I know some will say the discrete GPU isn't possible, but with AMD's GPUs the power draw is as little as 7W. I really think that's doable. In addition, I don't actually care if Intel improves, until their GPUs can match discrete GPUs, I prefer they keep them off the CPU.
The power draw shouldn't be that big of an issue but discrete GPU would require three major chips in the logic board (CPU, GPU, PCH) compared to two chips found in current MBA (CPU, 320M). That would most likely require a bigger logic board and MBA isn't exactly a spacious machine.
ATI 5430M isn't too fast either. It quite a bit slower than the Intel HD 3000 (yes, that is the desktop version but still, it beats the 5430M so easily). Discrete GPU should be noticeably faster than the Intel IGP in order to be worth it. Adding 5% faster discrete GPU would be pointless.
I got the 11.6 1.4/2/128 today and have played around on it for a few hours and am blown away by how nice the screen is, the weight (or lack of it ) and the utterly silent usage so far. For me, waiting for the new MBP's is now irrelevant.
The power draw shouldn't be that big of an issue but discrete GPU would require three major chips in the logic board (CPU, GPU, PCH) compared to two chips found in current MBA (CPU, 320M). That would most likely require a bigger logic board and MBA isn't exactly a spacious machine.
ATI 5430M isn't too fast either. It quite a bit slower than the Intel HD 3000 (yes, that is the desktop version but still, it beats the 5430M so easily). Discrete GPU should be noticeably faster than the Intel IGP in order to be worth it. Adding 5% faster discrete GPU would be pointless.
You're missing a gigantic piece of the puzzle though. The Intel ULV Core i7 CPUs could use all potential power for CPU. Basically running turbo mode all the time.
In addition, I am going to greatly dispute your numbers on ATI vs Intel graphics. Forget what you read about Windows drivers, as OS X proves 40% less efficient in OpenGL and other key performance measures.
I agree but with Apple you never know what they are going to throw at us next to make us part with our money
Well, I just purchased the 11.6 and I loved it for the portability. It can handle everything I do with it now. I wouldn't see a reason to buy it. I would be pissed if the new MBP is as light as my Macbook Air 11.6. I sold my Mid-2009 MBP for this air because of mobility and small form factor.
nope. I sold a late 08 mbp to buy my 11" mba, and i will be buying a new 2011 mbp on top of the that. The mba is for insane portability and lightweight computing, while the mbp would be for power. Two different purposes.