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Digitimes, this weekend, released a timetable for Intel’s high-end mobile processor lineup over the next few quarters.  Possible MacBook Pro and MacBook Air processor successors include 35W 32nm dual-core Arrandale CPUs running at up to 2.26GHz (2.53GHz in single-core Turbo Boost).  Remember that even though the cycles/second are fewer in these chips, the speed improves dramatically, as seen in Apple’s new iMac lineup.

On Thursday, Intel plans to launch four 32nm dual-core Arrandale CPUs (Calpella platform), the Core i5-520M, Core i5-430M, Core i3-350M and Core i3-330M, in the first half of January 2010 for the mainstream notebook segment, according to sources from notebook players. The Intel Core i5-430M runs at a clock speed of 2.26GHz, but with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, it can run up to 2.53GHz for a single core. The Intel Core i3-350M also runs at 2.26GHz, but does not support Turbo Boost technology; Intel Core i3-330M runs at 2.13GHz and also does not support Turbo Boost technology. Core i5 CPUs will feature a graphics clock that runs at a base speed of 500MHz but can also run at speeds up to 766MHz. The Core i3 also runs at 500MHz but can also run at speeds up to 667MHz. Both series support DDR3 memory up to 1066MHz and feature 3MB L3 Cache with a TDP of 35W.

Digitimes also released an ultra-low power processor scorecard this week, with even lower power processors slated for 1H10.  These Core i7 640UM processors use only 18W of power, yet can clock up to 2.26GHz.  That is some serious performance/watt – which we know sjobs luvs.

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YouTube announced that starting next week they will be adding support for full 1080p videos. “As resolution of consumer cameras increases, we want to make sure YouTube is the best home on the web to showcase your content,” the announcement said.  “For viewers with big monitors and a fast computer, try switching to 1080p to get the most out of the fullscreen experience.”

Sounds great, right? But 1080p videos are going to take significantly more bandwidth, and some are already complaining about buffering delays. Another issue is that in an attempt to keep bandwidth down, YouTube appears to be lowering the audio quality noticeably. They also limit the audio sampling to 44Khz @ 16 bit rather than 48Khz.

In our look at their sample video the quality was beautiful but it was jerky with frequent pauses. To be fair, though, there were probably lots of others like us trying to watch the only 1080p sample available right now. Our numbers seemed to indicate around 3.6mbps and 128kbps audio. There may be some pressure to improve quality from their new partners at CBS, MGM, Sony, Lions Gate Entertainment, and the BBC.

This is a perfect opportunity to find out if your broadband provider is really giving the advertised throughput. No word from YouTube on whether they expect users to restrict 1080p to uploads of things we actually want to see clearly.

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Boxee today confirmed talk that it would produce its own hardware. The media center startup now says it has partnered with an unnamed home electronics company to make its own set-top box and that a mockup as well as further details will be shown at an already-planned December 7th event that was to mark the Boxee software entering beta. Most details aren’t known, but Boxee stresses that the device will still let users choose from a wide variety of sources rather than a narrow channel.

The young company still plans for the interface to be platform-agnostic and still expects it on computers, Blu-ray players, TVs and other devices outside of the official product. Boxee first garnered attention at the start of the year with an alpha build of its client for Linux and Mac OS X computers and has spent most of the year refining the software as well as fending off Hulu’s attempts to block it. The studio-supported service has tried to exclude Boxee’s access to Hulu as it provides a TV-friendly interface with a greater incentive to drop TV subscriptions that NBC and others still need for revenue.

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*Disclaimer: Our—and others—review units are not high end machines with Core i5/i7 with high end ATI graphics, so we can’t speak for the top end of iMacs. Also, the charts above are not indicative of anything, whatsoever.

The 27-inch iMac we’re testing is a nice machine, but the specs—3.06GHz Core2Duo CPU with 4GB of 1066MHz RAM and an ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics set up—are the stock low end parts for that size. And that chip is the higher end (built to order) CPU of the previous generation. (The graphics situation is weirder. The ATI card here is better than the stock 9400M NVidia setup of the old base 24-incher but not better than the built to order ATI 4850 option; the 4850 remains the top end choice for this generation’s iMac, too.) These quick test results show a few changes, but, well, there are plenty of issues that nullify any meaning that can be interpreted beyond “duh”. (Longer bars are better in both charts.)

First of all, XBench is just falling apart as a test these days, having being revised a long time ago and taking advantage of zero of the latest OSX technologies. Also, from what we’ve seen, XBench scores take a hit in the openGL rendering on Snow Leopard, compared to Leopard. The new machine seems slower than the old 2.66GHz iMac we tested last year (With OS X 10.5) in XBench in OpenGL and overall because of Snow Leopard, not the new computer. Plus, Xbench is just really, really old. I don’t really trust these results, especially running between two operating systems.

Secondly, we used Geekbench. Geekbench runs in 32 and 64-bit mode in Snow Leopard and has been updated to take advantage of varying number of cores. (It’s multithreaded better than most software and not surprisingly given the simple nature of a synthetic bench). As you can see, though, Geekbench only tests core system tests focusing around CPU/Math/Memory performance. And here, the faster chip has the advantage, apparently in 64-bit mode, too. This isn’t surprising either and the numbers don’t jump off the page.  

So, you’ll have to wait for us to test Core i5/i7 machines with ATI 4850 graphics and—Apple willing— 16GB of RAM before we can comment beyond the fact that this machine is prettier by 45% than the last generation of iMac.

But, even if we had that machine, the quad core CPUs don’t have enough software beyond native Snow Leopard apps to really take advantage of the extra cores. There’s always turbo mode, which bumps utilized cores up in speed when software isn’t running across all four channels, but you’re talking about chips that run slightly slower clocks than Core2Duos, so its up in the air how turbo that turbo can get.

Point being: I have nothing for you. More soon.

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The FCC may be yet to act on Chairman Genachowski’s proposed net neutrality rules, but the agency’s Canadian counterpart, the CRTC, has made a fairly significant ruling of its own on the matter today, and it seems like it may have manged to disappoint folks on both sides of the debate in the process. The short of it is that the CRTC will allow internet service providers to practice “traffic shaping” (a.k.a. bandwidth throttling), but only as a “last resort,” and only after it has issued a warning that the throttling will take place (30 days in advance for regular users, and 60 days for wholesale customers). What’s more, the CRTC is also recommending that ISPs “give preference to Internet traffic management practices based on economic measures” before cutting into customers downloads — in other words, charge more for extra bandwidth, or offer discounts during non-peak hours.CRTC sets net neutrality rules for Canada, allows throttling as ‘last resort’.

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Confirming speculation, Apple is introducing new model Mac minis.

There’s three in all, including a 2.26Ghz and 2.53GHz model with 160GB and 320GB drives respectively. The third model offers a 1 terrabyte drive and is configured as a media server.

Starting at £499 (inc. VAT), or XXX in the US, the entry level Mac mini hosts a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive.

Higher in the range, the £649 (inc. VAT), or XXX in the US Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive.

Seizing an opportunity, Apple  has also introduced a Mac Mini server for $999/£799. This is configured with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server and features two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage (in the form of two 500GB drives) in the tiny 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall Mac mini enclosure.

This is aimed at small business and consumer users seeking an affordable media hub.

oth the iMac and Mac mini (see here) extend Apple’s leadership in green design. iMac and Mac mini meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieve EPEAT Gold status.

Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free internal components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, use highly recyclable materials, and feature material-efficient system and packaging designs.

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Wow – that was worth the wait. Apple today introduced new iMacs, now equipped with 21.5-inch and 27-inch LED-backlit displays. The new Macs also ship with the all-new wireless Magic Mouse (more follows).

More on the displays – these feature a new edge-to-edge glass design, while the body of these models features a seamless all aluminium enclosure. They offer a 16:9 aspect ratio. Prices on the new models start at £949 (inc. VAT) , or $1,199 in the US.

These consumer desktops are pretty fast, running Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance.

They ship with a wireless keyboard and the all new wireless Magic Mouse. This mouse is the world’s first mouse to feature the same Multi-Touch technology pioneered by Apple on the iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpad.

Instead of needing mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Bluetooth Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Using intuitive gestures, you get to scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Mouse can be configured as either a single button or two button mouse, just as you like.

“The iMac is widely praised as the best desktop computer in the world and today we are making it even better,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With brilliant LED displays and the revolutionary Magic Mouse, the new iMac delivers an amazing desktop experience that we think customers will love.”

The new 21.5-inch iMac features a high resolution 1920-by-1080 pixel display. The 27-inch iMac features a 2560-by-1440 pixel display that offers 60 percent more pixels than the previous 24-inch model. Both 21.5 and 27-inch displays use IPS technology to deliver consistent colour across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.

The iMac features improved graphics across the line with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics in the 21.5-inch model, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics in the 27-inch model.

The new iMac line now also features 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory and capacity up to 16GB across four SO-DIMM slots. Every iMac features a built-in iSight video camera, mic and stereo speakers. AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and a new built-in SD card slot complete the picture.

Both the iMac and Mac mini (see here) extend Apple’s leadership in green design. iMac and Mac mini meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieve EPEAT Gold status.

The new iMac now features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free internal components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, use highly recyclable materials, and feature material-efficient system and packaging designs.

The new 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac and Mac mini lines are now shipping and available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.

The Intel Core i5 and i7 quad-core iMacs are available for order and will begin shipping this November. Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server is available from the Apple Store and Apple’s retail stores.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US), includes:

• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 2.66 GHz Core i5 iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with 8MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics; with 512MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

Build-to-order options for the 27-inch Core i5 quad-core iMac include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor.

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Like a bat out of hell, Apple has just shuttled a new, unibody MacBook in the gadget world’s direction. The new model — which looks like an arctic, glossy version of the familiar 13-inch MacBook Pro line — will be landing in stores today (yes, today), with a familiar price tag: $999. In terms of changes, besides the new, high-test plastic casing (built in the same fashion as the aluminum MacBook Pros) the 13-incher boasts a LED-backlit display, new glass multitouch trackpad, and a built-in, “7 hour” battery. Inside the single SKU will be a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM (upgradable to 4GB), an NVIDIA 9400M GPU, 250GB hard drive and the old standby SuperDrive. We had a chance to play around with the laptop, and it’s pretty snazzy for a hunk of plastic. The surface is super slick (AKA super fingerprint friendly), though the base of the laptop utilizes a soft-touch, non-slip surface that’s nice to handle. The display certainly is brighter and better looking than the previous model, though the one on the desk we saw was slightly dimmer than we would prefer — in its defense it was sitting right next to a super bright iMac. As stated, the new model can be picked up right this very second at stores around the globe, and we’ll have a much closer look very soon — so stay tuned! A full spec breakdown is after the break.

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