One of the unfortunate things for Apple (depending upon how you look at it) as part of the Intel transition is that the current status of their products is highly visible. Apple can’t hide the fact that faster chips are available until the next chosen revision date. Anybody who reads tech news can find out now.
Intel is now offering 2.33 GHz Core Duo processors. When can we expect Apple’s response? I see two options. Apple waits for normal product refresh to integrate the new processors or they stealthily integrate them. The problem with the latter is that it removes a somewhat large part of the anticipation that Apple fans experience when waiting for the next model. The net result could be longer refresh cycles.
I’m on the fence about which is the better policy.
I understand the dilemma, but I believe the latter option is better. I think Apple can quitetly integrate speed bumps without losing to much hype. They produce enough innovative products and services without having to hype up a simple speed boost. Plus, at least for me, when a hyped event ends in only a speed boost it feels anticlimactic. I don't think Apple can afford staying behind in CPU speed now that direct comparisons to PCs can be made.