Intel rolls out Core 2 Duo chips
updated 02:50 pm EDT, Thu July 27, 2006
Intel launches Core 2 Duo
Intel today rolled out its Core 2 Duo processor with 10 new dual-core chips boasting higher performance and improved energy efficiency, according to Computerworld. Apple is expected to adopt the 64-bit chips, which queitly shipped late last week ahead of schedule, in the company's next generation of notebooks and entry-level desktop systems. Meanwhile, Intel's recently-announced Xeon 5100 series processor -- code-named "Woodcrest" -- is rumored as the chosen chip for Apple's forthcoming Mac workstations, which are expected to debut at the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco in mid-August. Intel this month also announced plans to release its Kentsfield (Desktop) and Clovertown (Server/Workstation) quad-core chips as early as the fourth quarter of this year.
In Other Words...
07/27, 05:27pm reply
Apple's poised to announce speed-bumps for the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBooks at WWDC, at the very least.
The Xeon 5100 series processor is most likely already ferevently being integrated into the G6 workstations and XServe systems - let's hope these are going to be announced as well - seeing as how these are of more interest to developers, it would make sense to expect these.
ZinkDifferent
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
I doubt...
07/27, 07:17pm reply
..that we will see any consumer machines at WWDC.. People are still scooping them up by the boatload.. Converting to the new chip at a higher price to Apple isn't going to increase the sales rate of them..
New Xeon workstations, however, are deperately needed.. Now.. Like n...na...now.. ra..ra..ra...ri.. right now.. nanow..
SubPop
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
re: i doubt...
07/27, 07:39pm reply
Dell, HP , Gateway, etc. will all jump at the new chips; Apple being late to the performance/price party won't help those strong sales. The CPUs aren't even significantly more expensive, the Core Duo however is on the way down price wise. Turning down the chips would be as stupid as them saying thsi in 2004: "Hmm, well that 2.5GHz G5 does seem good.... but the 2.0GHz model from last year is dropping in price and all... load up the 2.0s for another year!"
I expect we'll see the iMac get Conroe next tuesday, and before or near WWDC the MacBooks get a speed bump with Core Duos still in place and the Mac Mini getting all Duo + minor speed increase or price drop high end.
There's no way Apple could justify holding out unless their goal is to make average users continue to think "Macs are slower!"
Jonaziz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
MB Pro
07/28, 02:19am reply
I'd say only the MacBook Pro is going to get the Core 2 chips for now, along with the iMac. The mini and MacBook stay Core 1, and if we're lucky, get slightly cheaper.
Kees
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
I just..
07/29, 02:52am reply
I just don't get the same thrill when intel is involved. I miss PPC. Oh well, i'll keep my iBook G4, and my PowerMac G4 till i'm cold and gone!
Fast iBook
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2003
Consume Machines
07/30, 05:18pm reply
I agree. We will not see new consumer machines at WWDC. Apple will keep the specs the same for awhile. This is because it will reap the benefit of the price drop on the processors it is using for its back to school sales. Last I read there was a backlog of Macbooks.
That is one of the main benefits of going Intel, Apple can maintain its healthy margins better. Consumers will not care if the chips are not the best ones.
Terrin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
fast ibook
07/30, 05:20pm reply
You might not get the same chill, but at least you will get a lot more done. The new Macs are much faster. The MacBook Pro is by far the best Mac I have ever used.
Terrin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006