New iMacs More Powerful than MBP's?

[NickD]

With all the speculation over the new iMac release date and brushed aluminum enclosures, and removing the chin, etc., I haven't seen much speculation of the actual power of the iMac.

I've been thinking about getting a MBP for video/photography work and school, but the main reason for upgrading from my current iMac is the power, because I'll be able to put 4GB of RAM in there, and get a faster processor.

However, I may consider upgrading to a newer iMac if it would be more powerful than the SR MBP's. What do you think? Which will probably end up being the more powerful machine?

NickD

 

[netdog]

The graphics processor will undoubtedly be faster in the new iMac than in the MBP. It is already is now.

If history repeats itself, the iMac will otherwise essentially be a MBP with better graphics. Of course, I suppose it is possible that the new iMac will be faster, but I tend to doubt it as I expect that they will keep using the notebook processors which are also found in the portables, and that they will use the current chipset, Santa Rosa, just like in the MBPs.

 

[NickD]

If that's the case then I will definitely go with the MBP, because I'll get the extra portability factor for school.

NickD

 

[theheyes]

You'll probably be able to get a better graphics card in the iMac. Aside from that, I think the spec will be largely the same.

Bear in mind the iMac is going to run cooler than the MBP also.

 

[superlatic]

if they carry on with the current trend, processor, ram and GPU will be the same in the 20 inch imac as the MBP, plus the usual desktop hard disk.

24 inch will have same processor and memory options along with the desktop hard disk (i rec this time 500GB could very well be the stock option in the 24 inch) and slightly better GPU options.

am i right in saying all components inside imac are laptop components with the exception of the hard drive?

 

[NickD]

That's correct. I'll have to do some calculations though. Because I could maybe go iMac + External display and MacBook, if the price is right.

 

[superlatic]

That's correct. I'll have to do some calculations though. Because I could maybe go iMac + External display and MacBook, if the price is right.

so if we are talking laptop GPU's, the ny guess is nvidia 8600m GT 128mb upgradable to 256mb in the 20 " model, and i think nvidia 8600m GT 256mb as stock option in 24" model, upgradable to 8700m with 320mb of vram.

worth noting the 8600m and 8700m can both support up to 512mb of vram

 

[flopticalcube]

I was under the impression that iMac GPUs where based on desktop chipsets.

 

[Sped]

I was under the impression that iMac GPUs where based on desktop chipsets.

You would be under the wrong impression then.

 

[pcorajr]

You would be under the wrong impression then.

I am pretty sure that he is correct. The 24" iMac with the 7600 GT does way to good to be a laptop GPU. Im going to dig up a article where a guy took apart a 24" iMac. Will post the link once i find it.

 

[Vidd]

I don't think that there's much of a chance of them switching to desktop components. It's probably cheaper to have two lines with the same processors.

 

[Sped]

I am pretty sure that he is correct. The 24" iMac with the 7600 GT does way to good to be a laptop GPU. Im going to dig up a article where a guy took apart a 24" iMac. Will post the link once i find it.

I actually read his post too quickly. He is correct. I thought he was referring to the main processor / chipset.

 

[StealthRider]

I actually read his post too quickly. He is correct. I thought he was referring to the main processor / chipset.

The iMac 24" GPU is on a laptop MXM-style card...wouldn't heat concerns limit that to laptops only?