Next-gen Macbooks will have Core i7 ?

Apple plans to offer their Macbooks with the latest Intel Core i7 processors in Q4.

Time for a make-over?

 Apple has always gone for the bigger bite of the apple, and this time around it’s no difference. Only about a month ago, we had the Macbook Pro 17-inch, and the unibody Macbook also didn’t happen very long ago – and Apple already thinks they need fresh technology for the upcoming Macbooks. And if you’re thinking they’ll go for the latest existing Core i7 platform, you’re wrong. The fact that this Core i7 isn’t a true mobile chip has refrained the Cupertino, California based computer giant from incorporating it into their next line of Macbooks – observes Tom’s hardware. Instead, there’s a very good chance that the next-generation machines will come during the fourth quarter, and guess what – Intel’s much-awaited 32nm Arrandale Core i7 is expected to launch at the same time. So I won’t be surprised if the Macbooks will sport these powerful yet hugely energy-saving CPUs, as also speculated by Tom’s hardware.

The new chip, codenamed “Westmere” will offer increased performance at reduced energy consumption. The 32-nm chips will feature two processing cores and four instructional threads, with integrated graphics. Chips for mainstream desktops are being developed under the code name Clarkdale, while the processors for thin and light notebooks are code-named Arrandale. Arrandale will come in two-core, although there’s a six-core for desktops.

Processors based on the 32-nm design allow Intel to manufacture more CPUs on each silicon wafer, which increases the manufacturing output and allows the company to spend less money. Does that mean the processors will be cheaper? Does that mean that will affect the Macbook prices as well? Only time will tell but we don't think so.