News reports of the MacBook Air Refresh Model to receive Core-i7 ULV Processor?

[animan]

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the possibility of the Core i7 680 UM, excites me in quite the extreme fashion., ie in a way that causes physical flushing of the skin and spiritual failing of the kidneys.

The only problem is going to be what GPU they use. I don’t want Intel’s offerings. I wonder if there is a discrete option which is sufficiently small (with a new MBA chassis) and sufficiently low-watted ? I haven’t done research on this myself so I’m not aware of such options from Nvidia or ATI but I was under the impression that these are available (I think it was an ATI card?).

The CPU however on paper, the Core-i7 680UM is absolutely perfect for me. 18 Watts TDP so it won’t sear my thighs/duvet/sofa - I love to lap/bed/sofa surf – being able to at least watch videos on these surfaces is an enormous factor for me. Its 1.46GHz standard clock is perfectly sufficient for my everyday use, with the 2.56GHz Turbo reserved for those few times I personally do heavy lifting – eg video editing – whereupon I’ll put it on a hardtop table and let it roar.

Nothing at all certain in any of these reports but if the Core-i7 680UM can be put into Rev D Air with an adequate resolution of the GPU issue I’d be very very satisfied

Loving the Black box.... can see myself opening one of these babies

On another note, if the Air is getting the Core-i7, while the 13-inch Macbook Pro still has the Core 2 Duo, it seems like the 13-inch Pro might be on its way out. Apple would probably just keep the regular Macbook and the 15 and 17 inch Pro models.

 

[PsyD4Me]

Loving the Black box.... can see myself opening one of these babies

On another note, if the Air is getting the Core-i7, while the 13-inch Macbook Pro still has the Core 2 Duo, it seems like the 13-inch Pro might be on its way out. Apple would probably just keep the regular Macbook and the 15 and 17 inch Pro models.

the 13" MBP's are pretty popular, so i highly doubt it

 

[animan]

the 13" MBP's are pretty popular, so i highly doubt it

Yes, true they are popular now, however, the new MacBook lineup will likely change the balance, can't imagine lot of people opting for the Core 2 Duos with i5 & i7's available. Of course, again some folks might not care as long as it runs and the price is good.

I currently own the Air and had been seriously considering the 15in MBP with Core i7 and upgraded display. I am now going to wait for the Air announcement. Hoping for CPU/GPU upgrade, a display upgrade along with it would be awesome.

 

[Scottsdale]

Yes, true they are popular now, however, the new MacBook lineup will likely change the balance, can't imagine lot of people opting for the Core 2 Duos with i5 & i7's available. Of course, again some folks might not care as long as it runs and the price is good.

I currently own the Air and had been seriously considering the 15in MBP with Core i7 and upgraded display. I am now going to wait for the Air announcement. Hoping for CPU/GPU upgrade, a display upgrade along with it would be awesome.

Everyone is getting WAY TOO OPTIMISTIC about the potential for a Core i7-6x0UM CPU that will give us a true 2+ GHz Core CPU and dedicated GPU. I would say it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY! Much more likely to get either a C2D with Nvidia 320m or a Core i7-6x0UM/i7-6x0LM with Intel GMA HD as sole graphics solution.

 

[gwsat]

The more I think about an MBA update the more convinced I become that the future of the MBA may depend upon Apple providing a revision that is truly significant. Apple has allowed the MBA to fall far behind more modern ultra lightweights in memory, graphics, and processing power, all three. Apple has to do something soon to greatly improve the MBA or just quietly let it die. Otherwise, it will continue to be what it has become: a beautiful and elegantly designed lightweight with obsolescent features. Its beautifully thin form factor and ultra lightweight aren't enough to overcome its current weaknesses. Maybe Apple really does intend to drop the MBA, I hope not, but it's impossible not to consider the possibility.

 

[raccoontail]

What would really suck is if Apple did this to get the damned 7-hour battery. What the hell does someone need a 7-hour battery for anyways? I would rather go more mobile and more powerful with a 5-hour battery than stick us with an ultra low voltage Ci7 and sole use of Intel's most worthless GMA HD for graphics.

A GMA HD is still more useful than a MBA with an empty battery. I was on a flight from NY to LA last week seated next to a MBA user - her battery died before we crossed the rockies. I'm all in favor of Apple doing whatever it takes to get the MBA up to a 5-7 hour initial battery life. 7 hour batteries don't stay that way for long. By the time the machine is a few years (or hundred charge cycles old), it will be more like a 4-5 hour battery, and lots of folks need at least that - students with 3 classes in a day, cross-country fliers, freelancers who work from starbucks, etc... obviously battery capacity, performance, and weight are all at odds with each other. The best Apple can do is guess the average MBA user's needs and split the difference.

 

[thinkdesign]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 7.11) Sprint PPC6850SP)

If the next Air has i7 chipset, I would have to choose between 3 options ---- i7, the current 2.13 w/ SSD model, or the refurb 1.86 w/ same SSD. Could you please be specific on what the i7 won't do or do as well -- that the 2 older models I mentioned CAN do? ////// (My needs: No movie-making, no game-playing, no code-writing, no Windows O/S. A big volume of prints, maybe in Aperture. Some sort of project-type software to gather bits of stuff for each project. Watching lecture videos, and lecturing myself w/ a projector and maybe even occasionally displaying found audio/video snippets of less than a minute. Any multitasking would be limited to things like writing in Word via OfficeForMac while keeping a web page or old notes / an earlier draft of mine -- onscreen. If I can have web-radio playing too that's nice, but I don't need it.)

 

[L0s7man]

I'm getting confused here: MBP sell with i5/i7 and Nvidia GPU. So whats the problem with MBA? Why can't it have both i7 and a GPU from Nvidia?

To be honest, C2D + 320M would do just fine for me, as long as it comes with high-res screen and glass touchpad!

 

[Jobsian]

The more I think about an MBA update the more convinced I become that the future of the MBA may depend upon Apple providing a revision that is truly significant. Apple has allowed the MBA to fall far behind more modern ultra lightweights in memory, graphics, and processing power, all three. Apple has to do something soon to greatly improve the MBA or just quietly let it die. Otherwise, it will continue to be what it has become: a beautiful and elegantly designed lightweight with obsolescent features. Its beautifully thin form factor and ultra lightweight aren't enough to overcome its current weaknesses. Maybe Apple really does intend to drop the MBA, I hope not, but it's impossible not to consider the possibility.

I have to say, even reading this post is mouthwatering! I'm becoming both very excited at WWDC and at the same time anxious as I see more and more posts suggesting no Mac updates then...let's see

 

[Scottsdale]

I'm getting confused here: MBP sell with i5/i7 and Nvidia GPU. So whats the problem with MBA? Why can't it have both i7 and a GPU from Nvidia?

To be honest, C2D + 320M would do just fine for me, as long as it comes with high-res screen and glass touchpad!

Well, you need to read what people are saying then, because the reason why is all over the Internet.

Intel canceled Nvidia's license for making chipsets for Intel CPUs that have the GMA DIE on the CPU. Anything beyond Core 2 Duo will require a dedicated GPU. The Nvidia 320m is an integrated CHIPSET which has the GPU integrated into the chipset itself. Basically, Intel couldn't compete and was losing business to Nvidia with clients just like Apple; to cancel Nvidia's license Intel just said it was because chipset with GPU isn't necessary anymore because GMA IGP DIE is on the Intel Core i7 CPU itself as a second DIE. The Core series CPUs are made up of a 32nm CPU and 45nm GMA DIE.

The Justice Department is reviewing it. What happens in these situations of violation of an anti-trust law is the "bully" in this case Intel, says the competitor no longer has a valid license. The company bullied out, in this case Nvidia, no longer can sell chipsets so it stops spending money on R&D waiting for a legal remedy. By the time it plays out with the Justice Department, a few years down the road, Intel will have caught up with Nvidia's technology. Nvidia will have stopped development so it can no longer compete. It is a real travesty too because the real losers add up... the users are the biggest losers, followed by the company kicked out (Nvidia), and its shareholders. In the long-run Intel will be forced to play fair but by then it will have dominated the market and have a superior product. It turns out nobody will want to buy an Nvidia chipset because Intel will have a better product by the time any legal correction is acted upon. Intel gets its wrists slapped and goes on to dominate the chipset market from then on.

Last thing I am going to explain, Apple cannot legally use an Nvidia 320m GPU/chipset with a Core i3/5/7 CPU. This is why Apple did not use a Core i3 CPU in the 13" MBP and MBs. While Intel sells the CPUs themselves cheaper than C2D CPUs, they require Apple to buy Intel chipsets too. With the MBA Apple will either use a C2D along with an integrated Nvidia GPU, use a Core i-series CPU with Intel GMA HD integrated GPU, or use a Core i-series CPU with Intel GMA HD turned off and a discrete GPU. Unless Intel and Nvidia workout their agreement, not going to happen until justice department steps in, Apple CANNOT use the Nvidia 320m with any Core i-series CPU.

 

[MartiNZ]

Interesting just reading that, I had not cottoned on to the fact that the integrated solution for battery-life in the new 15&17" MBPs is in fact the Intel HD one. I had just assumed, and maybe Mr L0s7man had also, that it was the same integrated one as offered in the 13" ... despite knowledge of the current NVidia & Intel 'issues'.

When all reports are that the Intel HD integrated sucks, why did they even bother putting an integrated backup in anymore? Just to uphold the 10 hour battery claim?

 

[allmIne]

What would really suck is if Apple did this to get the damned 7-hour battery. What the hell does someone need a 7-hour battery for anyways? I would rather go more mobile and more powerful with a 5-hour battery[/b[ than stick us with an ultra low voltage Ci7 and sole use of Intel's most worthless GMA HD for graphics. We have been down that road with the original MBA and it was a P.O.S.! I refuse to be suckered by Apple again. I will not be buying such a Mac again when Apple fooled me once with the original MBA and its worthless Intel GMA! Fool me twice and it's shame on me, and I am not going to be SJ's money train again for another useless MBA that cannot even play a damned video.

I'd wager most MBA users would value a 7 hour battery. Given its raison d'etre is portability. To me, it defeats the purpose of paying more for portability if I've to bring a power brick with me, or charge the machine where my charger is kept more often.

 

[flynz4]

I'd wager most MBA users would value a 7 hour battery. Given its raison d'etre is portability. To me, it defeats the purpose of paying more for portability if I've to bring a power brick with me, or charge the machine where my charger is kept more often.

Of course "longer battery life" is valuable... but I personally would not be willing to trade it off against higher weight or additional bulk. I can already get that... it is called a MBP.

If anything, I would prefer constant battery life with reduced bulk and weight. When I am traveling, my power adapter is coming with me irrespective of the battery life of my computer. I keep one in my computer backpack at all times. I also keep power adapters in places wherever I am likely to be repetitively (ex: home and work).

One nice thing about the air is the power adapter is smaller than the ones for the MBP. I wish Apple would integrate a USB port into MBA power adapter that could additionally charge the iPhone and iPad.

/Jim

 

[Scottsdale]

I'd wager most MBA users would value a 7 hour battery. Given its raison d'etre is portability. To me, it defeats the purpose of paying more for portability if I've to bring a power brick with me, or charge the machine where my charger is kept more often.

I never made the argument that people don't want a 7/10-hour battery.

Oh yes I do agree. Many MBA buyers want the extra battery capabilities. The problem is the added battery capabilities will reduce the level of performance we can expect from a new MBA.

Look at the potential ULV CPUs. 1.06 to 1.2 GHz to get us down to 18W TDP which could offer a 35% boost in time between charges without changing the battery at all. However, doesn't 1.06 to 1.2 GHz cost us in terms of performance capabilities. BTW, I don't believe Apple would be able to sell a 1.2 GHz MBA as it would be awfully different to market it when MBA did have 2.13 GHz available in prior update. It doesn't even matter if the 1.2 GHz boosts to as fast as the prior chips, people are influenced by the marketing numbers too (the clock speed).

Apple has to come up with a chip that at least seems as fast as the current CPUs so around 2 GHz. It might actually be able to do that with ULV CPUs, but would have to add dedicated graphics... then that affects battery negatively. So Apple would need to add weight to the MBA to make the battery larger. Might have to gain some thickness to the MBA itself.

I agree MANY buyers want a more capable 10-hour battery in the MBA. What I think is the 10-hour MBA is called the 13" MBP. The ability to go for 10 hours between charges is mostly due to the much larger battery in the 13" MBP... and it also weighs more. So would require thicker and heavier MBA.

I don't want that MBA whether Apple goes that way or not. I see a 3 lb. MBA as the winner, and I see making a 3 lb. MBA go for 10 or even 7 hours between charges have the performance capabilities affected negatively. I guess I believe the current MBA is the perfect level of performance to weight ratio. I don't want that affected in any way. But I agree, many do want those changes and would be happy if Apple used a Core i7 and stuck us with Intel's GMA HD for graphics... because they don't need power they want the ability to be away from a power source ten hours at a time.

I never made the argument that people don't want a 7/10-hour battery.

 

[allmIne]

I never made the argument that people don't want a 7/10-hour battery.

Oh yes I do agree. Many MBA buyers want the extra battery capabilities.

I never made the argument that people don't want a 7/10-hour battery.

Oh, I know you didn't You were speaking for yourself when mentioning your battery life / performance requirements, I know.

I agree completely with your point about battery life vs performance.

 

[Jobsian]

Alienware M11x 11" form factor getting Core i7 upgrade next month!

"Alienware M11x getting Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 upgrade next month, says Dell rep"

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/alienware-m11x-getting-intel-core-i3-i5-i7-upgrade-next-mont/

It doesn't mention what voltage processors he was talking about but a vanilla Arrandale Core i7 in an 11" form factor (albeit quite thick) would be mighty impressive.

2 things here: I'm waiting to see 1) What they do with the cooling and 2) This is marketed as a games machine- what graphics card solution they'll employ as they surely can't use Intel-only.

 

[pharmx]

"Alienware M11x getting Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 upgrade next month, says Dell rep"

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/alienware-m11x-getting-intel-core-i3-i5-i7-upgrade-next-mont/

It doesn't mention what voltage processors he was talking about but a vanilla Arrandale Core i7 in an 11" form factor (albeit quite thick) would be mighty impressive.

2 things here: I'm waiting to see 1) What they do with the cooling and 2) This is marketed as a games machine- what graphics card solution they'll employ as they surely can't use Intel-only.

I'm sorry, but that thing looks hideous...it looks like they took two completely different designs and mashed them together in a small form factor. And why in the world would you want to game on an 11"

 

[AAPLaday]

I'm sorry, but that thing looks hideous...it looks like they took two completely different designs and mashed them together in a small form factor. And why in the world would you want to game on an 11"

It has lots of power but why do they have to design them to appeal to 15 year old boys? Paying that much for a laptop i would want something that looked classy. Im not saying only Apple can make good looking machines but that looks like something id be embarrassed to use outside of the house. The specs of it are fantastic though