←back to thread

Apple Silicon M1 chip in MacBook Air outperforms high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro

(www.macrumors.com)
1080 points antipaul | 2 comments | 12 Nov 20 00:56 UTC | HN request time: 0.41s | source
Show context
ChrisMarshallNY ◴[12 Nov 20 02:23 UTC] No.25065711[source]▶
I am really looking forward to where this goes.

That said, I am definitely waiting for at least one generation to pass before I jump on the train.

I’ve been through this before. It will be great, but Apple is a master at smoke & mirrors. Things will not go as smoothly as the sizzle reels make it seem.

replies(2): >>25065769 #>>25065815 #
1. tambourine_man ◴[12 Nov 20 02:40 UTC] No.25065815[source]▶
I think this will be their smoothest transition by far. Everything is compiled by the same tool chain with much higher level frameworks.
replies(1): >>25068512 #
2. ChrisMarshallNY ◴[12 Nov 20 10:44 UTC] No.25068512[source]▶
I think you’re probably right, but it’s still a massive change. Basically, repaving the highway, while there’s cars driving on it. Apple has done this a few times before (but we don’t talk about Copland in polite company), so I know it will end well.

I think their new architecture will be awesome. Personally, I look forward to being able to debug iOS Bluetooth apps in the simulator, and I think some of the new form factors will be pretty cool.

But I can’t help but notice the current dearth of AAA apps that are already universal.

A transition like this is a big deal; especially if you have an app with thousands of function points, as it requires a complete, top-to-bottom re-test of every one.

In the unlikely case that you won’t find issues, it will still take a long time. Also, most companies won’t bet the farm on prerelease hardware; instead, using it to solve issues. They will still need to test against the release hardware before signing off for general distribution.

Also, I have a couple of eGPUs that I use. I don’t think the new architecture plays well with them.

I’m hoping that the next gen will obviate the need for them. They are a pain.