MacBook Air processor situation gets explained
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 18th 2008 3:59PM
posted January 18th 2008 3:59PM
We already knew the basic details about the processor at the heart of Apple's MacBook Air, but those itching to know exactly how Apple and Intel managed to cram everything into that oh so small package may want to head over to AnandTech, which has pieced together a fairly thorough report on the matter. As the site reports, the processor is based on Intel's 65nm Merom architecture and packs an 800MHz bus, yet it uses the significantly smaller chip package that Intel had originally only planned to debut with the launch of its Montevina laptop platform later this year. That combination, along with the Intel 965GMS chipset with integrated graphics, allowed for a 60% reduction in total footprint size, and a TDP rating of just 20W, as opposed to 35W from the regular Core 2 Duo processor. If that's still not enough MacBook Air minutia you, you can hit up the link below for the full rundown.
[Via AppleInsider]
[Via AppleInsider]
It's good that Intel can reduce the size of the processor, but I prefer lower power consumption first.
Also about the MacBook Air, I think Apple missed a chance to make a very portable MacBook Pro (12") for photo-video-graphers that travel. I think there would be a great market from those professionals and other business people. I'm not sure who would buy the Air at it current price and limitations.
You, Mr. MacBook Air are no EeePC !
"photo-video-graphers" need big screens and high capacity. A 12" "very" portable for them is an oxymoron.
I wonder what fun flaws are in store for owners of this new Mac laptop. Every previous model has had issues ranging from yellow cases, overheating, expanding batteries and melting power cables. A new laptop with sealed in batteries, a wafer thin aluminium case and never-before-used shrunken chips sounds like it is ripe for a few major issues of its own.
I'm sorry, what kind of gfx card?
It's the Intel GMA X3100
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html
;)
Amazing. You were able to complain about the graphics card.
What can I say, I'm an Apple Geek... or just a geek in general.
Doesn't matter, the gfx card in the Air is better than the one in my current macbook lol
are these coming out on retail? if so, i doubt the "air" will be the only thin line notebooks out in the coming year. i'll give it to apple for being the bleeding edge. i still hate macs =) sorry.
"if so, i doubt the "air" will be the only thin line notebooks out in the coming year."
That's a safe bet since it joins thin notebooks that already exist in the market. You may claim to "hate macs" but your comment smacks of fanboydom. Apple didn't invent the thin notebook with the Air but the revisionist history effort is coming on full force now. Thanks for your contribution.
I think the real question is, what would happen when that one and only usb fails when you need the computer for SERIOUS work, and there's no secondary USB PLAN B you could use :S
...suggestions...suggestions...
They should have applied this technology to improving the Macbook or the Macbook Pro. That would have been a huge improvement!
once again apple takes OLD technology and sells it as new...why they hell don't they just use a 45nm chip instead of a 65nm...oh wait, because the profit margin wouldn't be as high and the macfanboys don't care as long as stevie says it's good. What a waste.
oh JR...the other companies have 45nm laptops coming out soon, thats why they have no need for a custom 65nm chip