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Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

appleinsider.com

121–130 of 148 posts

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#121
post #25
post #21

I wonder if they'll use that as an excuse for complete lockdown of macOS and only allow AppStore reviewed software.

I doubt that Apple will completely lock down MacOS. However, for corporate machines, the presence of Apple-controlled hardware will enable more comprehensive control of the endpoint, which is arguably good for security.

Apple story on corporate support is infamously bad, and they don't appear interested in supporting buyer ownership of machines, unlike Microsoft (which requires it from the high end certifications).

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#122
post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Since Apple effectively stopped innovating OSX a decade ago (unless you really need each new iteration of emojis) just get a Windows machine if Windows software is essential to your workflow. I have used macs a long time but got a supplemental Windows machine for my office to not bother with fiddly virtualization issues. Windows has largely caught up with OSX as OSX has stagnated or outright decayed. It makes me sad…

I already have Windows PCs (SP4 + Desktop)and while W10 has come a long way, it's not as stable as macOS. Catalina is just as bad as Vista IMO. However, macOS is still better IMO because I still have a lot of issues on Windows; all stemming from MS shipping bad updates. Two months ago, a Windows update broke my bluetooth completely and I had to wait a month for another Windows update/driver to fix it. Last year, a ba…

I have 4 machines running Windows 10 from its release and never had to reinstall the OS. Everything is stable and I hardly reboot.

Most development tools have Windows versions: Node, NPM, Git, Docker. If I'd encounter one which doesn't run ob Windows, there's WSL.

I pretty much disliked Windows XP, Vista and preferred Linux, but since Windows 7,the OS got a lot better from my point of view.

I have the largest possible software library and the added possibility to run *NIX tools when needed.

I don't need to fiddle with Linux desktop or pay 3x the price for Apple branded hardawe which you can't even maintain or extend yourself. I can use cheap chargers, perriferals and I can connect almost any device to my desktops or laptops.

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#123
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Users that run VM's because they need to run OSX and Win10, etc most definitely care.

Also, in the pro audio sector it's common for people to spend quite a bit more than the cost of the Mac on Intel-specific DAW plugins.

Citation/example?

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#124
Apple would love more lock in and transforming Macs into giant iPhones with app store only apps.

However, breaking compatibility with Windows and Linux would be a terrible idea. People would flee to other platforms leaving Mac for those who are already locked in, like iOS developers.

People care most about running their software to do their work, than what os they use.

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#125
post #32

I am torn, whenever I hear the rumors about the ARM Macs. On the one side, I am terribly excited from a technology perspective. I grew up with homecomputers in the 80ies, and in the 90ies, all Unix-workstations had several different, non-x86 architectures. So any disruption of the x86-monoculture is interesting. Also, looking at the performance of the iPhone and iPad, I think Apple has the potential to create some gr…

I really doubt running ARM64 Linux in VM will be a problem. Most software from repositories should be OK as well.

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#126
post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is Apple we're talking about -- and Apple is what other OEMs want to be when they grow up. Not only will the Apple-designed ARM CPUs perform at or above the level of a similarly-specced Intel machine, but the ISA transition will be seamless , with a nearly-invisible Intel binary compatibility layer that does on-the-fly JITing. Otherwise, they simply won't release it at all.

> Not only will the Apple-designed ARM CPUs perform at or above the level of a similarly-specced Intel machine, but the ISA transition will be seamless, with a nearly-invisible Intel binary compatibility layer that does on-the-fly JITing Apple didn't bother with 32-bit compatibility for Catalina which would have been much easier to implement. You're being way too optimistic. Apple doesn't care about backwards compati…

I think that might have been to prepare us for ARM. They did the same stuff with the headphone jack : Removed it one iteration sooner than needed, so the new design wouldn't catch flack for missing it.

If the ARM macs can run Intel 64 bit software, but not 32 bit, then removing it in Catalina makes perfect sense

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#127
post #32

I am torn, whenever I hear the rumors about the ARM Macs. On the one side, I am terribly excited from a technology perspective. I grew up with homecomputers in the 80ies, and in the 90ies, all Unix-workstations had several different, non-x86 architectures. So any disruption of the x86-monoculture is interesting. Also, looking at the performance of the iPhone and iPad, I think Apple has the potential to create some gr…

I really doubt running ARM64 Linux in VM will be a problem. Most software from repositories should be OK as well.

At work, I need an x86 Linux VM. Privately, I would be very happy to run an ARM Linux in a VM, if there will be VMs offered for ARM Macs.

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#128
post #107

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apples biggest debt was developers who rely on vm’s and brew. They’ve already booted them about while producing laptops without a reliable keyboard for 4 years. ARM macbooks will be for youtube influencers. Sure they’ll be able to edit 8K (and when uploaded to youtube they can’t even view it themselves). Devs need AMD.

You’ve tried the Arm MacBook?

Most low level devs are so turned off by Apple that we don't need to try it to know.

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>If this is cheaper for Apple will they actually lower product prices or just enhance their own margins. If this would happen, most definitely the improvement on margins. Why would they lower prices?

We have an existence proof. The iPads are already a better value when you compare price/performance. Even the low end $329 iPad can hold its own performance wise to low and midrange laptops. The high end iPad Pros are cheaper and faster than lowend and midrange laptops.

Are you suggesting that Apple laptops are too expensive for what they're worth?

How is moving Macs to Arm going to improve this?

Re: Apple to debut multiple ARM MacBook, desktop models in 2021

#130
post #44

What does this mean for software companies whose consumer base is largely on OSX? Will Adobe, Sony, Avid, etc have to port their library of software over to Apple's new ARM architecture? Will this allow for greater freedom with ARM devices not running new OSX? It seems like Apple lately has very much internalized 'if you build it, they will come' even though it seems like it is heavily alienating their professional u…

I doubt Adobe's largest consumer base is on macOS. Of course Adobe and any other software maker won't be happy, but if it's worth it, they'll target macOS on ARM. Some software companies might decide it isn't worth the hassle.
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