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brigadeer · Jul 28, 2006, 09:59 PM

Hello,

I am a complete newbie when it comes to the Mac scene. I have never owned or operated an Apple before, that is unless you count the Apple II's that I used in gradeschool in the mid eighties.

Anyhow, I have really been intrigued at the possibility of getting a Mac these days and exploring everything that OSX has to offer, but also having the ability to run Windows and Office via bootcamp.

I really like the MacBooks a lot, but I wanted to know if I might be best suited to wait a bit before getting one.

From what I understand, the current MacBooks contain Intel Core Duo processors, which are 32-bit processors. I have heard rumors that Apple might start putting in the Intel Core Duo 2 processors into their computers very soon, which apparrently are 64-bit processors.

Anyhow, I was curious if anyone here had any ideas as to when these Intel Core Duo 2 chips might be available for the MacBooks? I don't want to go out and buy a MacBook now, only to see updated versions in 1-2 months that now offer the 64-bit processors for a marginal amount of more money.

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Helmling · Jul 28, 2006, 10:18 PM

Well...the 64-bit chips will probably only be rolled out to the Mac Book Pro's at first.

And you know, with computers, there will always be something faster, better, etc. right around the corner. I find it's usually best to just buy what you want and not pay attention to what comes out tomorrow.

Although, I'm hoping that they do some sort of MacBook update in a few weeks...that way I can get some money back on the one I just bought.

HouseSold · Jul 28, 2006, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by brigadeer

Anyhow, I was curious if anyone here had any ideas as to when these Intel Core Duo 2 chips might be available for the MacBooks? I don't want to go out and buy a MacBook now, only to see updated versions in 1-2 months that now offer the 64-bit processors for a marginal amount of more money.

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

You will always have the same dilemna, since there may always be ongoing improvements. Apple, the great innovator, never sits still.

I had a colleague years ago who kept putting off buying a VCR because there were always new improvements showing up and he kept waiting for the next best thing. One day he literally had tears in his eyes realizing all he had missed with his kids, enjoyment, photos etc. because he kept waiting and waiting (a couple of years).

64 bit is overstated, for the most part, for what a MacBook owner would do with the current software and memory constaints. A serious gamer would want a different graphic chip, at least the 965.

Wait til January or March, what the heck.
Not me, I'd rather use what's here now and maybe upgrade later to the next best thing.

HouseSold · Jul 28, 2006, 10:30 PM

A relative thread: http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/303290/current-macbooks-using-64bit-intel-processors/

Simon · Jul 29, 2006, 01:05 AM

The MB could get Merom since it's just a drop in replacement. It will however probably not happen before MWSF in January. And what do you care about 64 bit CPUs? There are only very few people who actually need them (mainly scientific computing) and if you're not in that group you won't get any benefit.

If you want a MB, now is a good time to buy. If you don't need it and can wait forever, you might as well wait till MWSF.

iRussel · Jul 29, 2006, 03:05 AM

I'm going to be getting a Macbook in three weeks, can't wait lol

voth · Jul 29, 2006, 05:33 AM

If an updated is scheduled I really hope it is prior to the Christmas season, I'm hoping Saint Nick will have an overstock of Mac's (looks quite possible with the rate at which intel is rolling chips off the line) and decides to deliver either a iMac 20", a MacBook (black), or a MacBook Pro down my chimney instead of the usual bag of bituminous coal.

SeSawaya · Jul 29, 2006, 11:54 AM

boy I have to say, my macbook rules. It IS my new favorite computer. I REALLY like my old G5 iMac (last one before the intels) but I like this better, SO much faster. You can always wait, or you can start being be productive today!

fk51785 · Jul 29, 2006, 02:44 PM

That's one reason that I am holding on the MacBook.
I saw many website and forums rumors that a new version of Macbook will comeout
either in fall or winter of this year.
Well since I don't need a labtop right now,
I think I will be better off waiting.

masugu · Jul 29, 2006, 03:04 PM

This question is older than dirt!!

The current MacBooks are great. Want more headroom - no rush for a new computer??? Then by all means wait. Got a ton of cash? Buy one now...sellit later when something better comes out. You will lose some $ but you can keep up with the joneses / have the latest & greatest.