MacBook graphics card question I know, I know

[MB Buyer?]

is it possible for apple to add dedicated graphics

Hi, I was really hoping for a small MBP, but after seeing the "meet the family. Now complete" on apple's website ...

http://www.apple.com/au/hardware/

- i think I can forget it.

So my question is, can apple put dedicated graphics onto the existing MB logic board, or would this take a significant revision. I suppose I'm trying to figure out if there is any chance the black MB will be upgraded to durther distinguish it from the white, by adding discrete graphics chip???

 

[Mord]

thats what they want you to think

 

[matticus008]

So my question is, can apple put dedicated graphics onto the existing MB logic board, or would this take a significant revision. I suppose I'm trying to figure out if there is any chance the black MB will be upgraded to durther distinguish it from the white, by adding discrete graphics chip???

Hello and welcome! There is zero ability to add discrete graphics to the current MacBook design. The logic board and the entire computer are both incapable of housing such a chip. Extensive internal rearrangement and a totally new logic board would be required, along with a complete cooling system redesign/upgrade. So don't worry, they won't sneak one in on you.

 

[MB Buyer?]

Hello and welcome! There is zero ability to add discrete graphics to the current MacBook design. The logic board and the entire computer are both incapable of housing such a chip. Extensive internal rearrangement and a totally new logic board would be required, along with a complete cooling system redesign/upgrade. So don't worry, they won't sneak one in on you.

thanks for the welcome! I'm not sure if i'm relieved or disappointed by you analysis though.

Hector - why would apple want me to think they arent going to introduce a more expensive notebook. Say I buy a MB, then they bring out a small MBP for $800 more (which I would have bought) - deceiving people in my situation only causes them to lose the extra profit on the more expensive model

 

[Sun Baked]

Hello and welcome! There is zero ability to add discrete graphics to the current MacBook design. The logic board and the entire computer are both incapable of housing such a chip. Extensive internal rearrangement and a totally new logic board would be required, along with a complete cooling system redesign/upgrade. So don't worry, they won't sneak one in on you.

thanks for the welcome! I'm not sure if i'm relieved or disappointed by you analysis though.

Hector - why would apple want me to think they arent going to introduce a more expensive notebook. Say I buy a MB, then they bring out a small MBP for $800 more (which I would have bought) - deceiving people in my situation only causes them to lose the extra profit on the more expensive model

In the iBook/PowerBook 12 arrangement -- a GPU swap was easy, since it was an actual chip.

Didn't cause much trouble to make a slight mod to the iBook motherboard, for an alternate GPU pinout (if needed).

In the MacBook, it is part of the Intel northbridge chip -- only the MacBook Pro has an actual GPU chip.

So a MacBook Pro 13 -- would need to be a smaller MacBook Pro ... not an iBook design machine like the PowerBook 12.

Otherwise all you get is a MacBook in an aluminum case, with hardly and difference in the Application bundle these day.

If anything Apple may look at a less expensive MacBook for education than a smaller MacBook Pro.

The new board designs killed the MacBook Pro 13's spot -- but leaves a bunch of room for a cheap MacBook Slow.