Intel to cut Core Duo pricing ahead of 2.33GHz model
Intel is expected to cut the prices on the Core Duo mobile microprocessors used in Apple Computer's latest Macintosh systems by the end of May.
According to a report in the Tuesday edition of the Chinese-language Commercial Times, the world's largest chip makers plans to reduce the costs of 65-nanometer dual-core chips by as much as 33 percent.
The price of the 2.16GHz Core Duo will reportedly drop from $632 to $423, a reduction of about 33 percent. Meanwhile, the 2.0GHz model will drop in cost from $423 to $294 (30.5 percent), and the 1.83GHz model from $294 to $241 (18 percent).
The price cuts may make way for Intel's 2.33GHz Core Duo processor, dubbed the T2700, to take over the $632 price-point. The chip is expected to debut in the third calendar quarter of the year, about a month or so following the price cuts to the existing Core Duo chips.
The 2.33GHz Core Duo is also believed to be a possible candidate to ship inside Apple's yet-to-be-announced flagship 17-inch MacBook Pro. Sources have said the high-end professional notebook will run at speeds of at least 2.16GHz Core Duo.
Depending on when Apple plans to push the 17-inch MacBook Pro to market, and Intel's availability of the T2700 at that time, the notebook may be one of the first on the market to sport the 2.33GHz chip.
According to a report in the Tuesday edition of the Chinese-language Commercial Times, the world's largest chip makers plans to reduce the costs of 65-nanometer dual-core chips by as much as 33 percent.
The price of the 2.16GHz Core Duo will reportedly drop from $632 to $423, a reduction of about 33 percent. Meanwhile, the 2.0GHz model will drop in cost from $423 to $294 (30.5 percent), and the 1.83GHz model from $294 to $241 (18 percent).
The price cuts may make way for Intel's 2.33GHz Core Duo processor, dubbed the T2700, to take over the $632 price-point. The chip is expected to debut in the third calendar quarter of the year, about a month or so following the price cuts to the existing Core Duo chips.
The 2.33GHz Core Duo is also believed to be a possible candidate to ship inside Apple's yet-to-be-announced flagship 17-inch MacBook Pro. Sources have said the high-end professional notebook will run at speeds of at least 2.16GHz Core Duo.
Depending on when Apple plans to push the 17-inch MacBook Pro to market, and Intel's availability of the T2700 at that time, the notebook may be one of the first on the market to sport the 2.33GHz chip.
Comments
They'll milk the extra profits for a bit and then deliver a new model.
That will be interesting to see...
Of course, it would be nice if Apple just had a single product with a few pre-sets and pull-down menus for screen size, processor, etc.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Heheheh now THIS is why Apple went Intel baby.
They'll milk the extra profits for a bit and then deliver a new model.
But even these chips cost more than the dual G5 chip, and far more than the 7447, even with the new pricing.
Still, this could be why Apple moved the speeds up one level.
I now hope to see the iMacs given the same treatment.
Each time this happens, Rosetta will work a little bit better.
I'd be amazed if a 17" (or larger?) MacBook waited that long.
Originally posted by nagromme
"Third calendar quarter" means July 1 at the EARLIEST, right?
I'd be amazed if a 17" (or larger?) MacBook waited that long.
Yes. I agree on both points.
Originally posted by backtomac
Am I being unreasonable to expect a 3gh Macbook by July?
If by 3gh, you mean 3GHz, yes, you are being unreasonable. The Yonah will stop at 2.33GHz, but it's just barely possible (though doubtful) it could get to 2.5GHz.
Merom is scheduled to start with speeds up to about 2.5GHz, possibly as low as 2.33GHz, and possibly as high as 2.66GHz.
Intel's schedule is well known. Unlike IBM's. Read any of the roadmaps on some of the other sites. While the exact month these cpu's come out isn't always known until they get close, the speeds usually are offered fairly early. By 6 months before they are available, Intel releases the date. It may vary a bit from that in the beginning, due to typical production uncertainties, but they are close.
The Prescott was the first time Intel (and all the others) got screwed.
Originally posted by melgross
If by 3gh, you mean 3GHz, yes, you are being unreasonable. The Yonah will stop at 2.33GHz, but it's just barely possible (though doubtful) it could get to 2.5GHz.
Merom is scheduled to start with speeds up to about 2.5GHz, possibly as low as 2.33GHz, and possibly as high as 2.66GHz.
Intel's schedule is well known. Unlike IBM's. Read any of the roadmaps on some of the other sites. While the exact month these cpu's come out isn't always known until they get close, the speeds usually are offered fairly early. By 6 months before they are available, Intel releases the date. It may vary a bit from that in the beginning, due to typical production uncertainties, but they are close.
The Prescott was the first time Intel (and all the others) got screwed.
Only kidding. The speed bumps are nice to see however. Especially since the ppc macs really stagnated last year.
Practically 4-5 months.
That actually means a rather "normal" upgrade cycle for a product like an iMac.
- Jasen.
I think it's going to happen.
Originally posted by minderbinder
More fuel for the "duos in ibooks" fire.
I think it's going to happen.
I agree that this makes it more likely. Perhaps that's why Apple waited on the iBook.
But don't just put the 2.33GHz in the 17". The 17" is the size of an aircraft carrier.
Make it an option for the 15" too.
(And put the 2.0GHz in the 12"/13", which is the only one I'll buy.)
Originally posted by minderbinder
More fuel for the "duos in ibooks" fire.
I think it's going to happen.
I hope so too.
I won't buy any machine that isn't a dual and I'd like a new laptop to replace my uber-long-in-the-tooth rev a Ti PowerBook. I'd like some good power if I'm paying MacBook Pro prices, but if I go the iBook route I'd be willing to settle for a less powerful machine.