The problem seems to affect most units equipped with Nehalem CPU bit also several iMac Core i5 and i7 configurations. It translates into a sudden and excessive increase of the CPU temperature leading the fan to go full speed as soon as you start using the audio resource of those computers. Several tests and experiments performed by unfortunate users seem to define the integrated audio solution of the chipset as the origin of this problem. If you use an audio PCI card, the problem disappear as the audio will directly be managed by the card and not the audio integrated into the chipset. Last but not least, this bug is NOT present when running Windows 7 on the same computers... so indicating a clear issue with the OS/drivers. It is clear that Apple is aware of this problem as hundreds of reports have been posted on Apple discussion forum and other Mac-dedicated websites. According to the last information available, Apple would be working on a fix, but it is time to release quickly especially in one consider that it affects high-end models while this is most probably a bug with the audio driver on the OS advertised as being the most advanced in its class...
The last report from Comscore related to the evolution of smartphone platform (OS) over the last three months of 2009 might revive the battle between Apple and the other players in the field. During the last quarter of 2009, 25% of smartphone sold was an iPhone, giving Apple the second position in its ranking, behind RIM. Figures are summarized in the table below:
Overall winners are Apple and Google, as they are the only ones having recorded an increase of their market share. For getting further details on this report: comScore_Reports_December_2009_U.S._Mobile_Subscriber_Market_Share
ATI/AMD is trying to develop a new market for graphic cards dedicated to notebooks, under the name of XGP.
So far, those solutions were not really successful (performance and market wise). However, with NVIDIA also interested by the market, it could open doors for innovation driven by competition between both main actors in the field of GPU. In a recent interview, Rene Haas, NVIDIA Notebook GPU General Manager acknowledges that he company had project for this segment.
If both actors could agree to use the PCI-Express port as a common and default entry point for their respective systems, it could push notebook manufacturers to include it in all their models, or at least mid-range and high-end products. This would increase the number of potential users.
It would be nice if Apple could offer similar system, giving more power for MacBook users when they are plugging their notebook to an external GPU for desktop work, while saving on the battery lifetime when on the move.
Yesterday, NVIDIA launched Optimus Technology, the final evolution of what was initially known as Hybrid SLI. It looks a bit similar to the current system allowing MacBoo Pro sporting a GF 9400 M and a second NVIDIA discrete GPU to switch from one to the other to choose between performance and battery lifetime. The final step is linked to the way this switching procedure is taking place. While it requires a MacBook Pro user to change setting and log out then in, with Optimus, this switch can be performed on the fly and in a totally transparent manner for the end user.
Depending on the needs, Optimus will activate or pause the discrete GPU, without affecting display. This technology is now available, and we would not understand why Apple would not include it for its new MacBook Pro models which should be unveiled in about a week. It would only need to associate the GF 9400 M with a GF 200 or 300, supporting Optimus, giving then birth to notebooks able to easily switch from performance to battery lifetime, depending on needs. According to NVIDIA, some ASUS notebooks are already having this technology on place... Let's hope that Apple will follow quickly.
While waiting for the transition to sSD, Seagate announced its new 2.5" HD, aka Savvio 10K4.
Those drives are dedicated to servers and heavy usage systems (24/7). They spin at 10,000 rpm and offer up to 600 GB of storage space. They are available in 2 format, SAS at 6 Gbits/s and Fiber Channel at4 Gbits/s.
With a dedicated adaptor it is possible to install them in a Mac Pro sporting a RAID card. They are more silent that the 3.5" SAS and drain/exhaust much less power. The annual failure rate is 0.44% according to Seagate, much lower than the HD dedicated to the consumer electronic market.
