One More Kick At Old School? Will Freescale's New MPC7448 PowerPC Chip Find Its Way Into Widescreen iBooks? - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
by Charles W. Moore
Apple's laptop CPU supplier for a little while longer Freescale Semiconductor this week officially announced the MPC7448 G4 chip, which has been sampling since February and is slated for full production in October, which interestingly coincides fairly closely with the anticipated release of a 14.1-inch widescreen iBook model, the contract for production of which The Economic Daily News., cited by Forbes and Digitimes, reports has been awarded to Taiwan's Asustek Computer, in something of an upset to Quanta Computer which had been expected to get the order that could total as many as 500,000 machines. For the full reports see:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/feeds/afx/2005/06/19/afx2100025.html
and
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20050620PR200.html
According to the reports, last year Asustek built more than a million 12.1-inch iBooks and 12.1-inch PowerBooks for Apple, and has also secured orders for a 15.4-inch widescreen iBook, to be launched in 2006.
The operative question in the short-term is whether Freescale's MPC7448 will find its way into Apple laptops before the changeover to Intel chips beginning in June, 2006.
Currently Apple currently buys Freescale G4 MPC7447 and MPC7447A/B CPU chips that are used in the eMac, the Mac mini, iBooks, and Powerbooks.
The current 7447x series chips Apple uses have a 512 kb L2 cache but no L3 cache, and a maximum bus speed of 167 MHz. The 7447 tops out 1.33 GHz, the 7447A at 1.5 GHz, and the 7447B thus far at 1.67 GHz.
Freescale has been sampling and is now showcasing a G4 7448 chip, based on Freescale’s e600 PowerPC core, which includes the Altivec 'velocity engine' that provides optimized OS X applications with enhanced performance, and will be available in clock speeds of 600 MHz to 1.7 GHz with the system bus running up to 200 MHz, along with 1 MB of L2 cache. Since the 7448 is also pin-for-pin and software compatible with the previous MPC74xx processors — it could easily be plugged into Apple's existing 'Book designs, and being the first MPC74xx chip made with Freescale's 90 nanometer (nm) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS process, which facilitates increases in clock and bus speeds while reducing power consumption substantially. It will reportedly consume less than a cool-running 10 Watts at 1.4 GHz, making it even more suitable for laptop use than the current versions of G4 chips.
Other MPC7448 power management features include nap and sleep modes, and dynamic frequency switching that allows the OS to reduce power on the fly. The e600 PowerPC core'slist of goodies includes improved AltiVec throughput, a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) engine that can accelerate networking applications, such as security algorithms, network stack processing, routing and more. AltiVec technology is ideal for 2D and 3D graphics associated with video playback and recording, static imaging, gaming, Web browsing and e-commerce, including the implementation of CODEC (compression/decompression) algorithms.
If Apple uses it, the 7448 will almost certainly be be the last iteration of the G4 744x series chips that make their way into Macintosh portables. Touted by Freescale as a a "stepping stone to the MPC8641D dual-core processor based on the same e600 PowerPC core," the latter will almost certainly come too late for consideration for Apple 'Books. Reportedly, the Intel Yonah processor (dualcore Pentium-M) is also sampling and could be available for early 2006; or even late 2005, and it is certainly the chip in Apple's midterm future for the PowerBook and iBook.
Getting back to that 14-inch widescreen iBook, it certainly not a fanciful concept. Last week, Toshiba introduced a 14-inch widescreen lightweight consumer notebook, the Satellite M55, weighing in at less than 5.3 pounds, which is right in the iBook's wheelhouse. The stylish Satellite M55 comes in peacock blue, sunlight copper and mist gray, with an Intel Celeron M processor, a 80GB hard drive and is priced at $1,049. The Satellite M55-S325 model features Intel Centrino Mobile Technology with an Intel Pentium M processor and a 100GB hard drive.
This photo shows the proportions of the 14 inch widescreen display which is likely similar to the one Apple would use in a widescreen iBook.
So, looking beyond processors and displays, what else might Apple include in its next generations of laptops?
A new trend that has surfaced in the PC laptop World is ultra-lightweight carbon fibre housings. A couple of weeks back, Acer unveiled its Ferrari 4000 Carbon Fibre notebook, the latest in a series of stunning (at least appearance-wise) notebook computers styled by the legendary Italian exotic and race car builder, and this week MPC released the TransPort U1000 ultra-portable notebook computer which has a carbon fibre lid.
The Acer Ferrari 4000 is a particularly delectable piece of work to look at, and carbon fiber construction ties in thematically and appropriately with the Ferrari motif since it is used in the construction of the Ferrari Formula 1 racing cars that are the laptop's styling inspiration. pix
With due respect to Acer, which had the vision to see and act on the potential for high-end automotive tie-ins, I wish Apple had gotten the Ferrari laptop gig. Just as there can be only one Ferrari; there is only one Apple, and a collaboration would have been poetically appropriate.
However, (hint-hint) there are several other top contending Formula One motor racing teams that could make for a prestigious marketing and design theme linkage for Apple laptops. Mercedes and BMW have both embraced the iPod, and both are involved with Formula One in partnership with the McLaren and Williams teams respectively.
After the fiasco at Indianapolis last weekend, definitely not the premier race series' finest hour, association with Formula One might seem a mixed blessing, but with the exception of soccer, Formula One motor racing is the sport that probably draws larger TV audiences globally than any other, not to mention massive crowds at most venues where races are held, and generates a lot of coverage in the general news media as well as enthusiast publications. Formula One is huge, except for in the United States, and the Indy debacle unfortunately didn't help with that.
Turning back to computers, the Acer Ferrari 4000 is the first notebook on the market that uses a carbon-fiber cover, which is half the weight of aluminum but has eight times the resilience of steel. The carbon fiber is glazed in a high-gloss mirror coating just like the paintwork on Ferrari race cars.
Acer introduced its first Ferrari notebook in 2003 when it became an official supplier to the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team, which Acer supplies with with notebooks, PCs, servers and monitors. Acer's Ferrari 4000 laptop pays tribute to the F1 machine that reigning and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher drives, with its high-gloss, scratch-resistant scarlet finish derived from an advanced ten-step production process, a textured carbon fiber strip across the keyboard that strengthens the chassis while amplifying the race car motif, and of course the coveted prancing horse emblem.
The Ferrari 4000 is powered by AMD Turion 64 processor technology and ATI MOBILITY RADEON X700 graphics chipset with 128MB DDR VRAM, with a 15.4" widescreen LCD, and utilizes PCI Express architecture.
"After almost two years of partnership, and successful and innovative notebooks such as the Ferrari 3200 and 3400," says Gianfranco Lanci, President of Acer Inc. as of January 2005, "Acer has designed a truly exclusive notebook that expresses our firm intention to stay at the forefront of innovation, an ambition that has always characterized both the worlds of Formula One and information technology."
"Being appointed as an official supplier to Ferrari represents their recognition of Acer's quality, and cutting-edge technology." says T.Y. Lay, President of International Operations Business Group, Acer Inc. "We are most honored to play a role in this partnership between a world-class IT company and the world championship racing team of Formula One."
Also included with the Ferrari 4000 notebook are 1GB DDR memory and 100GB hard drive, as well as a DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive unit and a 5-in-1 card-reader, all managed by the AMD processor, four USB 2.0 ports, and a S-Video out port, and a FireWire IEEE 1394 interface port. But unfortunately, it comes with Windows, although you could install Linux. For more information, visit:
http://global.acer.com/products/notebook/fr4000.htm
Will Apple build a carbon fiber laptop? I wouldn't rule it out. The advantages in terms of light weight with exceptional strength are hard to argue with in the context of laptop computers, which ideally should be both light and rugged. Carbon fiber admirably fills the bill on both counts, and is a much better material engineering-wise for this purpose than Apple's aluminum laptop housings.
However, Apple has a lot of marketing effort invested in aluminum, and I'm pretty sure we won't see carbon fiber PowerBooks until we're into the MacIntel era, and it's unlikely that Apple would choose to promote such advanced technology on its consumer machines. first.
On the other hand, I will be really surprised if we don't see a widescreen iBook by Macworld Expo San Francisco at the latest, and one can keep one's fingers crossed about some 'Books appearing with MPC7448 G4 chips before the Mac PowerPC era ends.
PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Apple Powerbook Purchase Timing
PowerBook/iBook Roadmap To Intel Transition?
Powerbook vs. iBook question
PowerBook Purchasing Question
Gig Of Ram For G3 Ibook?
Widescreen iBook
PBook video upgrade
Pismo Video
Apple Powerbook Purchase Timing
From Samuel B. Temes,
Hi Mr Moore,
I am in the market for a 12 inch Apple Powerbook and am trying to decide whether I should wait for Apple to release its new products or whether I should go ahead and purchase one in the near future. I came across a review you wrote while looking for web information regarding the release date of Apple's new machines. I was wondering if you had any advice on whether I should or go ahead and purchase, or even if you knew when the new machines would be available?
Thanks,
Sam Temes
Hi Sam;
Since the entire PowerBook line was refreshed in January, I do not anticipate another update until probably October or November, going on historical precedent. if you are interested in getting a 12-inch PowerBook, my advice would be to make your move now. If there are speed bumps in the fall, I'm not expecting them to be dramatic. The current 1.5 GHz 12-inch PowerBook will leave you nicely set up for the next couple of years while the MacIntel transition unfolds.
Charles
PowerBook/iBook Roadmap To Intel Transition?
From Rick Boucher
Hello Charles:
I like reading your Apple notebook material. Keep up the good work!
With everyone talking about Apple product roadmaps in the transition to Intel, can you venture to take a stab at the Powerbook/iBook (& iMac) PPC-equiped roadmap until then? New models are always a topic of speculation even before the Intel announcement, but it is even of more important now in deciding to go with a PPC version or wait until the Intel line hits. Seems like Apple has to get this product out ASAP - waiting too long seems to make the probability of buying less compelling for the first models to be transitioned over. Also seems like Apple should do us a favor and tell us what to expect for the PPC models until that fateful day comes when they are no longer.
So Charles, what does your crystal ball say on products, pricing and release dates for models mentioned above?
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Rick;
I have no crystal ball, and if Apple gives us a heads up on what they're planning, it would be a major departure from precedent.
It is indeed a conundrum. It's hard to imagine that Apple will try to tough it out with the present processor configurations for another 12 months. On the other hand, it's also hard to imagine them devoting much engineering effort into rolling out new Power PC machines over the next twelve months before the first Mac Intel laptops become available. I am pretty strongly confident that the current PowerBook form factors will see the Power PC era out.
With the PowerBooks, I'm not expecting any upgrades before October or November. Freescale should have faster G4 chips available by then, and we could see some speed bumps, but probably not much else.
The iBook is seriously overdue for refreshing, and then there are the rumors of a widescreen iBook coming in the fall. I will be surprised if we don't see some sort of an update before the end of the summer, and the widescreen machines are a plausible idea for fall introduction.
My personal view is that it may be more desirable to have a tried and true Power PC Mac to use through the transition period, but it's going to be hard to resist the new generation MacIntel machines once they're available next June. Judgment call.
Charles
From Shane Arthur
Mr. Moore,
Love your articles, thought I would write you with my current apple question to see if you could offer some advice or maybe point me in the right direction, perhaps even to one of you own articles that may have already answered my question. Within the next month I am going to make the switch to an apple laptop. My budget tops out at around $1500 but I do work at a college so I'm looking at a slight discount on the lower end models. I am definitely getting a superdrive which also drives up the cost a bit.
I'm stuck between getting a 14" IBook or a 12" Powerbook. The easy question is which size I prefer (I'm not sure, it will become my only computer) with the second question being the difference between the iBook and the Powerbook. I've pored over all the specs of both on the Apple website and on other review sites but was hoping to get one last opinion before making my choice. I'm doing pretty basic stuff which makes me lean towards the cheaper iBook where I can get a slightly bigger monitor. I keep reading such excellent praise about the Powerbook that I'm still hesitant.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Shane
Hi Shane;
Either machine would be an excellent choice. I love my 12-inch iBook, and actually prefer the superb brightness and sharpness of its display to the 14" unit in my Pismo PowerBook (similar to the screen in the 14 in iBook). Both have the same 1064 x 768 resolution, but the higher pixel density on the 12-inch model makes it a real jewel.
Of the two machines you are considering, I would lean toward the PowerBook. It is a real honey of a computer with a superb track record for reliability. But I expect you would be quite pleased with the iBook as well.
Charles
From Shane McSwain
Mr. Moore,
I enjoyed reading your recent article, entitled “Why MacIntel Is Good News For PowerBook And iBook Fans.” Ironically, I was about to purchase a 15” PowerBook before this week’s news. Now, I’m totally confused. I need to buy a laptop as I’m tired of lugging my work computer home every night. I don’t wanna settle for a PC, but I’m skeptical about buying a PowerBook until the MacIntels are available. If I buy a PowerBook now, will it still be worth the money in two years? Along the same lines do you foresee PowerBook prices dropping as a result of this week’s news? If so, by how much and when?
Thanks in advance for your input,
Shane
Hi Shane;
it's going to be confusing times for the next couple of years. However, if you were planning to buy a PowerBook in the near future, I would encourage you to persevere with that plan. I am confident that any of the current PowerBook models will be very satisfactory computers for years to come. It will be at least a year before MacIntel PowerBooks are available, and my own inclination is to avoid buying early production examples of any computer. My personal, provisional roadmap remains to buy one more Power PC 'Book.
I wouldn't count on prices dropping substantially. There were some price drops with the last PowerBook update in January. Apple has been very efficient with inventory management over the past several years, and there have been very few leftovers sold at discounts after new model introductions. Indeed, I would counsel anyone who is planning to buy a late production Power PC Apple laptop to not wait until final curtain call, when they might find that what they want is unavailable.
Charles
Gig Of Ram For G3 Ibook?
From Oliver Starkey
Charles,
If you find a gig of RAM that fits in your G3 900 let me know, if it isn't too much trouble. I have the same iBook. Love it but wish the display was bigger.
Thanks,
Oliver Starkey
Hi Oliver
Actually, my iBook G3 is a 700 MHz unit. As I understand it, even if 1 GHz RAM modules were available that would fit physically, the motherboard would not recognize more than the officially supported 640 MB.
I'm pretty happy with the 12-inch display on my iBook, but there are persistent rumors that a wide screen iBook is in the works, so that might be something you would want to consider for your next system upgrade.
Charles
From Oliver Starkey
Hello,
Thank you for your reply and the clarification.
I forgot about the widescreen iBooks. I think that is a very good candidate for an upgrade.
I was looking at PowerBooks but I think I would take a widescreen iBook over a PB. For one thing, I have a 12" alBook at work and the little rascal just warped rather severely. I have no idea why. No physical impacts or overheating that I know of although it might have gotten hot in my car. It does back up your opinion of the relative durability of the PBs and the iBooks.
With this Intel thing, who knows what the product line will be over the next year.
If somebody creates an easy way to put Mac OS on PCs Apple will be in trouble.
Thanks again.
Oliver S.
Hi Oliver,
Of course, the widescreen iBook is still just a rumor, but I think a plausible one.
I won't be surprised if determined hackers succeed at getting the Mac OS for Intel to run on generic PC boxes, but I doubt if this will ever amount to a serious problem for Apple. Those people we likely have never consider purchasing an Apple system anyway, and it's unlikely that the means of circumventing whatever blocks Apple incorporates in the OS to maintain Apple hardware exclusivity will be palatable to the average user.
Charles
From David Eisenmann
Is the rumor of a video upgrade for the Pismo for real? I have a similarly hotrodded Lombard, and if I could upgrade the video, they would never pry it from my cold, dead hands...
Dave Eisenmann
From Craig A. Haney
Can you shed more info on the teaser you mentioned about a Pismo video upgrade?
-Craig
Hi David and Craig;
I heard about it secondhand, and haven't been able to confirm it, but the source was plausible, and I'm hopeful.
Only the Pismo was mentioned, so if it really does materialize, it may not support the Lombard, Which has a different video card from the Pismo.
Charles