MacBook Graphics Chipset: Really That Outdated?

[IronMac]

Just read a bit of commentary about the just-refreshed MacBook and some are complaining about how out-of-date the Intel GMA 950 is. Is it really?

[Jp!]

Yes. It's just a step up from the Atari 800 graphics. PONG comes to mind.

[MacMagus]

It depends on what you mean by "outdated."

In performance tests, the Intel integrated graphics chip consistently exceeds the graphics capability of a stock Sawtooth G4 circa 2001.

Edit...

Correction: That's the 1999-2000 G4, not the 2001. The 4x AGP card from 2001 would smoke an Intel integrated graphics chip.

Sorry for the mistake.

[mikebw]

I haven't done a full comparison, but besides the graphics hardware in the Macbook, what are the other major differences between it and the Macbook Pro?
I mean there has to be some significant difference between those two products in order for Apple to successfully market them both. You can't expect to get everything you want in the low-end model when those features are present in the more expensive model.

[grad]

[quote mikebw]I haven't done a full comparison, but besides the graphics hardware in the Macbook, what are the other major differences between it and the Macbook Pro?
I mean there has to be some significant difference between those two products in order for Apple to successfully market them both. You can't expect to get everything you want in the low-end model when those features are present in the more expensive model.
Bad graphics chip.
Annoying glossy screens.
Small screen.
Smaller RAM capacity.
Superdrive is optional.


(not that i would not buy a macbook)

[microchip13]

Mostly the graphics card is the only functional difference. There is the screen and the backlit keyboard though.

[RAMd®d]

Go to Apple.com and check the specs and features of the MacBook Pro that people didn't list here.

[jdc]

outdated yes, useless, no

http://www.barefeats.com/mbcd4.html

and some people really like the glossy screen, like me

[sunfalcon]

anandtech.com just recently compared the three different integrated graphics options - intel, nvidia, and amd/ati. Intel scored the lowest.

[Mike V]

I don't get it.

Is this just for games?

My MacBook runs a 24" monitor and and plays 1920 x 1080 Quicktimes and upresses DVD to HD without a hitch.

What would more powerful graphics do?