Why do you think Apple did not use the I3 processor in the new Air? Cost? I think it uses less power and is faster the much older Core 2 duo. I have not been able to find any information on it.
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Why No I3 Processor?
- Thread starter TXCraig
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Probably because they don't want to use intel integrated graphics and there's no space for a dedicated card. So they are left with the option of upgrading the CPU and downgrading the GPU or keeping the Nvidia chipset that has a better GPU but can't support anything above the Core 2 Duo
Cause we'd be stuck with intel integrated GPU which would overall produce a less powerful machine as the 320M is significantly better.
There was no i3 suitable for MBA when MBA was released. There are some i5s and i7s that fit in MBA but since 3rd party IGP cannot be used with iX CPUs due to licensing issues, you would be stuck with Intel IGP which isn't exactly amazing.
Besides, MBA isn't targeted at power hungry users. SSD makes bigger difference for average Joe than any CPU in the world does.
Besides, MBA isn't targeted at power hungry users. SSD makes bigger difference for average Joe than any CPU in the world does.
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iX's CPU's cannot be used with 3rd party GPU's?
*Cough cough* 15" + 17" inch MBP's use iX's CPUs with nvidia 330m...
*Cough cough* 15" + 17" inch MBP's use iX's CPUs with nvidia 330m...
Just Released?
The i3 was released a year ago in January... it was not just released... The core 2 duo has been out since 2006
1500.00 bucks for a machine with a 4 year old proc?
The i3 was released a year ago in January... it was not just released... The core 2 duo has been out since 2006
1500.00 bucks for a machine with a 4 year old proc?
The i3 was released a year ago in January... it was not just released... The core 2 duo has been out since 2006
1500.00 bucks for a machine with a 4 year old proc?
The processor isn't 4 years old.
MBP's have been made since, what, 2006? That doesn't make new MacBook Pros 4 years old.
The i3 was released a year ago in January... it was not just released... The core 2 duo has been out since 2006
1500.00 bucks for a machine with a 4 year old proc?
I'd rather have a slightly slower proc and a much better GPU, personally. processor isn't everything. and if you're really that worried about it, then you obviously have a need for a faster proc, in which the MBA simply isn't for you.
It seems to me the obvious question hasn't been answered: Why can't the MBA have integrated AS WELL AS discrete GPU, i.e. for example i7 CPU plus 330m or 320 m like the Sony Vaio Z?
There are no iX processors that will work for the MBA 11 (MBA 11 uses a 10W TDP CPU, iX minimum is 18W TDP)
For the MBA 13 which uses a 17 W CPU (@1.86 or 2.13GHz) the best match is the i7-680UM which operates at a whooping 1.46 GHz for 18W,
Just looked those up, wow they're expensive. A$3599 whereas the MBA tops out at A$1949.
You need only to take a look at the logic boards for both the macbook air/macbook pro 13 inch and 15/17 inch macbook pros. Having a chip with integrated graphics as well as discrete graphics requires 3 separate chips soldered on to the logic board. The core2duo plus 320m only requires 2.
[bandwagon]330M is not an IGP[/bandwagon]
The Z is $1,899.00 ($2199 for 256gb ssd)...
i5 460m
Auto/Manual switchable Nvidia GT 330m / intel intergrated graphics
1600x900 matte screen
Carbon fiber/Aluminum chassis
128gb raid 0 ssd
DVD Drive
3.03 lbs
GB ethernet
Smaller footprint/ (but thicker compared to MBA 13.3)
The i3 was released a year ago in January... it was not just released... The core 2 duo has been out since 2006
1500.00 bucks for a machine with a 4 year old proc?
Look at the benchmarks. i3 isn't impressive, and the IGP isn't either, so, the C2D + discrete graphics is a good trade.
In addition to licensing issues, I thought the current generation Intel integrated graphics don't support OpenCL which would make for a big performance hit. (Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong on that score)
I think the first generation of Intel integrated graphics with OpenCL support will be those in Sandy Bridge, which may lead to Apple adopting Intel integrated graphics (and the more modern processors that accompany them) at that time...
I think the first generation of Intel integrated graphics with OpenCL support will be those in Sandy Bridge, which may lead to Apple adopting Intel integrated graphics (and the more modern processors that accompany them) at that time...
The GPU in the current MBA and 13" MB/P models is integrated (into the Nvidia chipset - which Intel does not allow with its iX CPUs, thus the C2D in the consumer models) and not discrete. Only the 15" and 17" MBP have discrete GPUs.
Errrr... The United States is not the only country in the world that uses a currency called a 'dollar', you know...