Intel discusses Centrino 2 graphics performance issues

[Kiyomizu]

I just read this article from CNet and I'm really concerned that Montevina or Centrino 2 doesn't actually deliver HD quality like it's touted to be.

I don't understand why they would make it seem like Centrino 2 is HD when it actually isn't even capable of handling 30%.

Will Apple products be able to function with Centrino 2 or will we get products not up to par of what they are advertised as?

 

[mkrishnan]

It seems that lots of the issues stem from the fact that in Windows, there are tons of different media players made by various small software developers, and there are no real standards for how they use the video hardware to do Blu-Ray. OS X probably has a significant advantage in this area, in that when Apple puts Blu-Ray on Macs, you will be using Apple's DVD player software and Apple will have complete control over all software layers to make sure that acceleration is being properly utilized.

Of course, you are putting the horse in front of the cart... complaining about the quality of Centrino 2 Blu-Ray in OS X when the Centrino 2 is just landing is one thing, but I would note that Blu-Ray itself hasn't even really landed on Apple's shores yet.

 

[Kiyomizu]

Sorry, I ran over the horse with the cart!

I'm really hoping that Apple does update the new MacBooks with Blu Ray and HDMI. I guess I'm overexcited at purchasing my first Apple notebook since I used Apple IIc at school. One of the things I'm looking forward to is using OSX and then hopefully have Blu Ray or Full HD capability to watch and edit HD videos. I do hope that Apple doesn't rely too heavily on Centrino 2 or a customized Apple version if it adds Blu Ray or HDMI as options after reading that article.

 

[mkrishnan]

One of the things I'm looking forward to is using OSX and then hopefully have Blu Ray or Full HD capability to watch and edit HD videos. I do hope that Apple doesn't rely too heavily on Centrino 2 or a customized Apple version if it adds Blu Ray or HDMI as options after reading that article.

From your description, it really sounds like you're going to want a Macbook Pro and not a Macbook. The MBP won't rely on Centrino graphics anyway, so this won't be an issue.

And yes, it certainly seems like it's time to just declare BD the winner and for Apple to start shipping BD on Macs.