MacBook Pro announcement may pave way for dual-core iBooks
Apple's announcement today that it has dropped the 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo processor from its professional MacBook Pro line -- in favor of using faster chips -- presents the possibility that the company may now adopt that low-end 1.67GHz dual-core processor for use in its forthcoming consumer iBook notebooks.
In recent months, sources reported on several advancements and design changes expected with the first Intel iBooks, but were for the most part mum on specifically which Intel processors the notebooks would include. (Quite possibly because this spec may be loose and subject to change at the drop of a dime, as today's announcements have proven.)
Based on marketing logic and the fact that Apple's professional and consumer notebooks have long been distinguished by a variation in their processor specs, AppleInsider had derived that the iBooks would utilize single-core Intel Core Solo processors, as outlined in a recent report.
The 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo processor is currently the slowest dual-core chip on Intel's new mobile processor roadmap, meaning that iBooks would have likely had to sport a single core 1.67GHz Core Solo processor to differentiate themselves from a 1.67GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro. Now that Apple has shelved plans for a 1.67GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, instead bumping this model to 1.83GHz free-of-charge, this may not be the case.
According to Intel's price listing for the Core Solo and Core Duo, Apple stands to save only $32 dollars by opting to include a 1.67GHz Core Solo processor, rather than a 1.67GHz Core Duo, in any of its forthcoming products. The chips reportedly cost $209 and $241, respectively. On the other hand, Intel's 2.16GHz Core Duo processor costs approximately $217 more than the 2.0GHz model, somewhat justifying Apple's $300 upgrade fee from 2.0GHz to 2.16GHz on the MacBook Pro.
Applying the same logic, it's also possible that Apple could pack the 1.67GHz Core Duo into its forthcoming Intel Mac mini desktop systems. However, since the Mac mini is entry-level system, this may be less likely.
In recent months, sources reported on several advancements and design changes expected with the first Intel iBooks, but were for the most part mum on specifically which Intel processors the notebooks would include. (Quite possibly because this spec may be loose and subject to change at the drop of a dime, as today's announcements have proven.)
Based on marketing logic and the fact that Apple's professional and consumer notebooks have long been distinguished by a variation in their processor specs, AppleInsider had derived that the iBooks would utilize single-core Intel Core Solo processors, as outlined in a recent report.
The 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo processor is currently the slowest dual-core chip on Intel's new mobile processor roadmap, meaning that iBooks would have likely had to sport a single core 1.67GHz Core Solo processor to differentiate themselves from a 1.67GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro. Now that Apple has shelved plans for a 1.67GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, instead bumping this model to 1.83GHz free-of-charge, this may not be the case.
According to Intel's price listing for the Core Solo and Core Duo, Apple stands to save only $32 dollars by opting to include a 1.67GHz Core Solo processor, rather than a 1.67GHz Core Duo, in any of its forthcoming products. The chips reportedly cost $209 and $241, respectively. On the other hand, Intel's 2.16GHz Core Duo processor costs approximately $217 more than the 2.0GHz model, somewhat justifying Apple's $300 upgrade fee from 2.0GHz to 2.16GHz on the MacBook Pro.
Applying the same logic, it's also possible that Apple could pack the 1.67GHz Core Duo into its forthcoming Intel Mac mini desktop systems. However, since the Mac mini is entry-level system, this may be less likely.
Comments
The key is that it can let Apple promote all dual cores for all notebooks. That would have more of an impact in the university student market than K-12. It's like around 1960 when American Airlines advertised big time that they were the first airline to be 100% jets. It would also just about ensure that the Mac mini was a dual.
Originally posted by Lorre
Hmmmm I don't know... I think Apple would like a bigger performance gap between iBook and Macbook (or whatever they're called) than they used to have with G4's, also not using the dual core in the iBook would leave some room for a 13.3" Macbook Pro.
Instead, it could be a feature gap between the two lines, but maybe the 1.66 Duo could be the high end iBook, the low end might have a Solo.
I do think that the bottom-most model will have a Core Solo. If anybody uses Core Solo, why not Apple? (But I can see pressure from multiple companies on Intel to lower Core Solo pricing.)
The iBook IS entry-level, like the Mac Mini. And I think whatever replaces the iBook will have a bottom-end model with Core Solo. However, having some duals in the middle is possible too.
Likewise I expect the cheapest Mini to have Core Solo. But if there's a higher model with Core Duo, that will be one great machine! Practically on a par with an iMac.
The 1.6 Core Duo will be used in a 13.3" MacBook Pro that will effectively replace the 12" PowerBook G4.
The Core Solo's will still be used in iBooks [MacBooks?] and probably the mac mini's until 2 Rev's down the road or so. By that time there will be a big enough disparity between the the MacBook Pros and the consumer based notebooks.
Originally posted by aegisdesign
A 1.6Ghz Celeron M is $134 and still quicker than the last G4s in the iBook. Apple would shave $160 off the low end MacBook Pro cost.
doesn't that mean that they have to build a new motherboarddesign for obsolete technology instead of using that of the macbookpro?
i have no clue.
the option of 1,67Ghz core solo for iBook/Mac mini and 1,67Ghz core duo for a 12"powerbook replacement sounds very plausible.
Originally posted by gar
doesn't that mean that they have to build a new motherboarddesign for obsolete technology instead of using that of the macbookpro?
i have no clue.
The Celeron M was released the same time as the Core.
Originally posted by Lorre
Hmmmm I don't know... I think Apple would like a bigger performance gap between iBook and Macbook (or whatever they're called) than they used to have with G4's, also not using the dual core in the iBook would leave some room for a 13.3" Macbook Pro.
I disagree. Apple is now using Intel. That means they have to compete against the notebooks from all the other pc makers. For the price difference of only 30 dollars, most notebooks will use Duo. If Apple adopts Solo for the iBook, then it will look really bad.
This is especially ture because, at this point, software is still being ported. It is very likely that iBook Solo will not be able to compete with pc notebooks, nor with iBook G4 for that matter.
I think Duo Core is a must for the iBook.
1.67GHz DC 15-inch MacBook Pro at $1,799 ($1,599 edu) would have been great.
So obviously the 1.67GHz Duo is headed for the iBooks ...er... MacBooks.
you guys are right, I suppose. looks like I'll be waiting until next year for a Core Duo iBook. at least it gives me more reason to use this iBook until it's completely ready for an upgrade.
Mac Book Mini (Black & White)
13.3" Two configs
1.66 Ghz Solo - $999
1.66 Ghz Duo - $1199
Possible integrated graphics...
(for K1-12 students)
Mac Book (Alu Casing???)
13.3" Two Configs
1.67 Ghz Duo - $1299
1.83 Ghz Duo - $1499
(for College/prosumers)
NO 13.3" MacBook Pro!!!
the specs will widen once Merom and other processors available, and old processors will be upgraded and passed on to MacBook and MacBook Mini
Originally posted by 1984
There is also a low-voltage 1.5 GHz dual core available. This would be ideal for use in a laptop like the (iBook) MacBook.
Low Voltage CPUs will be much costlier than T version, unless APPLE can get big discount, i do not see that happening...
Apple has already shown with the MacBook Pro that they don't intend to compete dollar for dollar with PC Notebooks.
And the Mac Mini will certainly get the cheapest thing. Every dollar counts on a $499 machine.
I'm envisioning:
ENTRY LEVEL IMACBOOK:
13.3 Inch Wide Screen
1.83 Ghz Core Solo(If it doesn't exist then 1.67)
40 GB Serial ATA 5400 RPM
512MB RAM (expandable to 1.5GB)
SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
64MB ATI Graphics
iSight
Front Row
Remote
$999
HIGH LEVEL IMACBOOK
13.3 Inch Wide Screen
1.67Ghz Core Duo
60 GB Serial ATA 5400 RPM
512MB RAM (expandable to 1.5GB)
Super Drive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
64MB ATI Graphics(BTO 128MB)
iSight
Front Row
Remote
$1299
That would be ideal imo
Originally posted by aegisdesign
The Celeron M was released the same time as the Core.
afiak, the yonah based celeron m (celeron m 4xx) hasnt been released aoy.
the dothan-celeron is pretty ok too, but is has crippled power management...
edit:
something just hit me: isnt sse3 required for macos x86?
anyhow, yonah introduces that for the laptop pentiums...
Originally posted by aegisdesign
The Celeron M was released the same time as the Core.
so?
is it a drop in replacement?