pretty small group.
  • There are third party solutions, so Apple doesn't really need to get into this market.
I could imagine them doing an eGPU bundled into a new TB display (as others have suggested.) But the eGPU wouldn't be the product - it would be a component of a new 5K display that magically offers a performance boost. And the GPU would be built-in and definitely not upgradeable. My worry here is that it would be awfully expensive. Dell's 5K display is currently selling at around $2k, without an eGPU and without Apple's luxury tax.
 
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Steve121178 said:
I don't think it's been officially confirmed yet?
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No, it isn't official yet.


I've read in spanish media too, that Apple usually does something while the MWC takes place (Mobile World Congress) and this year it takes place from February 22 to 25
 
The blame should be placed squarely on Intel. If Apple doesn't have appropriate chips then they can't ship.

WRONG said:
If you take a look at the MacRumor's buyer guide about Macs, you can see how sad is the situation.
Almost all Macs are outdated, and the major part of them are beyond their average "days-since-last-release", especially if you add 40 days by now (-> March release hopefully).
That's crazy.
Completely crazy.
Apple should really wake up.

(speaking of other things: don't feed the troll please. Let him alone.)
Click to expand...
 
destroyboredom said:
The blame should be placed squarely on Intel. If Apple doesn't have appropriate chips then they can't ship.
Click to expand...

Apple could have done a redesign last year with Broadwell. There's nothing significantly different between Broadwell & Skylake that suddenly allows Apple to redesign a notebook. As an example, Apple could have refreshed the 13" MacBook May/June 2015 and there was nothing to stop them releasing a redesigned notebook in Q4 2015. Ultimately Apple will do what they want to do and blaming Intel because Apple are slow to release anything isn't particularly fair.

It makes sense to do a redesign with Skylake CPU's of course, but Apple have had more than enough time to release redesigns as the MacBooks haven't really changed much since 2008, aside from them getting retina display and getting a little thinner & lighter.
 
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Baldrake said:
Lol, if you think that isn't changing much, you're likely to be disappointed with whatever refresh is coming. :p
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If it's thinner, lighter & still has an SD card slot, a few USB 3 / USB-C ports as well as a full size HDMI port then I'll be happy. I'll be extra happy if they get rid of the cheesy glowing Apple logo and replace it with a chrome logo as found on the 12" MacBook. I'll be happier still if they do all that and manage to reduce the bezel size. And I'll be extra ecstatic if they offer the new Pro in Space Gray.
 
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Wild-Bill said:
Very sad. Could care less about a 4-inch phone, or an iPad, or a watch.

15" rMBP with Skylake, or BUST.
Click to expand...

Funny thing is that I actually do plan on buying the new iPad coming out, but couldn't care less about what it is (my kids lost my old iPad). I'm still sitting here, checking daily, waiting for the SkyLake MBP.
 
Steve121178 said:
Apple could have done a redesign last year with Broadwell. There's nothing significantly different between Broadwell & Skylake that suddenly allows Apple to redesign a notebook. As an example, Apple could have refreshed the 13" MacBook May/June 2015 and there was nothing to stop them releasing a redesigned notebook in Q4 2015. Ultimately Apple will do what they want to do and blaming Intel because Apple are slow to release anything isn't particularly fair.
Click to expand...

That's exactly the point.
Of course Intel has the fault of delaying the CPUs, but Apple's fault is remaining bounded to old-design and old-CPU, skipping appropriate Broadwell.

Dgrohl said:
I've read in spanish media too, that Apple usually does something while the MWC takes place (Mobile World Congress) and this year it takes place from February 22 to 25
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o_O
Never heard of it.
Anyway I don't think it's going to happen on that date.
First, a March Event is been referenced from a lot of time.
Second, a lot of well-known sources (Mark Gurman for ex.) confirmed the 15 of March.
Third, all Apple media events had place on march, never in February.
 
WRONG said:
No big news, but still news: the March Event will take place on Tuesday 15.
Click to expand...
I think unfortunately it will be a June event.
Reason: Tuesday is a 16th this year, not a 15th as you say. So that means this event is impossible.

I am sad too. :(
 
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Apple will not offer eGPU solution at most they will provide an gpu + tbd combo but even that is a stretch.

Apple has never released peripherals for its high speed I/o. Look at express card, Apple never release branded Usb 3.0, sound cards, modems or anything to enhance the experience. Same with TB/TB2, no apple branded storage in fact their only device was TBD which itself does not even use TB2 connectivity! Apple understands they don't need to chase that market which is why they team up with Pegasus, g-tech etc vendors for their high performance parts. Hell Apple upsells Pegasus tb2 raid right alongside AppleCare when you try to buy a MBP online. There are many vendors who are familiar with this space. Apple will provide the bits but stock third party eGPU right alongside iPod socks and magic keyboards.
 
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Baldrake said:
This is all just jabbering until there's some real news, but...

There is no way Apple will release an expandable, standalone eGPU.
  • It would require too much configuration. Not the Apple way.
  • Apple benefits greatly from knowing exactly what component is in each of their computers. Add in an expandable eGPU, and suddenly they're going to be getting complaints about drivers that don't work well (or at all). This is totally counter to Apple's desire to control the entire hardware and software stack and make sure everything works well together. They are happy to leave driver hell to Windows users.
  • They are too niche. Docks just aren't that big a market these days. Don't get me wrong; I love docks and use one myself. But those of us who do are a pretty small group.
  • There are third party solutions, so Apple doesn't really need to get into this market.
I could imagine them doing an eGPU bundled into a new TB display (as others have suggested.) But the eGPU wouldn't be the product - it would be a component of a new 5K display that magically offers a performance boost. And the GPU would be built-in and definitely not upgradeable. My worry here is that it would be awfully expensive. Dell's 5K display is currently selling at around $2k, without an eGPU and without Apple's luxury tax.
Click to expand...
Wouldn't it just be a 5k iMac at that point though?
 
Baldrake said:
There is no way Apple will release an expandable, standalone eGPU.
  • It would require too much configuration. Not the Apple way.
Click to expand...
Unless they implement it in a way that takes most or all of the configuration off the user's shoulder. That would be totally the Apple way.

Baldrake said:
  • Apple benefits greatly from knowing exactly what component is in each of their computers. Add in an expandable eGPU, and suddenly they're going to be getting complaints about drivers that don't work well (or at all). This is totally counter to Apple's desire to control the entire hardware and software stack and make sure everything works well together. They are happy to leave driver hell to Windows users.
Click to expand...
In the days of the classic Mac Pro (the big cheese-grater) Apple had some drivers available for GPU's they never officially sold. And nowadays you can get some driver support from AMD and nVidia themselves. Apple only needs to provide the "infrastructure". Plus - Apple seemed to have finally understood the importance of that huge market called gaming. They did not introduce Metal without a reason.

Baldrake said:
  • They are too niche. Docks just aren't that big a market these days. Don't get me wrong; I love docks and use one myself. But those of us who do are a pretty small group.
Click to expand...
Unless Apple finds a new twist. Apart from the option of providing a GPU slot inside an Apple Display, they could also introduce a way to make the iPhone dockable, thus enhancing not only ports, but also GPU capabilities. That would strengthen the position of their biggest cash cow. The Ax chips are already powerful enough for an entry level machine. So you could have your iPhone with you and when you get home and need mouse/keyboard, you simply plug it into that dock. You could even run powerful games. And when you're back on the road, you'd still have all your documents with you - without the need to sync or configure. Again - would be a classic Apple move. But I digress ...

For the rMBP the benefit would be to allow for a solution for gaming and GPGPU-enabled applications, without having to cram that into the thin body. For the road the Skylake iGPU should be more than sufficient and for real heavy loads you could add such an expansion box. Those who don't want/need it, don't need to pay and lug around an internal dGPU (which caused Apple some real headaches over the last years, anyway).

Baldrake said:
  • There are third party solutions, so Apple doesn't really need to get into this market.
Click to expand...
Indeed. But they need to provide the API's, ports and internal structures to enable 3rd party solutions to plug seamlessly into the system.
 
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