Apple`s Intels, Changing Macs Forever - Changes to the Mac Lineup
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Aside from the obvious processor difference in the new Mac line, there are many other subtle changes; for example, where the iBook G4 came in not just two different speeds (1.33GHz & 1.42GHz), but two different sizes as well (12” & 14”), the new MacBook Pro comes in just 15.4” but at three different speeds (1.82GHz, 2GHz or 2.16GHz). An iSight camera is also included with all speeds of the new models, as is the SuperDrive. Up to 2GB of RAM is available on the higher priced MacBook Pro and the hard-drives are now Serial ATA instead of Ultra ATA. Other features include a one inch thickness design and a new magnetized power cable connector that will safely pop out if you yank the wire. The new Mac books are going to be around four times as fast as their predecessors, but are going to retail for at least a $1000 more, with the cheapest option costing $1999.
The new iMac desktops however, are almost the complete reverse in terms of the price and the number of different models; where as there is only the one size in the new laptops, but two previously, the new iMacs are going to come in two different sizes (17” and 20”) as opposed to just the one size (20”) as is the case with the PowerPC based iMac.
Interestingly, the smaller of the new desktop models is actually going to be cheaper than the older version, giving you 1.83Ghz of dual-core Intel processor instead of 2.1GHz of PowerPC. While the processor speed seems at first-glance to be slower, you have to remember that its dual core so will theoretically feel twice as fast when multitasking. The new 20” iMac seems to have less value, having almost exactly the same specs as the older versions but costing around $200 more.
There is no new Mac Mini or Power Mac based on the Intel platform as of yet, although quarter three of this year should see the release of the new Power Mac which is rumored to feature either a new mainstream chip that Intel is currently designing, or a new processor solely for Apple. Intel will also be designing the new motherboard and rumor states they may even manufacture it too, forging an even stronger alliance between the two companies.
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