For everyone who is saying that Apple is somehow behind, keep in mind that Macs have always been designed at their own pace, and rarely were the top processor (on a manufactured level, not necessarily a market level; the G4, for example, was the fastest processor on the market when it was introduced, if I recall correctly). The fact that dual quad core machines are possible or even available doesn't mean that Apple is behind by not introducing them; they have always made damn well sure their products are ready for market,
You seem to be forgetting the iMac G5 revision A and B that were nearly impossible to keep working (I know, myself and tons of others went through constant parts exchanges). Apple finally got it right with the third revision of the iMac G5. But, by then tons of us had been through unbelievable defects and extended waiting periods waiting in line for our turn to get parts. The replacement parts were in such high demand that some of us waited more than two months each time for parts (only to have to wait for another two months when the same part failed again).
Then, there was the MacBook Pro which was released too early and suffered tons of parts exchanges and defects. The real problem there, was that while machines were arriving with defects from the start, it took Apple about 2 or 3 months to finally admit that the problems existed and to start taking care of the customers. Many customers had resorted to finding someone else to repair the system (or disassembled and repaired them themselves) to get by.
Then the MacBook. It arrived with it's own problems. Fortunately, Apple responded a bit quicker to work those out.
Then, there was the iMac with the integrated video which took the place of the eMac. That machine actually had it's defects published in the various online forums before the machine shipped it's first unit. Then, as soon as people received them, the uninformed immediately started complaining of those issues. Those of us who had read the pre-release list of known issues were able to jump-in and provide them with the known work-arounds.
So, when Apple will release a machine with known issues (that are even publicly stated before the first machine ships), and take the approach of release now and fix later, I wouldn't say that they make sure that their products are ready for release before they release them.
After my many, many, many go rounds with the iMac G5, I can tell you that their product readiness testing leaves a lot to be desired. I sure spent a lot of money to beta test their machines. I just wish I hadn't exercised so much faith as to believe that they would have gotten the second revision right. It was even worse than my experiences with the first revision.
A bit of time in the Apple Discussions will give you some perspective of how many defects they pass along, and then refuse to acknowledge until several months after the machine has been available.
and that all components are optimized to work together to take advantage of each other, so that you're getting the most out of your processor, ram, etc. When Apple introduces an 8 core, it won't matter how long 8 core machines have been on the market; Apple will blow them away.
I don't know about that.
But, I am sure that everyone will sing their praises as they always do. Apple just can't get a bad review no matter how poor it does.
I was commenting to my wife several months back when Apple was rolling out new machines and hardware and software on a frequent basis. MacWorld has a "mouse" rating that they give to everything they review. And, I started noticing that everything being reviewed was getting a 4 and 1-half mouse rating.
So, I started keeping track. And, every day, the new Apple product they reviewed got a 4 1/2 rating. No matter it's short-coming. It got 4 1/2. I pretty quickly learned that the rating was determined before the product was tested. The die-hards will praise it no matter what.
Now, I do like Apple machines. I use them primarily. But, I will call something for what it is. I don't believe that everything Apple does is perfect just because I like their machines.
Some people have this all or nothing line of thinking. It's sacrilegious to admit that Apple has any shortcoming.
Why some people are so willing to blind themselves I don't know. It would make Apple a better company to be faced with more truth. I won't put them down for what they do right. But, I will openly and honestly admit when I see them do wrong.
