What if the New 12" MBA Used an A8 Chip?

[iRun26.2]

If Apple starts using ARM chips in their computers, I will probably stop using Apple products.

For me, it's not even a choice: If Apple switches to ARM on the MBA I will have to leave OSX/BootCamp for Windows 8.1 which can run x86 code. There's no way an x86 emulator's speed would be fast enough using an ARM processor.

 

[jrb363]

Nope. I would just happily keep my 2011 MBA and purchase a storage upgrade from OWC. (I've got the 2GB/64GB 2011 MBA)

The only thing I could use more of is ram on occasion, but since it's typically an internet/word processor machine I don't use that much anyway.

 

[iRun26.2]

Nope. I would just happily keep my 2011 MBA and purchase a storage upgrade from OWC. (I've got the 2GB/64GB 2011 MBA)

The only thing I could use more of is ram on occasion, but since it's typically an internet/word processor machine I don't use that much anyway.

But, suppose there is a new retina MBA released this year and it DOES ship with an Intel processor. Would you buy it?

 

[brilliantthings]

Really glad I bought a 2013 MBA. I'll just watch and wait for a few years.

 

[iRun26.2]

Really glad I bought a 2013 MBA. I'll just watch and wait for a few years.

I would have bought a 'maxed out' 2013 MBA too if they would have added a retina display. In fact, had they even upgraded the screen' in any way, I think I would have also purchased a brand new one.

Hopefully this year will be the year...

 

[jrb363]

But, suppose there is a new retina MBA released this year and it DOES ship with an Intel processor. Would you buy it?

If the performance percentages remained the same as the current MBA base model, then I would definitely consider upgrading. Honestly, that's what I'm waiting for: a retina upgrade with battery life + performance being equal.

If programs run significantly worse or the battery life drops then I'll wait for the MBA Retina Gen 2. Otherwise, count me in!

 

[brilliantthings]

I would have bought a 'maxed out' 2013 MBA too if they would have added a retina display.

I probably just don't have good enough retinas, but I'm really, really happy with the non Retina screen on my MBA. Lucky me I guess.

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Are all of you wanting a rMBA wanting it cos the current MBA res is not good enough or just cos it's the next big thing?

 

[theusualsuspect]

I doubt Apple would go through the trouble of changing computing platforms in a "post PC" world. I CAN see Apple creating more professional iOS devices though.

 

[iRun26.2]

I probably just don't have good enough retinas, but I'm really, really happy with the non Retina screen on my MBA. Lucky me I guess.

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Are all of you wanting a rMBA wanting it cos the current MBA res is not good enough or just cos it's the next big thing?

I use my 11" MBA as my only computer. Therefore, I want to be able to see as much information on the screen at the same time (yet I will not give up the extreme portability of the 11" footprint for a 13" rMBP).

I have good eyes and in am confident that I will be able to read the tiny text in the native retina resolution on a retina MBA. I am waiting for a better screen. Mine is now four years old. I've thought each of the ladt two years that Apple should improve the display so, though I really could use a larger SSD and a faster processor, I've been putting off getting a new one because I will wait until Apple gives me a better display.

I also had my heart set on getting Broadwell as well to be sure the extra efficient CPU would help make up for the additional power consumption of the retina display. But now, with the delay of Broadwell, I'm not sure I can wait until later this year if a Haswell retina 12" MBA shows up

Absolutely intolerable to me would be a MBA with a ARM processor. I must use MS Windows programs for work (via BootCamp). No recompiling or x86 code translation will work for me.

That's why I started this thread. I wanted to know if there were people who would jump up and say: "Yes, I absolutely would love a ARM based retina MBA because I'd get 24 hours of battery life and it would be super light and only cost about $700!"

To me 12 hours of battery life is astounding, more than I would really need. My 11" MBA is a nice size as it is. Additionally, I don't care about price (I'd definitely buy the maxed our version if a new 12" retina was released). I just can't tolerate am ARM based computer as a replacement for my x86 11" MBA.

To me, the most concerning new MBA rumor (making me most convinced that the new MBA might be ARM based) is the one that claims it will be fan-less. That seems much more likely to be a ARM chip than an Intel chip (unless Broadwell will be early and has an extra low power version). .

 

[cathyy]

What if? I wouldn't touch it, that's what.

Only reason I'm open to the idea of buying a Mac is because it's capable of running Windows.

 

[brilliantthings]

Absolutely intolerable to me would be a MBA with a ARM processor.

That's why I started this thread. I wanted to know if there were people who would jump up and say: "Yes, I absolutely would love a ARM based retina MBA because I'd get 24 hours of battery life and it would be super light and only cost about $700!"

To me 12 hours of battery life is astounding, more than I would really need.

Yes. Agreed. Although if it had a remarkable emulator, that might be tolerable. I don't know how good it could be.

 

[koyoot]

What if 12 inch MBA will be getting A8 chip... with another x86 chip in detachable keyboard?


Intel few years ago started leaving focus on ultrabooks, and focused in producing chips for so-called detachable laptops. Hybrids between Tablet and very light laptops. Thats why they made 4.5W CPU's, and thats why they investigate ARM architecture for their own chips, in collaboration with... Mediatek.

Thats why Apple said few weeks ago that they wont make unification between OSX and iOS, without very good reason .

Maybe its not exactly what we will see right now, but in future... That is 100% sure.

 

[iRun26.2]

What if 12 inch MBA will be getting A8 chip... with another x86 chip in detachable keyboard?


Intel few years ago started leaving focus on ultrabooks, and focused in producing chips for so-called detachable laptops. Hybrids between Tablet and very light laptops. Thats why they made 4.5W CPU's, and thats why they investigate ARM architecture for their own chips, in collaboration with... Mediatek.

Thats why Apple said few weeks ago that they wont make unification between OSX and iOS, without very good reason .

Maybe its not exactly what we will see right now, but in future... That is 100% sure.

I don't think that it is '100 % sure' that Apple will ever have a device with a mixed Intel / ARM architecture.

I think it will be one or the other. .

 

[holydude]

I don't think we need an intel (x86 arch anymore in post PC era) totally not in portable devices segment.

MBA is definitely designed to be as much portable as it can. I can imagine ARM/MIPS or any other lightweight arch on MBA if we can make it lighter,thinner with better battery life. Don't forget that RMBP is still too heavy for carrying it everyday with you (yes you can do that but it is not ideal).

On the other hand having a top lightweight OSX capable laptop with a retina screen...well man...that means instant buy for me.

 

[holydude]

On the other hand....Apple needs to stop relying on intel as they are dying anyway and that would mean raising a fees per chip for its top customer (apple).

The servers market is too uncertain for intel...companies want cost effective solutions but without losing a power and quality.

It is as it is for apple about margins. Just take a look at IBM's,Oracle's,HP's x86 business. It is not profitable and they want to get rid of it. IBM already sold the division to Lenovo, Oracle will soon sell its division to Dell..and HP ? lol..hp is dead already.

Oracle makes much more profit with its Sparc and EXA(machines) => because they are like apple compared to acer machines in the servers field.

 

[2IS]

On the other hand....Apple needs to stop relying on intel as they are dying anyway and that would mean raising a fees per chip for its top customer (apple).

The servers market is too uncertain for intel...companies want cost effective solutions but without losing a power and quality.

It is as it is for apple about margins. Just take a look at IBM's,Oracle's,HP's x86 business. It is not profitable and they want to get rid of it. IBM already sold the division to Lenovo, Oracle will soon sell its division to Dell..and HP ? lol..hp is dead already.

Oracle makes much more profit with its Sparc and EXA(machines) => because they are like apple compared to acer machines in the servers field.

Intel is far from dying. Sounds like ARM fanboy talk.

 

[iRun26.2]

Intel is far from dying. Sounds like ARM fanboy talk.

I am willing to pay a lot extra for 'Intel Inside'. They also have the manufacturing edge (at least for now).

I think they are too smart, additionally, to not figure out how to continue to get Apple to want their products. They must listen to Apple and I think we will have better MBA prices because of it.

Saying they are 'dying', to me, is ignorance.

 

[alphaod]

No. It would have the same issues Microsoft has with their Windows RT. Majority of apps don't work and have to be rewritten. I'll pass.

 

[iRun26.2]

No. It would have the same issues Microsoft has with their Windows RT. Majority of apps don't work and have to be rewritten. I'll pass.

Would you consider buying it if it had an x86 Broadwell processor from Intel?

 

[driftless]

OK, I will be the odd man out here: I would love an ARM rMBA. I just downloaded the new Adobe Lightroom Mobile and it is amazing, and this comes from a dedicated Aperture guy. Think of the apps could be developed with an ARM rMBA! Add a touch screen as well. Yes, I am sure Apple will get the emulation right as well. I use traditional Adobe CC products but I think that is an exciting prospect. Look how successful the iPad is, particularly for business. Put that on steroids and I am all in. Think of the future possibilities!

 

[iRun26.2]

OK, I will be the odd man out here: I would love an ARM rMBA. I just downloaded the new Adobe Lightroom Mobile and it is amazing, and this comes from a dedicated Aperture guy. Think of the apps could be developed with an ARM rMBA! Add a touch screen as well. Yes, I am sure Apple will get the emulation right as well. I use traditional Adobe CC products but I think that is an exciting prospect. Look how successful the iPad is, particularly for business. Put that on steroids and I am all in. Think of the future possibilities!

Thank you for coming forward! Then there are people who would actually prefer a ARM based MBA (assuming you could still call it a 'MacBook')

 

[driftless]

Thank you for coming forward! Then there are people who would actually prefer a ARM based MBA (assuming you could still call it a 'MacBook')

I suspect that it will be named some iteration of a MacBook. What I suspect, and this is NOT a prediction nor based on any information, is that it will be announced along with an otherwise unchanged MBA line up. And like the cMBPs, the current MBAs will eventual just disappear when adoption of the rMBPs and theorized ARM rMBA grows.

 

[iRun26.2]

I suspect that it will be named some iteration of a MacBook. What I suspect, and this is NOT a prediction nor based on any information, is that it will be announced along with an otherwise unchanged MBA line up. And like the cMBPs, the current MBAs will eventual just disappear when adoption of the rMBPs and theorized ARM rMBA grows.

I hope you are wrong. If the Intel MBA goes unchanged (no improvement in the screen) it might as well be dead now (and I will move back to Windows).

I just think that Apple would have first been totally honest with Intel (about going to ARM) and Intel would have done anything to keep Apple in the Intel camp (like letting Apple alone have the first round of Broadwell parts). I really don't think ARM can match Broadwell.

If Apple does move to ARM, I think Intel's future would be grim.

 

[iRun26.2]

One of the most interesting bits of predictions from KGI Securities Ming Chi Kuo is that the new 12" MBA will not be released until late in the year. That seems to line up quite well with the release of Intel's Broadwell's chips.

Additionally, there are supposed to be less expensive iMacs coming in the not too distant future (maybe at the WWDC). What's the 'easiest' way to make them less expensive? Use an A8 processor! I doubt that Apple would really do this as compatibility with x86 software would be lost. If Apple does go the route of porting OSX to ARM for the less expensive iMacs its a no brainer that Apple would use an ARM chip in the future 12" MBA.

Another thing to watch will be this years WWDC. If Kuo is correct, we won't see a MBA update. But Apple's new iOS 8 / OSX could also provide clues as to the processor chip in the upcoming 12" MBA.

 

[driftless]

Yes, it does, although the "fanless" part is still interesting. And, if Broadwell chips are available then why not update the entire MBA line rather than introduce one new device? Are we sure that the new device is an MBA, Kuo does not call it a MBA. It will be interesting to see what Apple does, I hope that they are able to make an announcement at WWDC but that seems unlikely.