Merom- possible future problems

[i-unit123]

Hi,

I just ordered a new 17" Macbook Pro, BTO with 2GB Ram. I was wondering, although, when merom comes out, if the transition to 64-bit will be a problem. As Yonah is 32-bit (correct me if im wrong) and Merom is 64-bit, in the next few months will software start to be released in 64 bit only and i will not be able to run it? Basically, will this computer be able to last at least a few years, or will the whole yonah/merom thing make it a problem. also, what would the 32-bit to 64-bit speed bump be equivalent to, in, say, a difference of Ghz? thanks for your time,

 

[Planner Dude]

Hi,

I just ordered a new 17" Macbook Pro, BTO with 2GB Ram. I was wondering, although, when merom comes out, if the transition to 64-bit will be a problem. As Yonah is 32-bit (correct me if im wrong) and Merom is 64-bit, in the next few months will software start to be released in 64 bit only and i will not be able to run it? Basically, will this computer be able to last at least a few years, or will the whole yonah/merom thing make it a problem. also, what would the 32-bit to 64-bit speed bump be equivalent to, in, say, a difference of Ghz? thanks for your time,

I am no expert, but there are some threads around here on this subject. Basically the consensus is that you will not have a problem. Apple has been good about not rendering computers useless b/c of new technolgy incorporated into the os....people are still running g3s, from what I heard.

 

[aaronb]

I'm under the understanding that software will be made as 64-bit compatible, not 64-bit only. I could be wrong but that's always how I've understood it.

I think the idea of 64-bit processing on a laptop is a little misleading. From what I've heard, you would have to be doing some powerful processes to really get use of 64-bit processing.

I've always liked the advice: "If you need a new computer, get it. If you don't, wait."

Can anyone check me on this? I could be wrong and if I am, feel free to correct me.

 

[manjurr]

Well, from my understanding, I thought that the Mac OS X (or at least Tiger) can handle both 32 and 64-bit architecture (or how else could it run on both iMacs and PowerMacs, 32 and 64-bit respectively?)

edit: This is right off apple's website - http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/64bit/

 

[aaronb]

My question is, is 64-bit computing going to be used to its full potential in a laptop? I tend to see it used more for intense computing like for high video composing and audio composing. (ie Final Cut Pro, Pro Tools, animation software).

 

[Eidorian]

Well, from my understanding, I thought that the Mac OS X (or at least Tiger) can handle both 32 and 64-bit architecture (or how else could it run on both iMacs and PowerMacs, 32 and 64-bit respectively?)

edit: This is right off apple's website - http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/64bit/

10.2 and 10.3 both ran on the G5 as well. Tiger just has better 64-bit memory addressing support. Most 64-bit processors run 32-bit applications just fine.